Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 04:47
I was constantly staring into the ground
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Found an empty bench..
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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And entered the park.
.
I was alone in Delhi back then
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Searched for my roll number.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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Cleared multiple of them
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Worked for a marketing agency
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Dare you, peep in your neighbour's notebook. After all, it is a national-level competitive exam - people tend to be extremely competitive. Tough days…
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
“All of these students are great from an academic point of view. They have always scored 90%+ during their school days, some have even scored 9.6 CGPA and above during their 10th boards.”
Each class used to be 2.5 hours each. Making it a total of 5 hours of coaching classes daily. The classes used to be 7 days a week.
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And..
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“But, it is nearly impossible for one to predict who will make it to the ‘holy list’. Yes! I can say that if an aspirant who has done X, Y, and Z can increase their chances of selection, but it is just not enough. There is always a matter of luck (or, probability).”
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Anyway!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I looked around me
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“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I did not go back to my home.
All the best!
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And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
You would have to be on your toes. If your mind drifts apart for even a second, you will lose your chain of thoughts and notes.
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“I, too, was an aspirant, 20 years back. I have met board toppers, state board toppers, and college toppers with more than 9+ CGPA who prepare for this exam.”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Keep your ego aside.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I vividly remember that evening.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Dropped them
And, I had not made it.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
500 students in each batch. God forbid if you were late to the class - you would have to push your way through the seats. (Old aspirants reading this know which institute I am talking about).
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
It is almost impossible.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
So, yes, the UPSC is considered the toughest exam in the world because there is a ‘luck’ factor coupled with subjectivity in the exam process.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Your credentials do not matter!
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
But, then it hit me hard.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
All achievers in their own way.
The batch sizes were huge!