Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 02:03
I looked around me
It is almost impossible.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Dropped them
.
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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, I had not made it.
All the best!
“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.”
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Worked for a marketing agency
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
The batch sizes were huge!
All achievers in their own way.
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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…
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
But, then it hit me hard.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY FOR BERTONE’S GOLDEN PRAGUE PUSH - ifsc-climbing.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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I did not go back to my home.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
Searched for my roll number.
Keep your ego aside.
.
Cleared multiple of them
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I was constantly staring into the ground
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And..
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).
Found an empty bench..
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
“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).”
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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.
Anyway!
Your credentials do not matter!
I vividly remember that evening.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
And entered the park.
“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.”
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.