Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 02:46
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And..
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“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.”
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I was constantly staring into the ground
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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Searched for my roll number.
I was alone in Delhi back then
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Write something which is just the opposite of you.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
All achievers in their own way.
It is almost impossible.
What great song was "ruined" once you really listened to the lyrics?
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Anyway!
How would you describe modern day Russian society, beyond just politics?
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
The batch sizes were huge!
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.
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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…
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I vividly remember that evening.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
All the best!
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I did not go back to my home.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Keep your ego aside.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“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.
And, I had not made it.
“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).”
Worked for a marketing agency
Found an empty bench..
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, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I looked around me
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And entered the park.
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.
Cleared multiple of them
But, then it hit me hard.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Your credentials do not matter!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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.
Dropped them
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
.
.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.