Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 00:46
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I looked around me
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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.
Your credentials do not matter!
And, I had not made it.
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And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
“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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I was alone in Delhi back then
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
“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.”
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I did not go back to my home.
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
It is almost impossible.
Anyway!
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.
And..
Cleared multiple of them
But, then it hit me hard.
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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…
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Worked for a marketing agency
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.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for 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).”
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.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And entered the park.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Keep your ego aside.
All achievers in their own way.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Searched for my roll number.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Dropped them
I vividly remember that evening.
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.
.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Found an empty bench..
I was constantly staring into the ground
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
The batch sizes were huge!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
All the best!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.