Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 12:27
“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.”
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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And..
The batch sizes were huge!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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.
“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.”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
And, I had not made it.
Anyway!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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…
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
All achievers in their own way.
And entered the park.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I looked around me
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Keep your ego aside.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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).
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Your credentials do not matter!
It is almost impossible.
Cleared multiple of them
Worked for a marketing agency
I vividly remember that evening.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I did not go back to my home.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
.
.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
“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.
Found an empty bench..
Dropped them
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
But, then it hit me hard.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
All the best!
Searched for my roll number.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.