Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 10:00
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I was alone in Delhi back then
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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).
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I looked around me
Your credentials do not matter!
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I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
All achievers in their own way.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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 vividly remember that evening.
All the best!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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Worked for a marketing agency
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Who has gotten cured from a stage 4 breast cancer? The oncologist told her she would never be cured.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Dropped them
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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…
Found an empty bench..
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
It is almost impossible.
I did not go back to my home.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And..
“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.”
Cleared multiple of them
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Anyway!
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.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Searched for my roll number.
“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).”
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And entered the park.
.
The batch sizes were huge!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And, I had not made it.
But, then it hit me hard.
Keep your ego aside.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
“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.
I was constantly staring into the ground