Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 02:49
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
All achievers in their own way.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
“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).”
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I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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Anyway!
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
But, then it hit me hard.
Worked for a marketing agency
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Cleared multiple of them
Your credentials do not matter!
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I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Dropped them
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If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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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.
Searched for my roll number.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I vividly remember that evening.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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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 alone in Delhi back then
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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.
Keep your ego aside.
I was constantly staring into the ground
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And..
All the best!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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).
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
“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.”
Found an empty bench..
I did not go back to my home.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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 cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And, I had not made it.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
The batch sizes were huge!
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I looked around 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.”
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And entered the park.
It is almost impossible.
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.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.