Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 02:14
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Found an empty bench..
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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Cleared multiple of them
I vividly remember that evening.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Keep your ego aside.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I was constantly staring into the ground
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
It is almost impossible.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Your credentials do not matter!
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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).
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Worked for a marketing agency
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Have you ever been physically attacked by a demon?
And, I had not made it.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
My ex moved on so fast. How can I overcome the pain?
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…
Dropped them
And..
I looked around me
The batch sizes were huge!
.
Searched for my roll number.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Anyway!
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 -
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
“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.”
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.
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.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
All the best!
I did not go back to my home.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And entered the park.
.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
All achievers in their own way.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
“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).”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
But, then it hit me hard.
“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.”
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.