Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 00:08
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“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
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If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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).
Worked for a marketing agency
I looked around me
I did not go back to my home.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
What were some things that the ancient Greeks excelled at compared to the Romans?
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)
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Anyway!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
The batch sizes were huge!
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.
It is almost impossible.
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This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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And entered the park.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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.
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I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Your credentials do not matter!
And..
.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And, I had not made it.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
.
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…
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I was alone in Delhi back then
“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).”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Searched for my roll number.
Found an empty bench..
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
But, then it hit me hard.
All the best!
Keep your ego aside.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
All achievers in their own way.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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.
Dropped them
I vividly remember that evening.
I was constantly staring into the ground
It lasted approximately 10 months.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.