Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 25.06.2025 01:21

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