Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 04:10
“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.”
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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I was alone in Delhi back then
All achievers in their own way.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Cleared multiple of them
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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…
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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.
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I did not go back to my home.
Dropped them
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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).
Your credentials do not matter!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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Worked for a marketing agency
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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, 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.”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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).”
And..
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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.
And entered the park.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
How many books do you read in a week and what are they, could you share one?
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
It is almost impossible.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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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.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And, I had not made it.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Found an empty bench..
Keep your ego aside.
All the best!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I looked around me
But, then it hit me hard.
I vividly remember that evening.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
The batch sizes were huge!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Anyway!
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.