Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 04:47
Found an empty bench..
I did not go back to my home.
“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.”
Searched for my roll number.
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).
.
What are your controversial and hot takes on Naruto?
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
But, then it hit me hard.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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I was alone in Delhi back then
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Dropped them
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
“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 looked around me
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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…
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I was constantly staring into the ground
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And, I had not made it.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
“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.”
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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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.
The batch sizes were huge!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
All the best!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Keep your ego aside.
All achievers in their own way.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I vividly remember that evening.
And..
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Your credentials do not matter!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Worked for a marketing agency
.
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?”
It is almost impossible.
Anyway!
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And entered the park.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Cleared multiple of them