Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 10:40
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
All achievers in their own way.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And..
“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).”
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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But, then it hit me hard.
Found an empty bench..
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Do you enjoy cheating on your spouse? If so, why?
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Dropped them
Why did my ex move on so fast, we have only been broken up for 2 weeks?
.
Cleared multiple of them
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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Worked for a marketing agency
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I looked around me
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).
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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.
Searched for my roll number.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I was alone in Delhi back then
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I vividly remember that evening.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
What was your best experience of having your navel touched?
“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.”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
The batch sizes were huge!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And, I had not made it.
Your credentials do not matter!
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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.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Anyway!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
All the best!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
.
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…
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I did not go back to my home.
“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 constantly staring into the ground
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.
Keep your ego aside.
And entered the park.
It is almost impossible.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
“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, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.