Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 00:12
I was constantly staring into the ground
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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).
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
And..
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And entered the park.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Dropped them
I vividly remember that evening.
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.
.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Found an empty bench..
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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…
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And, I had not made it.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Your credentials do not matter!
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Searched for my roll number.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
.
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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
It is almost impossible.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Anyway!
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I was alone in Delhi back then
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).”
But, then it hit me hard.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
All achievers in their own way.
Worked for a marketing agency
All the best!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Keep your ego aside.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
“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.”
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.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I did not go back to my home.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Cleared multiple of them
“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.”
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams