Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 00:56
I was constantly staring into the ground
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I looked around me
And..
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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.
.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
All the best!
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).
.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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It is almost impossible.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
But, then it hit me hard.
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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I vividly remember that evening.
Worked for a marketing agency
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Anyway!
The batch sizes were huge!
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.
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…
All achievers in their own way.
Cleared multiple of them
Found an empty bench..
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
“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.”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And entered the park.
And, I had not made it.
Searched for my roll number.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Dropped them
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
“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 alone in Delhi back then
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Keep your ego aside.
“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.”
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
“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).”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Your credentials do not matter!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I did not go back to my home.