Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 00:11
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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.
I was alone in Delhi back then
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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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, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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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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…
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Culpa nobis molestiae ab dignissimos omnis nesciunt.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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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.
The batch sizes were huge!
.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Your credentials do not matter!
I looked around me
All achievers in their own way.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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.
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“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.”
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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Cleared multiple of them
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
.
Worked for a marketing agency
“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 was constantly staring into the ground
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“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.”
And..
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Dropped them
Anyway!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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).
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
All the best!
And, I had not made it.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Keep your ego aside.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
But, then it hit me hard.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Found an empty bench..
I did not go back to my home.
It is almost impossible.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I vividly remember that evening.
And entered the park.