Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 01:26
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
All the best!
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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“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 said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And entered the park.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
Anyway!
Dropped them
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Cleared multiple of them
It is almost impossible.
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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.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Your credentials do not matter!
Found an empty bench..
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
“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).”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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?
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And, I had not made it.
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 write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Searched for my roll number.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Worked for a marketing agency
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
And..
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.
But, then it hit me hard.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I did not go back to my home.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
It lasted approximately 10 months.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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.
All achievers in their own way.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I looked around me
“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 did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I vividly remember that evening.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
“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 determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
The batch sizes were huge!
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Keep your ego aside.