Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 00:21
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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I did not go back to my home.
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).
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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It is almost impossible.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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).”
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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Searched for my roll number.
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Worked for a marketing agency
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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And..
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Dropped them
Why are some people afraid of monsters?
And, I had not made it.
But, then it hit me hard.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I was alone in Delhi back then
Keep your ego aside.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Cleared multiple of them
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
“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.”
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
The batch sizes were huge!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
“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.”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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.
Anyway!
.
I vividly remember that evening.
Found an empty bench..
And entered the park.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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 looked around me
Your credentials do not matter!
I was constantly staring into the ground
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
All achievers in their own way.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
All the best!