Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 02:27
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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Your credentials do not matter!
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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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 struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
“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.”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
The batch sizes were huge!
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…
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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.
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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And, I had not made it.
But, then it hit me hard.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Anyway!
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
All achievers in their own way.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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Worked for a marketing agency
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I vividly remember that evening.
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And..
Dropped them
Found an empty bench..
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I looked around me
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Keep your ego aside.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I was constantly staring into the ground
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Cleared multiple of them
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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).
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
And entered the park.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
“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).”
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
“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.”
All the best!
I was alone in Delhi back then
Searched for my roll number.
It is almost impossible.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..