Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 05:51
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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And entered the park.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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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.
Searched for my roll number.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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“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.”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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 was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
All the best!
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.”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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Dropped them
It lasted approximately 10 months.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
.
.
Cleared multiple of them
It is almost impossible.
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I looked around me
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I vividly remember that evening.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
But, then it hit me hard.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Keep your ego aside.
And, I had not made it.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“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).”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Anyway!
I did not go back to my home.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on 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).
The batch sizes were huge!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I was constantly staring into the ground
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.
Your credentials do not matter!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Found an empty bench..
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
All achievers in their own way.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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.
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.
Worked for a marketing agency
I was alone in Delhi back then
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And..