Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 07:05
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Searched for my roll number.
I did not go back to my home.
What is the worst emotional pain you ever felt as an adult?
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
All the best!
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And, I had not made it.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Found an empty bench..
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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 was alone in Delhi back then
.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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Worked for a marketing agency
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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I looked around me
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.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
And entered the park.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Dropped them
I vividly remember that evening.
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
All achievers in their own way.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
But, then it hit me hard.
.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Your credentials do not matter!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Cleared multiple of them
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
“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..
It is almost impossible.
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…
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
“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.”
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Keep your ego aside.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And..
“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).”
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.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Anyway!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I was constantly staring into the ground
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
The batch sizes were huge!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.