Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 06:10
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Searched for my roll number.
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Found an empty bench..
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I did not go back to my home.
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 checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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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 looked around me
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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I was alone in Delhi back then
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).
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Cleared multiple of them
And, I had not made it.
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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
It is almost impossible.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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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 -
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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.
I vividly remember that evening.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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“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).”
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for 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.”
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
.
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I was constantly staring into the ground
The batch sizes were huge!
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
But, then it hit me hard.
Worked for a marketing agency
.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
All achievers in their own way.
Dropped them
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Anyway!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
And entered the park.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Your credentials do not matter!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Keep your ego aside.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear 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.”
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.
All the best!