Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 10:15
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Your credentials do not matter!
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.
But, then it hit me hard.
And, I had not made it.
It is almost impossible.
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Dropped them
.
All achievers in their own way.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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).”
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.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I did not go back to my home.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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And..
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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).
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I was constantly staring into the ground
“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.”
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.
I looked around me
Keep your ego aside.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
All the best!
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I vividly remember that evening.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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 said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Searched for my roll number.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
The batch sizes were huge!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
“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.”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Worked for a marketing agency
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Cleared multiple of them
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Found an empty bench..
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Anyway!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And entered the park.