Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 24.06.2025 02:57
Searched for my roll number.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I was alone in Delhi back then
“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 looked around me
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
What a list actors/ actresses are notorious for being jerks in real life?
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Found an empty bench..
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
But, then it hit me hard.
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.
‘We’re right at the epicenter’ - Meduza
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).
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“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).”
.
What do you love to do at night when you’re alone?
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And, I had not made it.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Anyway!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Keep your ego aside.
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.
“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.”
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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All achievers in their own way.
“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.”
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.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Dropped them
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
.
I was constantly staring into the ground
All the best!
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And..
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Cleared multiple of them
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
The batch sizes were huge!
And entered the park.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I vividly remember that evening.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Worked for a marketing agency
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
It is almost impossible.
I did not go back to my home.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Your credentials do not matter!
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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…
This exam has its own way of humbling you.