Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 06:59
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I was alone in Delhi back then
What causes my mouth to be so dry at night my teeth sticks to my lips?
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I looked around me
But, then it hit me hard.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
It is almost impossible.
All achievers in their own way.
“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.”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Why are Korean female leads so angry all the time?
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
“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.”
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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.
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…
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I did not go back to my home.
And entered the park.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Found an empty bench..
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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Searched for my roll number.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I vividly remember that evening.
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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).
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Your credentials do not matter!
Cleared multiple of them
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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 hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Keep your ego aside.
All the best!
Worked for a marketing agency
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And..
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Dropped them
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
.
And, I had not made it.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
.
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).”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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 remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
The batch sizes were huge!
Anyway!