Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 11:10
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
.
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 was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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And, I had not made it.
I vividly remember that evening.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I was alone in Delhi back then
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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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.
But, then it hit me hard.
Does the Hamas charter specifically call for the death of all Jews and the destruction of Israel?
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…
The batch sizes were huge!
It is almost impossible.
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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).”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
“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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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Found an empty bench..
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).
Eius sequi culpa animi quod delectus deleniti deserunt.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And..
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Cleared multiple of them
Anyway!
I did not go back to my home.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Worked for a marketing agency
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
“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.”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
All achievers in their own way.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I looked around me
Dropped them
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And entered the park.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Your credentials do not matter!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Keep your ego aside.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
All the best!
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Searched for my roll number.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I was constantly staring into the ground