Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 03:27
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
All achievers in their own way.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I was alone in Delhi back then
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Dropped them
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And entered the park.
Worked for a marketing agency
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Searched for my roll number.
What nonsense did you hear today in India that made you laugh?
But, then it hit me hard.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Found an empty bench..
“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.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Your credentials do not matter!
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.
It is almost impossible.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
And, I had not made it.
“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).”
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I did not go back to my home.
“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.”
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Cleared multiple of them
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
The batch sizes were huge!
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Anyway!
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).
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Keep your ego aside.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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…
And..
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I looked around me
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
All the best!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.