Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 12:24
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I was alone in Delhi back then
.
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Your credentials do not matter!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
What do you think hell is like?
Dropped them
“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.”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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Worked for a marketing agency
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I did not go back to my home.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
“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).”
All the best!
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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.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
And, I had not made it.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
And..
The batch sizes were huge!
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Searched for my roll number.
But, then it hit me hard.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
What are the best examples of reverse psychology?
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
It is almost impossible.
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.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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…
All achievers in their own way.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Anyway!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And entered the park.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Keep your ego aside.
I vividly remember that evening.
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.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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).
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
“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.”
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I looked around me
Cleared multiple of them
Found an empty bench..