Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 08:09
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).
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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And..
I vividly remember that evening.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And entered the park.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
If it weren't for your ult, which group would be your ult?
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Why is Hinduism not polytheistic?
I was constantly staring into the ground
Anyway!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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Searched for my roll number.
I did not go back to my home.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Keep your ego aside.
All achievers in their own way.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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.
Quia quia unde harum qui quas.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
But, then it hit me hard.
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Cleared multiple of them
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
How has your life changed since starting college?
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
All the best!
Your credentials do not matter!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
The batch sizes were huge!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Worked for a marketing agency
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Dropped them
“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).”
“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, I had not made it.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I looked around me
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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.
Found an empty bench..
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
.
I was alone in Delhi back then
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
It is almost impossible.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“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.”
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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…
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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.