Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 00:58
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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).
Your credentials do not matter!
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It is almost impossible.
“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 had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
All achievers in their own way.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I did not go back to my home.
I was alone in Delhi back then
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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Dropped them
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.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
And, I had not made it.
“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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Searched for my roll number.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I was constantly staring into the ground
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I vividly remember that evening.
.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
All the best!
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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, 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.”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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…
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Anyway!
And..
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Cleared multiple of them
I looked around me
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Keep your ego aside.
And entered the park.
Found an empty bench..
Worked for a marketing agency
It lasted approximately 10 months.
The batch sizes were huge!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
But, then it hit me hard.
“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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”