Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?

Last Updated: 02.07.2025 05:17

Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?

Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams

I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.

It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.

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If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.

It is almost impossible.

I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.

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And, I had not made it.

This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.

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I looked around me

Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!

Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.

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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!

All achievers in their own way.

A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.

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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”

I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -

Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.

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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 determined to clear the exam and then go back home.

Cleared multiple of them

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I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)

This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.

But, then it hit me hard.

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And entered the park.

“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.”

Dropped them

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“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 was alone in Delhi back then

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Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.

I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.

I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.

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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.

I lacked a mentor when I needed one.

I was constantly staring into the ground

“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).”

This exam has its own way of humbling you.

2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)

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.

2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.

I vividly remember that evening.

I did not go back to my home.

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 lasted approximately 10 months.

I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.

Found an empty bench..

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.

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).

I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.

So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.

In case you are wondering, how did my story end?

“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.

All the best!

And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.

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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…

After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..

The batch sizes were huge!

And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.

And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.

The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.

Keep your ego aside.

Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.

“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”

If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.

And..

Anyway!

In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.

Your credentials do not matter!

I did not move for the next 30 minutes..

Searched for my roll number.

Worked for a marketing agency