Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 25.06.2025 07:20
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Dropped them
Your credentials do not matter!
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I looked around me
I vividly remember that evening.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
It lasted approximately 10 months.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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.
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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“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.”
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
“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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Cleared multiple of them
I was constantly staring into the ground
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).
All achievers in their own way.
Worked for a marketing agency
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I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Found an empty bench..
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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 entered the park.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And..
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).”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Searched for my roll number.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
All the best!
Keep your ego aside.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Anyway!
But, then it hit me hard.
It is almost impossible.
“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.”
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I did not go back to my home.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
.
The batch sizes were huge!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.