Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 10:18
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
What is Quora? Are there any tips?
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And, I had not made it.
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…
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
“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.”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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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 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.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Dropped them
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Cleared multiple of them
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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.
Keep your ego aside.
But, then it hit me hard.
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I was constantly staring into the ground
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
“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.”
Anyway!
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Worked for a marketing agency
The batch sizes were huge!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I did not go back to my home.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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.
And..
Searched for my roll number.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And entered the park.
Your credentials do not matter!
I vividly remember that evening.
All the best!
.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I looked around me
“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).”
Found an empty bench..
All achievers in their own way.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.