Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 00:29
I was constantly staring into the ground
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And, I had not made it.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Your credentials do not matter!
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
All achievers in their own way.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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Worked for a marketing agency
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
But, then it hit me hard.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I did not go back to my home.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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 parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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…
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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Anyway!
I looked around me
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“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 did not move for the next 30 minutes..
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Found an empty bench..
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
“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).”
All the best!
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And entered the park.
.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
It is almost impossible.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“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.”
Dropped them
Keep your ego aside.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
“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.”
Cleared multiple of them
The batch sizes were huge!
Searched for my roll number.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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 was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And..
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I vividly remember that evening.