Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 03:45
Keep your ego aside.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
How many wishes do people get on their birthday?
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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Found an empty bench..
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
All the best!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“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 was constantly staring into the ground
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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Anyway!
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And, I had not made it.
When do you feel most peaceful ever?
Worked for a marketing agency
All achievers in their own way.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Your credentials do not matter!
I did not go back to my home.
I was alone in Delhi back then
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Searched for my roll number.
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 looked around me
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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.
Dropped them
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
It is almost impossible.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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.”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
.
Cleared multiple of them
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 did not move for the next 30 minutes..
The batch sizes were huge!
.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I vividly remember that evening.
“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).”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
But, then it hit me hard.
And..