Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 01:32
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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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.
Searched for my roll number.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
All the best!
I was constantly staring into the ground
Can you name a song with the word 'why' in it?
And entered the park.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Found an empty bench..
Anyway!
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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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 said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I was alone in Delhi back then
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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.
And, I had not made it.
I looked around me
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I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“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.”
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
It is almost impossible.
The batch sizes were huge!
“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).”
Keep your ego aside.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And..
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 crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Your credentials do not matter!
I vividly remember that evening.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Worked for a marketing agency
It lasted approximately 10 months.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
.
But, then it hit me hard.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Cleared multiple of them
“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.”
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And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Dropped them
All achievers in their own way.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I did not go back to my home.
.