Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 00:13
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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…
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All achievers in their own way.
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).
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Searched for my roll number.
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And, I had not made it.
Dropped them
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And entered the park.
Found an empty bench..
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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I looked around me
Worked for a marketing agency
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I vividly remember that evening.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
The batch sizes were huge!
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.
Your credentials do not matter!
Cleared multiple of them
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Anyway!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
“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.”
But, then it hit me hard.
Keep your ego aside.
And..
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I was constantly staring into the ground
All the best!
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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 did not go back to my home.
“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).”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
“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.”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.