Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 08:36
“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 did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Dropped them
And, I had not made it.
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All achievers in their own way.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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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).
“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).”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I looked around me
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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…
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 did not go back to my home.
Worked for a marketing agency
And..
The batch sizes were huge!
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But, then it hit me hard.
Your credentials do not matter!
It is almost impossible.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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.
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 constantly staring into the ground
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
And entered the park.
Found an empty bench..
Searched for my roll number.
“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.”
I was alone in Delhi back then
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
All the best!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I vividly remember that evening.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Keep your ego aside.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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Cleared multiple of them
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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Anyway!