Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 00:31
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“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).”
It is almost impossible.
Why don't I want to talk to my girlfriend when she loves me a lot? I feel bored.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Worked for a marketing agency
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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But, then it hit me hard.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I vividly remember that evening.
Heart in distress? 9 silent symptoms you shouldn’t overlook - Times of India
Cleared multiple of them
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
The batch sizes were huge!
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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.
Searched for my roll number.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I was alone in Delhi back then
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And..
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
“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 said, “Yes! I believe so.”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
All the best!
How are max different from medical and minimum security prisons?
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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.
Found an empty bench..
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This exam has its own way of humbling you.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Keep your ego aside.
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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
And entered the park.
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.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Your credentials do not matter!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I looked around me
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 was constantly staring into the ground
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Anyway!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Dropped them
“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.”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And, I had not made it.
All achievers in their own way.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I did not go back to my home.
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).