Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 25.06.2025 04:04
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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 vividly remember that evening.
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.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
“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.”
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Your credentials do not matter!
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Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
The batch sizes were huge!
If there is an abandoned house with no owner, can I live in it?
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Worked for a marketing agency
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I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And entered the park.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Anyway!
It is almost impossible.
And, I had not made it.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
“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.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I did not go back to my home.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
But, then it hit me hard.
All achievers in their own way.
I was alone in Delhi back then
And..
.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
All the best!
Dropped them
Found an empty bench..
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Cleared multiple of them
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I looked around me
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).
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Searched for my roll number.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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, 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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)