Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 24.06.2025 00:58
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
How did you as a human being change while growing up?
“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.”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Worked for a marketing agency
Found an empty bench..
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I vividly remember that evening.
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
It is almost impossible.
Anyway!
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Searched for my roll number.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I was constantly staring into the ground
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.
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
The batch sizes were huge!
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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…
“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 determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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All achievers in their own way.
.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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All the best!
I was alone in Delhi back then
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Dropped them
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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!
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Your credentials do not matter!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
But, then it hit me hard.
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 looked around me
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Keep your ego aside.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I did not go back to my home.
Cleared multiple of them
And entered the park.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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..
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And, I had not made it.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
“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).”
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.