Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 23:59
Dropped them
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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.
But, then it hit me hard.
.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Keep your ego aside.
Your credentials do not matter!
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This exam has its own way of humbling you.
It is almost impossible.
And entered the park.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I did not go back to my home.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
And, I had not made it.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And..
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…
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Found an empty bench..
Searched for my roll number.
All achievers in their own way.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“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, 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).”
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
“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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Cleared multiple of them
Anyway!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I was constantly staring into the ground
The batch sizes were huge!
Worked for a marketing agency
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I was alone in Delhi back then
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
All the best!
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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).
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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.
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 vividly remember that evening.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.