Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 00:03
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“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.”
Cleared multiple of them
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I was alone in Delhi back then
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I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I did not go back to my home.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
What are your funniest "lost in translation" moments if you grew up speaking more than one language?
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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…
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
What nonsense did you hear today in India that made you laugh?
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
All the best!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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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 looked around me
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.
.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
The batch sizes were huge!
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Dropped them
Searched for my roll number.
Why don’t the little sugar breeches gun owners understand that life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows?
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And..
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, I had not made it.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Keep your ego aside.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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.
But, then it hit me hard.
I vividly remember that evening.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
“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).”
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And entered the park.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“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.”
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
All achievers in their own way.
Your credentials do not matter!
Worked for a marketing agency
Found an empty bench..
It is almost impossible.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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).
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Anyway!