Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 22.06.2025 16:11
And..
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
All achievers in their own way.
Searched for my roll number.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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“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.”
But, then it hit me hard.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I looked around me
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
All the best!
I vividly remember that evening.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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Worked for a marketing agency
.
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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“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).”
Cleared multiple of them
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Anyway!
I was constantly staring into the ground
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Your credentials do not matter!
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If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I was alone in Delhi back then
Found an empty bench..
“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.”
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 did not go back to my home.
And, I had not made it.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
The batch sizes were huge!
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).
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
And entered the park.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Keep your ego aside.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Dropped them
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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.
It is almost impossible.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.