Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 00:31
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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It is almost impossible.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
“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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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
All the best!
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I did not go back to my home.
Anyway!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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Keep your ego aside.
All achievers in their own way.
.
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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).
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And, I had not made it.
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I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I vividly remember that evening.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I was constantly staring into the ground
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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 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.
And entered the park.
Searched for my roll number.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
“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).”
Dropped them
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I was alone in Delhi back then
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I looked around me
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Cleared multiple of them
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
But, then it hit me hard.
.
Found an empty bench..
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Your credentials do not matter!
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do 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.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
The batch sizes were huge!
“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.”
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
And..
Worked for a marketing agency