Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 10:42
Found an empty bench..
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
What is the most craziest dream you ever had?
I looked around me
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).
And entered the park.
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2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“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.”
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And..
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
How short is too short for a skirt?
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.
“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).”
“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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Searched for my roll number.
Worked for a marketing agency
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Cleared multiple of them
Dropped them
.
Your credentials do not matter!
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The batch sizes were huge!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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I did not go back to my home.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I vividly remember that evening.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Anyway!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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.
But, then it hit me hard.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Keep your ego aside.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
And, I had not made it.
“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.”
.
All achievers in their own way.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
All the best!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
It is almost impossible.
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 parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.