Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 06:29
Dropped them
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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).
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And entered the park.
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 case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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Anyway!
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Searched for my roll number.
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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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I did not go back to my home.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Your credentials do not matter!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“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.
Why can't we send flat Earthers to space and show them the shape of Earth?
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I vividly remember that evening.
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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.”
Found an empty bench..
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Worked for a marketing agency
“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).”
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.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Is it safe to say that China is at least 30 years ahead of India?
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
But, then it hit me hard.
All the best!
Cleared multiple of them
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
The batch sizes were huge!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And..
I was constantly staring into the ground
All achievers in their own way.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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.
Keep your ego aside.
I was alone in Delhi back then
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 looked around me
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And, I had not made it.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
It is almost impossible.