Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 24.06.2025 00:17
I was constantly staring into the ground
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
All achievers in their own way.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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But, then it hit me hard.
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.
Keep your ego aside.
Your credentials do not matter!
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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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.”
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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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).”
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
It is almost impossible.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Cleared multiple of them
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And, I had not made it.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Searched for my roll number.
I looked around me
.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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And entered the park.
Worked for a marketing agency
I did not go back to my home.
“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.”
And..
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I vividly remember that evening.
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).
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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 was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
The batch sizes were huge!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Found an empty bench..
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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…
Anyway!
.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I was alone in Delhi back then
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
All the best!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Dropped them
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..