Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 14:34
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And, I had not made it.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Anyway!
I vividly remember that evening.
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If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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Dropped them
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Is there a possibility that we are living in a simulation and that there is a concept of rebirth?
I looked around me
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“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).”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
The batch sizes were huge!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
All the best!
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After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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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.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Keep your ego aside.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
“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 case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Searched for my roll number.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
But, then it hit me hard.
Your credentials do not matter!
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).
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
.
And entered the park.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
It is almost impossible.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
“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.”
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.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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.
I did not go back to my home.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
.
Cleared multiple of them
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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…
Worked for a marketing agency
Found an empty bench..
All achievers in their own way.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And..