Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 00:56
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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).
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I was alone in Delhi back then
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
And..
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Searched for my roll number.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
How will the newly imposed trade tariffs affect the global economy?
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
.
I was constantly staring into the ground
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Asperiores culpa provident similique ab.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route 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.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
“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.”
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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I vividly remember that evening.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And entered the park.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I looked around me
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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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I did not go back to my home.
It is almost impossible.
The batch sizes were huge!
49ers' Williams healthy, introspective in year 16 - ESPN
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
All the best!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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And, I had not made it.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Anyway!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Keep your ego aside.
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.
Cleared multiple of them
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
But, then it hit me hard.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Worked for a marketing agency
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
.
All achievers in their own way.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“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).”
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Dropped them