Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 08:12
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
All achievers in their own way.
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.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Why would a girl not want you to know she has a crush on you?
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.”
.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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 vividly remember that evening.
.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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Cleared multiple of them
Anyway!
“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.”
It is almost impossible.
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.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I was constantly staring into the ground
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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Worked for a marketing agency
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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The batch sizes were huge!
But, then it hit me hard.
All the best!
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After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Dropped them
“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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And entered the park.
“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).”
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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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.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Your credentials do not matter!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I did not go back to my home.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I was alone in Delhi back then
Keep your ego aside.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Found an empty bench..
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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…
And, I had not made it.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And..
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I looked around me
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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).
Searched for my roll number.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.