Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 02:44
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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Found an empty bench..
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Searched for my roll number.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I did not go back to my home.
“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.”
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I looked around me
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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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.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I was constantly staring into the ground
All the best!
And, I had not made it.
I was alone in Delhi back then
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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Anyway!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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!
And entered the park.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I vividly remember that evening.
Keep your ego aside.
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All achievers in their own way.
“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).”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And..
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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.
Dropped them
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Worked for a marketing agency
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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, 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.”
.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
It is almost impossible.
The batch sizes were huge!
Cleared multiple of them
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).
But, then it hit me hard.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -