Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 24.06.2025 03:16
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I did not go back to my home.
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.
Dropped them
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
But, then it hit me hard.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I looked around me
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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I was alone in Delhi back then
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Worked for a marketing agency
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2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Cleared multiple of them
Found an empty bench..
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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.
Your credentials do not matter!
And entered the park.
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Anyway!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
All achievers in their own way.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And..
.
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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.
All the best!
The batch sizes were huge!
Searched for my roll number.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
“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.”
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I vividly remember that evening.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
It is almost impossible.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And, I had not made it.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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 did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Keep your ego aside.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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).
.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
“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.”