Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 00:57
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Found an empty bench..
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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…
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Keep your ego aside.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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.
I was constantly staring into the ground
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Why are Capri cigarettes so expensive?
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And..
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All the best!
Anyway!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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Searched for my roll number.
Dropped them
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Worked for a marketing agency
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Cleared multiple of them
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.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
All achievers in their own way.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
The batch sizes were huge!
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.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
But, then it hit me hard.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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.
Your credentials do not matter!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
It is almost impossible.
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, 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.”
And entered the park.
And, I had not made it.
“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 was alone in Delhi back then
I did not go back to my home.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I vividly remember that evening.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
“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).”