Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 22:34
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…
Worked for a marketing agency
Your credentials do not matter!
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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).”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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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.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Dropped them
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Cleared multiple of them
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I was alone in Delhi back then
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I vividly remember that evening.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Found an empty bench..
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.
I was constantly staring into the ground
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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 did not move for the next 30 minutes..
All achievers in their own way.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Where did Noah build the Ark? Was it in a desert or near water?
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
.
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But, then it hit me hard.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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).
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.
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.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Searched for my roll number.
I did not go back to my home.
It is almost impossible.
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.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Anyway!
I looked around me
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“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.”
And, I had not made it.
The batch sizes were huge!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And..
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And entered the park.
“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.”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
All the best!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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.
Keep your ego aside.