Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 02:37
Worked for a marketing agency
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 cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I looked around me
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
“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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“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 parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I vividly remember that evening.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Searched for my roll number.
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
But, then it hit me hard.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And..
And, I had not made it.
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Cleared multiple of them
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Why would my ex block me after I blocked him?
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Found an empty bench..
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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It is almost impossible.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I did not go back to my home.
How do I get rid of a cold in 1 day?
.
Dropped them
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I was alone in Delhi back then
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
.
All the best!
“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.”
Keep your ego aside.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
The batch sizes were huge!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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…
“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).”
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Anyway!
And entered the park.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Your credentials do not matter!
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.