Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 25.06.2025 12:11
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…
“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.”
Searched for my roll number.
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I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
But, then it hit me hard.
All achievers in their own way.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I looked around me
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Why is it that women are stronger than men nowadays?
I was alone in Delhi back then
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Worked for a marketing agency
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I did not go back to my home.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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I vividly remember that evening.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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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).
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Cleared multiple of them
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
“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.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And..
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
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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.
“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, 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.”
The batch sizes were huge!
Keep your ego aside.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And entered the park.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
It is almost impossible.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Anyway!
Your credentials do not matter!
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Found an empty bench..
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.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And, I had not made it.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
All the best!