Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 15:04
Cleared multiple of them
All achievers in their own way.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
.
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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Keep your ego aside.
I vividly remember that evening.
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 joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Do empaths fall easier for abusive people?
And..
And, I had not made it.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I was constantly staring into the ground
.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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The batch sizes were huge!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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Found an empty bench..
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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Your credentials do not matter!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Searched for my roll number.
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)
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.
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.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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I looked around me
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
“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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I was alone in Delhi back then
But, then it hit me hard.
“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.”
Dropped them
“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.”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
It is almost impossible.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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).
Anyway!
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And entered the park.
All the best!
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I did not go back to my home.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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?”