Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 07:29
I was alone in Delhi back then
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Searched for my roll number.
Keep your ego aside.
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 did not move for the next 30 minutes..
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
And, I had not made it.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
How can I stop overthinking and take action more quickly?
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And entered the park.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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Found an empty bench..
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And..
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
“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.”
.
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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Why do some of those who believe in a god refuse to consider the possibility they could be wrong?
I did not go back to my home.
But, then it hit me hard.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Anyway!
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 looked around me
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I vividly remember that evening.
All achievers in their own way.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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…
The batch sizes were huge!
“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 remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
All the best!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
It is almost impossible.
Your credentials do not matter!
.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Dropped them
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
“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.”
Cleared multiple of them
Worked for a marketing agency
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
“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.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.