Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 02:31
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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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.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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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 was constantly staring into the ground
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And, I had not made it.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Is a man over 50 not married no kids a red flag?
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Why do older siblings always hate younger siblings?
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
The batch sizes were huge!
But, then it hit me hard.
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
.
I vividly remember that evening.
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Anyway!
Dropped them
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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All the best!
And..
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Keep your ego aside.
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Cleared multiple of them
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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, 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.”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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Worked for a marketing agency
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I looked around me
All achievers in their own way.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Searched for my roll number.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And entered the park.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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.
Your credentials do not matter!
Found an empty bench..
I did not go back to my home.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
It is almost impossible.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
“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).”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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).
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.