Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 19:35

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