Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 00:01
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I vividly remember that evening.
Win a signed pink cycling jersey of Giro winner Simon Yates - Team Visma
Cleared multiple of them
Searched for my roll number.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I did not go back to my home.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Found an empty bench..
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Keep your ego aside.
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I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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…
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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Worked for a marketing agency
And..
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
“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!
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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).
But, then it hit me hard.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And entered the park.
.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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.
And, I had not made it.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Anyway!
All achievers in their own way.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
“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.”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I looked around me
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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, yes, the UPSC is considered the toughest exam in the world because there is a ‘luck’ factor coupled with subjectivity in the exam process.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Your credentials do not matter!
It is almost impossible.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Dropped them
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
All the best!
“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).”
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I was alone in Delhi back then
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.