Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 05:04
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
But, then it hit me hard.
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I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Anyway!
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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).
Your credentials do not matter!
.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Worked for a marketing agency
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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, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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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…
It is almost impossible.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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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The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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.”
And..
Searched for my roll number.
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
The batch sizes were huge!
“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.”
I was alone in Delhi back then
I vividly remember that evening.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I did not go back to my home.
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.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Cleared multiple of them
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Keep your ego aside.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Found an empty bench..
I was constantly staring into the ground
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
All achievers in their own way.
“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).”
All the best!
I looked around me
And, I had not made it.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And entered the park.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
.