Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 00:22
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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.
Found an empty bench..
Dropped them
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“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.”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I was constantly staring into the ground
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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 said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
But, then it hit me hard.
And entered the park.
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 determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
.
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I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
It is almost impossible.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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All the best!
Anyway!
I was alone in Delhi back then
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Cleared multiple of them
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
The batch sizes were huge!
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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I looked around me
Your credentials do not matter!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
“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.”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Searched for my roll number.
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.
All achievers in their own way.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Keep your ego aside.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
“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).”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And..
And, I had not made it.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I vividly remember that evening.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I did not go back to my home.
Worked for a marketing agency
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).
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!