Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 00:34
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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).
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I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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“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).”
I was alone in Delhi back then
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
How can reading fiction be turned from escapism into personal growth?
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
“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.”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Keep your ego aside.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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It is almost impossible.
I did not go back to my home.
Anyway!
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…
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.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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All the best!
“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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
But, then it hit me hard.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Cleared multiple of them
The batch sizes were huge!
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.
Searched for my roll number.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And entered the park.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Dropped them
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I looked around me
And..
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Found an empty bench..
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I vividly remember that evening.
Your credentials do not matter!
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And, I had not made it.
All achievers in their own way.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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This exam has its own way of humbling you.