Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 01:48
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
“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.
I vividly remember that evening.
I looked around me
Found an empty bench..
And entered the park.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
It is almost impossible.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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).
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
The batch sizes were huge!
Worked for a marketing agency
I was alone in Delhi back then
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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…
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Your credentials do not matter!
Why did the USA stick their noses in Ukraine's business? They wanted to be neutral for so long.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Keep your ego aside.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Searched for my roll number.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
All achievers in their own way.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“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).”
.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I was constantly staring into the ground
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
.
I did not go back to my home.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
But, then it hit me hard.
All the best!
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.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And..
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
“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.”
Cleared multiple of them
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Dropped them
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.
Anyway!
And, I had not made it.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.