Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 01:33
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
“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.”
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…
But, then it hit me hard.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
The batch sizes were huge!
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
“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.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Dropped them
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I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Keep your ego aside.
And entered the park.
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2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I was alone in Delhi back then
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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?”
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Searched for my roll number.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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.
Worked for a marketing agency
I vividly remember that evening.
Cleared multiple of them
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
All the best!
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, 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).”
Anyway!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I did not go back to my home.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Your credentials do not matter!
I was constantly staring into the ground
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.
All achievers in their own way.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I looked around me
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And..
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And, I had not made it.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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.
Found an empty bench..