Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 25.06.2025 21:44

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