Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 05:18
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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All the best!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
It is almost impossible.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
“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).”
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Worked for a marketing agency
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I did not go back to my home.
Searched for my roll number.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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Cleared multiple of them
Anyway!
But, then it hit me hard.
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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…
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Found an empty bench..
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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.
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And, I had not made it.
I was alone in Delhi back then
The batch sizes were huge!
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The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And..
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Dropped them
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“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.”
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).
Your credentials do not matter!
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Keep your ego aside.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“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 looked around 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.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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.
And entered the park.
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.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I vividly remember that evening.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.