Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 02:29
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
“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.”
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Your credentials do not matter!
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).
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.
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.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
.
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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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
But, then it hit me hard.
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Cleared multiple of them
I was constantly staring into the ground
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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Dropped them
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
It has been said that people with ADHD can often hyperfocus. Can that be an advantage?
I looked around me
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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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.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Keep your ego aside.
Why do men cheat on their wives with someone extremely unattractive?
“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 write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Found an empty bench..
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“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.”
And entered the park.
Worked for a marketing agency
And, I had not made it.
Anyway!
I did not go back to my home.
Searched for my roll number.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
The batch sizes were huge!
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I was alone in Delhi back then
It lasted approximately 10 months.
All the best!
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
It is almost impossible.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And..
I vividly remember that evening.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
All achievers in their own way.