Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 00:20
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Anyway!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Is it possible for the U.S. government to get rid of the constitution for national safety?
Searched for my roll number.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Found an empty bench..
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And..
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.
I looked around me
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
The batch sizes were huge!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And, I had not made it.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“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.
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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).
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“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.”
All achievers in their own way.
It is almost impossible.
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 cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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.
.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Cleared multiple of 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.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Keep your ego aside.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I did not go back to my home.
I was constantly staring into the ground
But, then it hit me hard.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I vividly remember that evening.
Worked for a marketing agency
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
“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).”
All the best!
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Your credentials do not matter!
Dropped them
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -