Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 00:00
Searched for my roll number.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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.
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.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And entered the park.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Worked for a marketing agency
All achievers in their own way.
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.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And..
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I vividly remember that evening.
Dropped them
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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…
It is almost impossible.
I was alone in Delhi back then
.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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 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).
Found an empty bench..
I did not go back to my home.
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
“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, I had not made it.
I looked around me
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
But, then it hit me hard.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Animi velit error sapiente nihil.
Keep your ego aside.
Your credentials do not matter!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
“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).”
The batch sizes were huge!
I was constantly staring into the ground
All the best!
Anyway!
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Cleared multiple of them
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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.”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.