Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 23.06.2025 02:01

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