Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 02:11
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
All achievers in their own way.
I looked around me
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Dropped them
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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All the best!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
“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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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.
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But, then it hit me hard.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Found an empty bench..
.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
.
Worked for a marketing agency
And, I had not made it.
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In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Anyway!
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).
What would be the lowest score with 9 strikes and no gutter balls?
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Your credentials do not matter!
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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Keep your ego aside.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I vividly remember that evening.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I was alone in Delhi back then
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I did not go back to my home.
And entered the park.
“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, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
It is almost impossible.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“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).”
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…
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.
The batch sizes were huge!
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.
Cleared multiple of them
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Searched for my roll number.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
And..
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..