Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 23.06.2025 14:09
Worked for a marketing agency
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Cleared multiple of them
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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.
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.
Calvin Pickard Saved The Day - Defector
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).
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
How do military families balance personal political views with respect for civilian leadership?
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Keep your ego aside.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And entered the park.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Why do we exist, and why are we conscious?
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I did not go back to my home.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
What is the best sunscreen available for summers? My skin is oily.
I looked around me
Your credentials do not matter!
And..
The batch sizes were huge!
All the best!
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
.
I was alone in Delhi back then
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Searched for my roll number.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
.
All achievers in their own way.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
But, then it hit me hard.
“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 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.”
Dropped them
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Anyway!
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“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).”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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…
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
It is almost impossible.
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.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And, I had not made it.
I was constantly staring into the ground
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I vividly remember that evening.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Found an empty bench..