Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 23.06.2025 09:58
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.
“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).”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I vividly remember that evening.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
But, then it hit me hard.
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Which fish tastes good for South Indian curries?
Found an empty bench..
And entered the park.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I was alone in Delhi back then
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Cleared multiple of them
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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Anyway!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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I looked around me
The batch sizes were huge!
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
What do you do when your family doesn’t care about you?
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Your credentials do not matter!
“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.”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Keep your ego aside.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And..
Dropped them
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
All achievers in their own way.
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 was constantly staring into the ground
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 my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And, I had not made it.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Searched for my roll number.
Worked for a marketing agency
I did not go back to my home.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
It is almost impossible.
All the best!
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.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
“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.”