Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 11:02
Your credentials do not matter!
I vividly remember that evening.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Why am I dreaming of people I've never seen before?
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.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
“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.”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
.
The batch sizes were huge!
I was constantly staring into the ground
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Anyway!
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Cleared multiple of them
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All achievers in their own way.
Dropped them
Worked for a marketing agency
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
“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 ..
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Keep your ego aside.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
All the best!
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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 lasted approximately 10 months.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
But, then it hit me hard.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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.
It is almost impossible.
Searched for my roll number.
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Found an empty bench..
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
“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).”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
“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.”
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, I had not made it.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And entered the park.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I looked around me
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And..
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.
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).
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I did not go back to my home.
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.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.