Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 00:35
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I did not go back to my home.
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“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.”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Cleared multiple of them
How do you feel about the singer Taylor Swift endorsing Kamala Harris for president?
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I looked around me
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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All achievers in their own way.
Worked for a marketing agency
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).
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I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
The batch sizes were huge!
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And..
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Keep your ego aside.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
“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).”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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But, then it hit me hard.
Anyway!
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.
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In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Dropped them
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I was constantly staring into the ground
Searched for my roll number.
And entered the park.
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…
.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
All the best!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I vividly remember that evening.
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 was alone in Delhi back then
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Your credentials do not matter!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“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.”
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Found an empty bench..
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And, I had not made it.
It is almost impossible.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
It lasted approximately 10 months.