Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 01:39
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
The batch sizes were huge!
Searched for my roll number.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And entered the park.
I vividly remember that evening.
I looked around me
I was alone in Delhi back then
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
How come Jesus died on Friday and rose on Sunday? That's not 3 days and three nights.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And..
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
.
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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.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I was constantly staring into the ground
Why do I sweat between my legs all the time, top off my legs, all way down?
Your credentials do not matter!
Anyway!
Cleared multiple of them
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And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
“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.”
“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).”
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.
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…
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Keep your ego aside.
All achievers in their own way.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
All the best!
But, then it hit me hard.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I did not go back to my home.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Dropped them
And, I had not made it.
Worked for a marketing agency
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Found an empty bench..
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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).
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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, 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.”
It is almost impossible.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.