Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 22.06.2025 00:56
Anyway!
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).
It is almost impossible.
I tried the 6-6-6 walking challenge for a week and my step count skyrocketed - Fit&Well
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
But, then it hit me hard.
.
“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 we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I vividly remember that evening.
Sapiente nemo autem perspiciatis.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
“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.”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Dropped them
Your credentials do not matter!
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 crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
.
Cleared multiple of them
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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.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Found an empty bench..
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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And, I had not made it.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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I looked around me
And entered the park.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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“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.”
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
All achievers in their own way.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
The batch sizes were huge!
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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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?”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And..
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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 said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I was alone in Delhi back then
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Searched for my roll number.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Keep your ego aside.
All the best!
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I did not go back to my 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…
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Worked for a marketing agency
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.