Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 00:19

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