Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 00:27
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Dropped them
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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And, I had not made it.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
But, then it hit me hard.
I was alone in Delhi back then
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Why do Argentinians use "vos" instead of "tú" in informal speech?
Keep your ego aside.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Your credentials do not matter!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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).
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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I did not go back to my home.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I looked around me
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And..
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Anyway!
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.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Cleared multiple of them
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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…
Searched for my roll number.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Found an empty bench..
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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.
.
All achievers in their own way.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
.
“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).”
The batch sizes were huge!
“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 vividly remember that evening.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And entered the park.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Worked for a marketing agency
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I was constantly staring into the ground
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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.
All the best!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.