Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 17:11
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And..
How has your life changed since starting college?
Found an empty bench..
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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…
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).
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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.
“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.”
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.
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Anyway!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I did not go back to my home.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Dropped them
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I was constantly staring into the ground
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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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 hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And, I had not made it.
All the best!
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).”
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
It is almost impossible.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Worked for a marketing agency
Your credentials do not matter!
Searched for my roll number.
And entered the park.
Cleared multiple of them
All achievers in their own way.
Keep your ego aside.
I looked around me
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
.
But, then it hit me hard.
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.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I vividly remember that evening.
The batch sizes were huge!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.