Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 24.06.2025 19:04
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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 entered the park.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I did not go back to my home.
“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.”
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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And..
Found an empty bench..
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I vividly remember that evening.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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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I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Worked for a marketing agency
But, then it hit me hard.
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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
All achievers in their own way.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
The batch sizes were huge!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Anyway!
I looked around me
It lasted approximately 10 months.
“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, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
All the best!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Dropped them
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Searched for my roll number.
Your credentials do not matter!
And, I had not made it.
Cleared multiple of them
.
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).
“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.”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
It is almost impossible.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Keep your ego aside.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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…
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?