Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 00:06
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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But, then it hit me hard.
Keep your ego aside.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Anyway!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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I looked around me
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…
All achievers in their own way.
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Worked for a marketing agency
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 the best!
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I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
.
Your credentials do not matter!
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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 was constantly staring into the ground
I was alone in Delhi back then
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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Found an empty bench..
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I did not go back to my home.
Corrupti corporis sit reprehenderit facilis nam.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
The batch sizes were huge!
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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?”
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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.
Cleared multiple of them
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And..
I vividly remember that evening.
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.
Dropped them
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And entered the park.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
It is almost impossible.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
“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).”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Searched for my roll number.
.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“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, 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.”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And, I had not made it.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)