Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 03:35
“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.”
Searched for my roll number.
Found an empty bench..
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).
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I looked around me
All the best!
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I vividly remember that evening.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Anyway!
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I was alone in Delhi back then
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Dropped them
Worked for a marketing agency
.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
And, I had not made it.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
“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.”
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And..
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
All achievers in their own way.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And entered the park.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
But, then it hit me hard.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Your credentials do not matter!
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.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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 hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
It is almost impossible.
.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Cleared multiple of them
“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).”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I did not go back to my home.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I was constantly staring into the ground
The batch sizes were huge!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Keep your ego aside.
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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.