Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 09:58
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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…
But, then it hit me hard.
I did not go back to my home.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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“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 alone in Delhi back then
I was constantly staring into the ground
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Found an empty bench..
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
“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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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
“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.”
All achievers in their own way.
Cleared multiple of them
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.
Your credentials do not matter!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I vividly remember that evening.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Anyway!
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I looked around me
Dropped them
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
The batch sizes were huge!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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).
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
It is almost impossible.
And entered the park.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Worked for a marketing agency
And, I had not made it.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
All the best!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Searched for my roll number.
Keep your ego aside.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And..
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
.