Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 11:01
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
“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.”
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 joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Worked for a marketing agency
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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2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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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.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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I vividly remember that evening.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Dropped 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).
It is almost impossible.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Searched for my roll number.
All the best!
And entered the park.
How are Hinduism and Sikhism related, considering they both originated in Punjab, India?
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.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And, I had not made it.
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I looked around me
All achievers in their own way.
Found an empty bench..
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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.
“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..
Anyway!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Your credentials do not matter!
The batch sizes were huge!
I did not go back to my home.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
But, then it hit me hard.
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.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Cleared multiple of them
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
“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).”
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Keep your ego aside.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.