Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 08:57
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Searched for my roll number.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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).
All achievers in their own way.
Worked for a marketing agency
Your credentials do not matter!
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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I vividly remember that evening.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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.
Has anyone ever made you take off your shirt?
I was alone in Delhi back then
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I looked around me
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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.
Found an empty bench..
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…
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Dropped them
It is almost impossible.
The batch sizes were huge!
All the best!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Keep your ego aside.
And..
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
“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.”
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.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Cleared multiple of them
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
“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 was constantly staring into the ground
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And entered the park.
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).”
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I did not go back to my home.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And, I had not made it.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
But, then it hit me hard.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Anyway!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.