Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 03:57
I vividly remember that evening.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Keep your ego aside.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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).
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The batch sizes were huge!
I did not go back to my home.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Do Republicans give permission to Democrats to vote for any candidate except for Kamala Harris?
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Why is evolution such a controversial topic?
Anyway!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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This exam has its own way of humbling you.
It is almost impossible.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Has anyone tried bestiality and been caught?
I was constantly staring into the ground
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…
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
What motivated you to start reading books in English? What was the first book you read in English?
.
I was alone in Delhi back then
And..
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 looked around me
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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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!
“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).”
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Dropped them
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And, I had not made it.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Found an empty bench..
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)
All the best!
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
“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.”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“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.
.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Cleared multiple of them
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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?”
Your credentials do not matter!
Worked for a marketing agency
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
All achievers in their own way.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And entered the park.
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 joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.