Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 06:09
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
And entered the park.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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I was alone in Delhi back then
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
“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 vividly remember that evening.
Your credentials do not matter!
And..
Cleared multiple of them
The batch sizes were huge!
Worked for a marketing agency
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Keep your ego aside.
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
But, then it hit me hard.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Found an empty bench..
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
It is almost impossible.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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 lasted approximately 10 months.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
And, I had not made it.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
“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.”
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 did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Dropped them
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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…
Anyway!
I looked around me
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
All the best!
I was constantly staring into the ground
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.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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?
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
All achievers in their own way.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Searched for my roll number.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I did not go back to my home.
“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.”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.