Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 05:09
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Searched for my roll number.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
How do I deal with autistic burnout/meltdown/shutdown when cooking?
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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“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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Keep your ego aside.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Dropped them
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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).”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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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.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
It is almost impossible.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Your credentials do not matter!
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I looked around me
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
All achievers in their own way.
Worked for a marketing agency
Anyway!
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And entered the park.
I was alone in Delhi back then
But, then it hit me hard.
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.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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And, I had not made it.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And..
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Found an empty bench..
I did not go back to my home.
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.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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).
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I vividly remember that evening.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
All the best!
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..
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“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…
.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Cleared multiple of them
The batch sizes were huge!
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.