Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 06:52
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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…
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).
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Anyway!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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Found an empty bench..
Cleared multiple of them
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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“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.”
I did not go back to my home.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Your credentials do not matter!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I vividly remember that evening.
But, then it hit me hard.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Keep your ego aside.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
All achievers in their own way.
It is almost impossible.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
All the best!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
And..
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And entered the park.
“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 write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Searched for my roll number.
I was constantly staring into the ground
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Dropped them
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
The batch sizes were huge!
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, yes, the UPSC is considered the toughest exam in the world because there is a ‘luck’ factor coupled with subjectivity in the exam process.
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If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
“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.”
And, I had not made it.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I looked around me
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”