Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 22.06.2025 23:58

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