Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 20:05

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