Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 21.06.2025 23:45
Your credentials do not matter!
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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It is almost impossible.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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All achievers in their own way.
Worked for a marketing agency
Dropped them
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I looked around me
Found an empty bench..
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.
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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Where can Ukrainians go if they cannot have shelter and heating this winter?
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
What shocking family behavior did you read about in India?
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.”
All the best!
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I was alone in Delhi back then
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And entered the park.
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This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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).
Cleared multiple of them
Is anyone up to have a little conversation?
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
What made you feel disgusted today?
And, I had not made it.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
“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.”
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.
Searched for my roll number.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
The batch sizes were huge!
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
.
But, then it hit me hard.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Keep your ego aside.
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…
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I vividly remember that evening.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
“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 did not go back to my home.
Anyway!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And..
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.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I was constantly staring into the ground