Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 04:58
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Why cant I stop thinking about counsellor between sessions?
All the best!
All achievers in their own way.
But, then it hit me hard.
“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.”
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“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).”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Dropped them
It is almost impossible.
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Anyway!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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.
Worked for a marketing agency
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Keep your ego aside.
Cleared multiple of them
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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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?”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And..
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I vividly remember that evening.
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.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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.
I was constantly staring into the ground
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…
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I looked around me
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Your credentials do not matter!
And entered the park.
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.”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Searched for my roll number.
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, I had not made it.
I did not go back to my home.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Found an empty bench..
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.