Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 05:28
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
But, then it hit me hard.
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Cleared multiple of them
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And entered the park.
Dropped them
Anyway!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I looked around me
The batch sizes were huge!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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Worked for a marketing agency
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…
I vividly remember that evening.
Your credentials do not matter!
“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).”
All the best!
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If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
All achievers in their own way.
Keep your ego aside.
It is almost impossible.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Searched for my roll number.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And..
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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.
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 was alone in Delhi back then
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And, I had not made it.
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.
I was constantly staring into the ground
“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.”
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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I did not go back to my home.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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, 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.”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Found an empty bench..
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.