Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 00:05
I looked around me
I did not go back to my home.
Worked for a marketing agency
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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.”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Dropped them
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Anyway!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
All achievers in their own way.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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).
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 was alone in Delhi back then
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Cleared multiple of them
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And..
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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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Your credentials do not matter!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Found an empty bench..
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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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?”
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…
What song are you listening to right now? What does it mean to you?
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I vividly remember that evening.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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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.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
“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.”
But, then it hit me hard.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Searched for my roll number.
Keep your ego aside.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
The batch sizes were huge!
And, I had not made it.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
It is almost impossible.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
“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 write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
All the best!
And entered the park.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.