Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 14:45
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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.
Dropped them
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The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
The batch sizes were huge!
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I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
But, then it hit me hard.
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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“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.”
“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).”
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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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
All achievers in their own way.
When you visit a store, do you go to shop or buy?
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Cleared multiple of them
And..
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And, I had not made it.
Searched for my roll number.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I looked around me
It is almost impossible.
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
And entered the park.
All the best!
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
“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
“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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Anyway!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
.
Worked for a marketing agency
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Your credentials do not matter!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I vividly remember that evening.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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 was alone in Delhi back then
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Keep your ego aside.
I did not go back to my home.
Found an empty bench..
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?