Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 10:12
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…
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.
Anyway!
All achievers in their own way.
“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.”
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
.
.
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).
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I looked around me
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Keep your ego aside.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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I was alone in Delhi back then
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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Found an empty bench..
Dropped them
“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.”
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
It is almost impossible.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And entered the park.
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).”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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.
Worked for a marketing agency
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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.
I vividly remember that evening.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Searched for my roll number.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I did not go back to my home.
I was constantly staring into the ground
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Your credentials do not matter!
All the best!
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Cleared multiple of them
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
And..
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 did not move for the next 30 minutes..
But, then it hit me hard.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.