Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 12:16
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Worked for a marketing agency
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I looked around me
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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).
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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…
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
What does success really mean to you? Is it about happiness, money, or something else?
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
How can I get my ex-husband to love me again?
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And entered the park.
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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“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 was constantly staring into the ground
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And, I had not made it.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
What is better? Tik Tok or YouTube?
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And..
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
All achievers in their own way.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Found an empty bench..
How can I plan a zero-waste vacation without compromising on comfort?
.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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The batch sizes were huge!
.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Your credentials do not matter!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Cleared multiple of them
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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.
Searched for my roll number.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
But, then it hit me hard.
Dropped them
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I vividly remember that evening.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I did not go back to my home.
Keep your ego aside.
“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 was alone in Delhi back then
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“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.”
Anyway!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
All the best!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
It is almost impossible.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.