Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 00:33
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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).
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I did not go back to my home.
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I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
.
Cleared multiple of them
What do people usually do when they wake up at 5:00 am?
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
“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, 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).”
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The batch sizes were huge!
I was alone in Delhi back then
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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!
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I vividly remember that evening.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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Found an empty bench..
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Your credentials do not matter!
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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.”
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 parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Anyway!
I looked around me
But, then it hit me hard.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
All achievers in their own way.
All the best!
And entered the park.
.
Dropped them
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Worked for a marketing agency
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I was constantly staring into the ground
Keep your ego aside.
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.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And..
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 said, “Yes! I believe so.”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
It is almost impossible.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And, I had not made it.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.