Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 05:51
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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I did not go back to my home.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
“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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
What parts of the Bible, if any, are inappropriate to read to children? Why?
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
“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).”
And, I had not made it.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
“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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The batch sizes were huge!
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.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
“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.”
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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).
But, then it hit me hard.
.
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
It is almost impossible.
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Keep your ego aside.
All the best!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I looked around me
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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 write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Worked for a marketing agency
Anyway!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Dropped them
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Your credentials do not matter!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Found an empty bench..
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I vividly remember that evening.
And..
All achievers in their own way.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And entered the park.
Searched for my roll number.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Cleared multiple of them
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!