Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 04:17
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Keep your ego aside.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
“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.”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
.
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Your credentials do not matter!
The batch sizes were huge!
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“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 had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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 was constantly staring into the ground
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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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?
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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I did not go back to my home.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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Searched for my roll number.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And..
It is almost impossible.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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.
Found an empty bench..
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?”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Worked for a marketing agency
All achievers in their own way.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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…
But, then it hit me hard.
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.
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 looked around me
Anyway!
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
All the best!
And, I had not made it.
Dropped them
Cleared multiple of them
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
And entered the park.
“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).”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I vividly remember that evening.