Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 04:30
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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I was alone in Delhi back then
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 had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I was constantly staring into the ground
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
The batch sizes were huge!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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I looked around me
And..
Found an empty bench..
It is almost impossible.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
All the best!
And entered the park.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Anyway!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Dropped them
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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).
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I did not go back to my home.
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?”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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.
But, then it hit me hard.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
All achievers in their own way.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Keep your ego aside.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Your credentials do not matter!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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.
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 determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
“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.”
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Cleared multiple of them
Worked for a marketing agency
Searched for my roll number.
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 remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
“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.”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And, I had not made it.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“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.
I vividly remember that evening.