Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 25.06.2025 02:45
I was constantly staring into the ground
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
How many boxes 600 x 400 x 200 go into a 20ft container?
And, I had not made it.
Anyway!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I did not go back to my home.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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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, 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.”
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
At what stage in your life did you realize, "No, I can't do this any more" and walk out? Why?
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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 vividly remember that evening.
Can you tell me something about yourself?
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
All achievers in their own way.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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.
“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.”
Cleared multiple of them
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Keep your ego aside.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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 joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Worked for a marketing agency
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
It is almost impossible.
I was alone in Delhi back then
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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).
Found an empty bench..
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Dropped them
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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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).”
.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
.
And..
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
And entered the park.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
All the best!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Your credentials do not matter!
The batch sizes were huge!
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Searched for my roll number.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
But, then it hit me hard.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I looked around me
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.