Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 24.06.2025 23:59
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
All achievers in their own way.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
The batch sizes were huge!
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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Your credentials do not matter!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Keep your ego aside.
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If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I was alone in Delhi back then
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After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I vividly remember that evening.
“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).”
My ex got into a relationship within 2 weeks after a breakup. What should I do?
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
And entered the park.
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…
Unde non omnis quia ut et magni ea.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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And, I had not made it.
.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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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, 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.”
But, then it hit me hard.
It is almost impossible.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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).
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Found an empty bench..
I looked around me
Searched for my roll number.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
“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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And..
All the best!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Worked for a marketing agency
Anyway!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I was constantly staring into the ground
Cleared multiple of them
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 write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I did not go back to my home.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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 did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Dropped them