Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 07:09
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Keep your ego aside.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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Found an empty bench..
I vividly remember that evening.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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The batch sizes were huge!
All the best!
“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 was constantly staring into the ground
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I did not go back to my home.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, I had not made it.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Anyway!
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I looked around me
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“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.”
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).
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
“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..
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
It is almost impossible.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Dropped them
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Your credentials do not matter!
All achievers in their own way.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
And entered the park.
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.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I was alone in Delhi back then
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…
.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
But, then it hit me hard.
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.
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.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Worked for a marketing agency
Searched for my roll number.
Cleared multiple of them
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.