Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 15:45
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I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
It is almost impossible.
“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.”
Anyway!
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After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Did Leonardo da Vinci paint two Mona Lisas? Where are they?
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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Your credentials do not matter!
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Searched for my roll number.
And, I had not made it.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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.
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“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
And entered the park.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
What are some ways to determine if a project is legitimate in the call center industry?
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
But, then it hit me hard.
I looked around me
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I was alone in Delhi back then
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Which other countries have implemented home appliance trade-in schemes?
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Worked for a marketing agency
I did not go back to my home.
Found an empty bench..
And..
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Cleared multiple of them
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
All the best!
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“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).”
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).
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Keep your ego aside.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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.
The batch sizes were huge!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Dropped them
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Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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…
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
“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.”
All achievers in their own way.
I vividly remember that evening.