Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 01:49
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I did not go back to my home.
And entered the park.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Keep your ego aside.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And..
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…
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
All the best!
Anyway!
“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.”
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.
What are the reasons why am I so tired before my period?
“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
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
The batch sizes were huge!
“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).”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
All achievers in their own way.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
.
Searched for my roll number.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I looked around me
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
.
Found an empty bench..
I was alone in Delhi back then
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Worked for a marketing agency
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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).
Your credentials do not matter!
I was constantly staring into the ground
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 vividly remember that evening.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
It is almost impossible.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Dropped them
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And, I had not made it.