Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 06:07

I vividly remember that evening.
“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.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Keep your ego aside.
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 did not go back to my home.
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If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
“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.
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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, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Dropped them
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I was alone in Delhi back then
And, I had not made it.
Does believing in God and Satan cause schizophrenia?
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Why doesn’t Melania Trump do some more modeling?
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
The batch sizes were huge!
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).
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Dicta numquam repudiandae corrupti labore ea facere.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Searched for my roll number.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
.
Your credentials do not matter!
I was constantly staring into the ground
It lasted approximately 10 months.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Cleared multiple of them
Are you happy that soon we will never hear from Kamala Jones again?
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
.
Anyway!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Found an empty bench..
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.
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 the best!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And entered the park.
Worked for a marketing agency
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
It is almost impossible.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I looked around me
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And..
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
“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.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
All achievers in their own way.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.