Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 13:50
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It is almost impossible.
“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.”
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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).
The batch sizes were huge!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
It lasted approximately 10 months.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
.
I vividly remember that evening.
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
But, then it hit me hard.
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
.
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.
Why are black people harassed more by police officers?
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Found an empty bench..
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Worked for a marketing agency
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.
Anyway!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And entered the park.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And, I had not made it.
And..
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“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.”
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.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“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).”
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Keep your ego aside.
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.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Your credentials do not matter!
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Dropped them
I was constantly staring into the ground
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
All achievers in their own way.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
All the best!
Cleared multiple of them
I was alone in Delhi back then
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Searched for my roll number.
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…
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I did not go back to my home.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I looked around me