Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 25.06.2025 11:56
The batch sizes were huge!
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Anyway!
I looked around me
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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
“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.”
Keep your ego aside.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I vividly remember that evening.
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).
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Dropped them
Why did my bipolar girlfriend split up with me?
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
It is almost impossible.
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
But, then it hit me hard.
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Searched for my roll number.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Why do North Indians, living in Bangalore, not bother to learn Kannada?
And entered the park.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Why has no country adopted the SA80/L85 rifle?
Your credentials do not matter!
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.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
“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).”
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
.
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 is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I did not go back to my home.
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.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Cleared multiple of them
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I was constantly staring into the ground
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And, I had not made it.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And..
Worked for a marketing agency
“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.”
All the best!
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Found an empty bench..
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
All achievers in their own way.