Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 22.06.2025 06:11
I looked around me
“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.”
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
“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).”
.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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…
Cleared multiple of them
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I was constantly staring into the ground
I vividly remember that evening.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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The batch sizes were huge!
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
All achievers in their own way.
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This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
How can we become the best humans? How can we trust each other?
And entered the park.
Anyway!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, I had not made it.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Why does my crush make me jealous about having a girlfriend?
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Found an empty bench..
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And..
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
“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.”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I did not go back to my home.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Keep your ego aside.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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.
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.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Your credentials do not matter!
It is almost impossible.
Worked for a marketing agency
All the best!
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.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Dropped them
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).
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
But, then it hit me hard.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Searched for my roll number.
I was alone in Delhi back then
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.