Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 24.06.2025 11:54
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).
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Found an empty bench..
What is something you'd rate 10/10?
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And entered the park.
All achievers in their own way.
Do you think there will ever be peace in the Middle East as long as Israel exists?
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And, I had not made it.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
How come Trump is so weak in backing down from some tariffs?
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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 looked around me
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Searched for my roll number.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Keep your ego aside.
The batch sizes were huge!
And..
I was constantly staring into the ground
Why do I sweat so much at the gym?
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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 did not go back to my home.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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Dropped them
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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What are the causes of over sweating?
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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.
What are the ten cars that make me no longer feel inferior?
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Your credentials do not matter!
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.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
All the best!
“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.”
Cleared multiple of them
I was alone in Delhi back then
I vividly remember that evening.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
It is almost impossible.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Worked for a marketing agency
But, then it hit me hard.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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).”
Anyway!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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, 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.”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!