Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 16:41
Found an empty bench..
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“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.”
Do you think cheating is that bad?
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).
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Anyway!
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And entered the park.
“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).”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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.
Keep your ego aside.
Eos iste et tenetur sunt rerum eligendi.
All the best!
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
It is almost impossible.
Do happily married husbands cheat?
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Worked for a marketing agency
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Why is it so hard to date nowadays?
But, then it hit me hard.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I looked around me
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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.
Dropped them
I was constantly staring into the ground
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
“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, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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…
Searched for my roll number.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I vividly remember that evening.
Cleared multiple of them
The batch sizes were huge!
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I did not go back to my home.
All achievers in their own way.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And, I had not made it.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And..
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 was alone in Delhi back then
Your credentials do not matter!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!