Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 06:19
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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.
Found an empty bench..
Searched for my roll number.
Dropped them
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Keep your ego aside.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
But, then it hit me hard.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I looked around me
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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 parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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.
“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.”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And, I had not made it.
I vividly remember that evening.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Why is Meghan Markle's Hollywood presence fading despite her royal status and Netflix deal?
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And entered the park.
Worked for a marketing agency
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
How does the brain decide "what" thought to attach to a feeling?
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
It is almost impossible.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Anyway!
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Cleared multiple of them
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I did not go back to my home.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
The batch sizes were huge!
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
“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.”
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)
All achievers in their own way.
“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).”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
All the best!
Your credentials do not matter!
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I was alone in Delhi back then
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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 was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back 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.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And..