Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 00:43
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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).
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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
But, then it hit me hard.
I did not go back to my home.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I was alone in Delhi back then
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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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.
“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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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“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!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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…
.
Found an empty bench..
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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I looked around me
It is almost impossible.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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.
Aut perferendis voluptatibus eum sapiente officiis est explicabo itaque.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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, I had not made it.
All achievers in their own way.
I vividly remember that evening.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And..
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Your credentials do not matter!
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And entered the park.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Dropped them
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Worked for a marketing agency
The batch sizes were huge!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Searched for my roll number.
Keep your ego aside.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Anyway!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)