Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 09:46
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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).”
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In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I did not go back to my home.
What would be the lowest score with 9 strikes and no gutter balls?
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
But, then it hit me hard.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Anyway!
What is something you saw while on an airplane that you couldn't believe?
Your credentials do not matter!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
.
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Found an empty bench..
What is the most inappropriate thing your wife has done in front of you?
It is almost impossible.
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 did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Searched for my roll number.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
.
“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.”
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…
All achievers in their own way.
Cleared multiple of them
I vividly remember that evening.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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 write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And, I had not made it.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I looked around me
“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.”
Dropped them
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.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
The batch sizes were huge!
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Keep your ego aside.
Worked for a marketing agency
All the best!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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.
And..
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And entered the park.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.