Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 05:36
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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 did not go back to my home.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
All achievers in their own way.
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.
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
Your credentials do not matter!
But, then it hit me hard.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I vividly remember that evening.
It is almost impossible.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
“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.”
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This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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And..
And entered the park.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
The batch sizes were huge!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Worked for a marketing agency
I was alone in Delhi back then
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.
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.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Dropped them
Keep your ego aside.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Anyway!
All the best!
I looked around me
I was constantly staring into the ground
Cleared multiple of them
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Found an empty bench..
.
“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.”
Searched for my roll number.
“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).”
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).
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
And, I had not made it.