Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 16:55
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Your credentials do not matter!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“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.”
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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.
.
But, then it hit me hard.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I looked around me
Anyway!
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And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I did not go back to my home.
And..
“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 was alone in Delhi back then
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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
All the best!
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
.
Found an empty bench..
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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Searched for my roll number.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Cleared multiple of them
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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It is almost impossible.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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…
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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.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
“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.”
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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.
All achievers in their own way.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Keep your ego aside.
The batch sizes were huge!
And entered the park.
And, I had not made it.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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).
Dropped them
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Worked for a marketing agency
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I vividly remember that evening.