Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 01:10
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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Dropped them
“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).”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
The batch sizes were huge!
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
.
And..
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Anyway!
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.
Will you share your wife? Can she take both of us at the same time?
All achievers in their own way.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were 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).
“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.”
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
And entered the park.
Your credentials do not matter!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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…
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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.
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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Keep your ego aside.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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Worked for a marketing agency
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
“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.”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I looked around me
All the best!
Cleared multiple of them
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And, I had not made it.
I vividly remember that evening.
Found an empty bench..
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
It is almost impossible.
But, then it hit me hard.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I did not go back to my home.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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.
Searched for my roll number.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.