Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 07:04
And entered the park.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Found an empty bench..
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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.
The batch sizes were huge!
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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).
Keep your ego aside.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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.
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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I vividly remember that evening.
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 -
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I did not go back to my home.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Your credentials do not matter!
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And..
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Anyway!
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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I was alone in Delhi back then
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Cleared multiple of them
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
But, then it hit me hard.
I looked around me
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, I had not made it.
.
It is almost impossible.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
“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.”
All achievers in their own way.
.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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.
“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.”
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).”
Worked for a marketing agency
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I was constantly staring into the ground
Searched for my roll number.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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…
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
All the best!
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”