Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 14:49
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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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.
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.
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Anyway!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I looked around me
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
It is possible to remove a voice from a double voice audio so I can hear just the one voice?
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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 was alone in Delhi back then
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
All the best!
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
But, then it hit me hard.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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And entered the park.
.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I vividly remember that evening.
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Keep your ego aside.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Searched for my roll number.
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And..
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…
And, I had not made it.
It is almost impossible.
“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).”
Dropped them
I did not go back to my home.
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..
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I was constantly staring into the ground
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
All achievers in their own way.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Cleared multiple of them
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
The batch sizes were huge!
.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
“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.”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were 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.”
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Your credentials do not matter!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”