Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 01:42
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And, I had not made it.
Random: Mario Kart World Player 'Breaks' The Game, Takes Flight Over Mario Circuit - Nintendo Life
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Searched for my roll number.
Yvette Cooper yet to agree deal three days before spending review - BBC
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Childhood infections, stress may increase MS risk: Study - Multiple Sclerosis News Today
“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.
Keep your ego aside.
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 did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Dropped them
And entered the park.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I looked around me
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
.
What smell will you never forget?
I vividly remember that evening.
Found an empty bench..
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
“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).”
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 had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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…
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Cleared multiple of them
It is almost impossible.
But, then it hit me hard.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
And..
All the best!
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
“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 parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I did not go back to my home.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Worked for a marketing agency
I was constantly staring into the ground
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Your credentials do not matter!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Anyway!
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.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.