Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 00:13
And, I had not made it.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I was constantly staring into the ground
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I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
But, then it hit me hard.
It is almost impossible.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Cleared multiple of them
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The batch sizes were huge!
.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“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.”
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).
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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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…
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.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Dropped them
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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.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Your credentials do not matter!
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.
Found an empty bench..
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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I did not go back to my home.
I looked around me
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Anyway!
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
.
And entered the park.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
“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 vividly remember that evening.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Keep your ego aside.
All the best!
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Worked for a marketing agency
All achievers in their own way.
And..
Searched for my roll number.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
“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.”
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.