Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 25.06.2025 01:40

I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I vividly remember that evening.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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.
Keep your ego aside.
And, I had not made it.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I did not go back to my home.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
How do I make an instrumental version of a Hindi song?
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
How do I deal with my annoying little kids?
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Worked for a marketing agency
Is it safe to take a hot shower after being exposed to extremely low temperatures?
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
All achievers in their own way.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Your credentials do not matter!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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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.
“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.”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
It is almost impossible.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I looked around me
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And..
.
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Found an empty bench..
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“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 hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“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.”
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But, then it hit me hard.
Dropped them
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I was constantly staring into the ground
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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…
All the best!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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).
Cleared multiple of them
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Searched for my roll number.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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.
Anyway!
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
The batch sizes were huge!
I was alone in Delhi back then
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.
And entered the park.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.