Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 25.06.2025 04:38
I vividly remember that evening.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Found an empty bench..
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Your credentials do not matter!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I did not go back to my home.
The batch sizes were huge!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
All the best!
But, then it hit me hard.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Cleared multiple of them
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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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…
.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And..
It is almost impossible.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
All achievers in their own way.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And entered the park.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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).
Searched for my roll number.
Keep your ego aside.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I looked around me
And, I had not made it.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
.
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.
“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).”
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.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“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.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Dropped them
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
“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 lasted approximately 10 months.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.