Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 03:57

Found an empty bench..
All the best!
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Searched for my roll number.
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I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
All achievers in their own way.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And, I had not made it.
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?
I looked around me
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I was alone in Delhi back then
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I was constantly staring into the ground
It is almost impossible.
I vividly remember that evening.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Your credentials do not matter!
What is one thing nice you did for someone today or something they did for you?
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).
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Cleared multiple of them
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
The batch sizes were huge!
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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.
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
“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.
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Keep your ego aside.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I did not go back to my home.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
And entered the park.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Worked for a marketing agency
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“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.”
And..
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
“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.”
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Dropped them
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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…
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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, then it hit me hard.
Anyway!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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