Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 01:03
It is almost impossible.
“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).”
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
How has your life changed since starting college?
.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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Keep your ego aside.
Your credentials do not matter!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
If you received hand-me-downs as a child, how did they make you feel?
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
But, then it hit me hard.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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).
Worked for a marketing agency
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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…
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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The batch sizes were huge!
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I looked around me
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And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Dropped them
Cleared multiple of them
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And entered the park.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Searched for my roll number.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
“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.”
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.
And..
Anyway!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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?
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
All the best!
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
“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.”
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.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I did not go back to my home.
All achievers in their own way.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Found an empty bench..
And, I had not made it.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I was alone in Delhi back then
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I vividly remember that evening.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”