Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 11:05
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And, I had not made it.
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And entered the park.
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.
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…
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Searched for my roll number.
All achievers in their own way.
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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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I looked around me
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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).
“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.”
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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All the best!
And..
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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The batch sizes were huge!
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Dropped them
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
But, then it hit me hard.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Cleared multiple of them
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Your credentials do not matter!
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I did not go back to my home.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I vividly remember that evening.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Found an empty bench..
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
It is almost impossible.
Worked for a marketing agency
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.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I was alone in Delhi back then
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Anyway!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“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.”
“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).”
Keep your ego aside.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I was constantly staring into the ground
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.