Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 11:36
All achievers in their own way.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And, I had not made it.
All the best!
What was your best unexpected reunion with your childhood best friend?
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
The batch sizes were huge!
Your credentials do not matter!
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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 joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And..
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In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Searched for my roll number.
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.
Worked for a marketing agency
Anyway!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Found an empty bench..
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
How can I showcase AI usage, like OpenAI or Claude AI, in my job application process?
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I did not go back to my home.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And entered the park.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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…
Keep your ego aside.
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Cleared multiple of them
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
But, then it hit me hard.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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.
“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.”
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
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
It is almost impossible.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I looked around me
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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.”
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I was constantly staring into the ground
.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I was alone in Delhi back then
“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).”
Dropped them
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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I vividly remember that evening.