Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 06:45
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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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.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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).
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Cleared multiple of them
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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All achievers in their own way.
Anyway!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I did not go back to my home.
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In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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.
Keep your ego aside.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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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.
And..
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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And entered the park.
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
I was alone in Delhi back then
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Your credentials do not matter!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I vividly remember that evening.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
“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.”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
All the best!
Searched for my roll number.
I looked around me
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
But, then it hit me hard.
Dropped them
“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.”
“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).”
It is almost impossible.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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…
Found an empty bench..
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.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And, I had not made it.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
The batch sizes were huge!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -