Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 07:01
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
It is almost impossible.
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Your credentials do not matter!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I did not go back to my home.
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Worked for a marketing agency
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I vividly remember that evening.
“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 crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
And..
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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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.
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…
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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And entered the park.
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.
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.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I was constantly staring into the ground
.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
But, then it hit me hard.
I looked around me
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Searched for my roll number.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Cleared multiple of them
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
All the best!
“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).”
“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 was alone in Delhi back then
.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Keep your ego aside.
And, I had not made it.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
The batch sizes were huge!
All achievers in their own way.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Anyway!
Dropped them
Found an empty bench..
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.