Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 09:08
But, then it hit me hard.
Your credentials do not matter!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And..
Worked for a marketing agency
What was the worst spanking you got growing up?
It is almost impossible.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I was alone in Delhi back then
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 batch sizes were huge!
I was constantly staring into the ground
How often do prisoners try to escape from jail/prison, and how many of them succeed?
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Why does the USA continue to be the driver of the world economy?
“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.”
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.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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All the best!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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Cleared multiple of them
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Anyway!
Keep your ego aside.
“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).”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Searched for my roll number.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Dropped them
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, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And entered the park.
“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.”
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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!
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I did not go back to my home.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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).
Found an empty bench..
I looked around me
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
All achievers in their own way.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I vividly remember that evening.
And, I had not made it.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.