Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 02:09
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I looked around me
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
“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 was alone in Delhi back then
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
All the best!
What can help me fall asleep at night?
Anyway!
Cleared multiple of them
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
What goes into writing a great movie script?
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…
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I did not go back to my home.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
“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 joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
All achievers in their own way.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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And entered the park.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Why should the law care about what I do behind closed doors?
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.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
“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.”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Searched for my roll number.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
And..
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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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.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
The batch sizes were huge!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
“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).”
Found an empty bench..
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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 was constantly staring into the ground
Dropped them
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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 was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
It is almost impossible.
I vividly remember that evening.
Your credentials do not matter!
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Keep your ego aside.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
But, then it hit me hard.