Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 01:17
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
How did you get to be a leftist?
Worked for a marketing agency
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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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 remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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All the best!
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And, I had not made it.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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 alone in Delhi back then
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I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Dropped them
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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.
.
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Cleared multiple of them
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I looked around me
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And..
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.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I did not go back to my home.
The batch sizes were huge!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And entered the park.
Searched for my roll number.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Anyway!
“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).”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Keep your ego aside.
All achievers in their own way.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
But, then it hit me hard.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“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.”
It is almost impossible.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Found an empty bench..
I vividly remember that evening.
.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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…
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Your credentials do not matter!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
“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.”