Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 09:14

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