Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 05:42
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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.
Found an empty bench..
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And, I had not made it.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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 joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Your credentials do not matter!
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I was constantly staring into the ground
Worked for a marketing agency
I did not go back to my home.
“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).”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
“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.”
Dropped them
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
But, then it hit me hard.
It is almost impossible.
What are the most significant instances of romantic jealousy in the Harry Potter series?
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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).
And..
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Searched for my roll number.
How good do you sing and how do you know this?
Anyway!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
All the best!
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The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
“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.”
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…
Keep your ego aside.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I vividly remember that evening.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
The batch sizes were huge!
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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 crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Cleared multiple of them
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
All achievers in their own way.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I was alone in Delhi back then
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I looked around me
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And entered the park.