Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 17:30
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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).
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Best Pokémon to Vote for in August 2025 Community Day (PvP Analysis) - Pokémon GO Hub
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Searched for my roll number.
American Airlines plane diverted because it was too big to land at airport - WKRC
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I looked around me
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
.
I did not go back to my home.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
To Break a Bad Habit and Create a New One, Neuroscience Says Just Make One Simple Change - Inc.com
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
But, then it hit me hard.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And entered the park.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Mission Control: Eye of the Storm - NASA (.gov)
“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 joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Why is there no evidence of a multiverse theory?
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Keep your ego aside.
Worked for a marketing agency
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.
"Gasping": Scientists Make Breakthrough Toward Full Cure for HIV - futurism.com
I vividly remember that evening.
.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
‘Uber for Getting Off Antidepressants’ Launches in the US - WIRED
Your credentials do not matter!
It is almost impossible.
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..
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
The batch sizes were huge!
“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 had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Found an empty bench..
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And, I had not made it.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Dropped them
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
“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.”
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.
Cleared multiple of them
All the best!
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Anyway!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
All achievers in their own way.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.