Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 07:07
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And entered the park.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
We Asked 3 Chefs the Secret to the Best Potato Salad—They All Said the Same Thing - EatingWell
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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Worked for a marketing agency
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Anyway!
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Found an empty bench..
“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.”
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…
The Cause of Alzheimer's Might Be Coming From Within Your Mouth - ScienceAlert
I did not go back to my home.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
The batch sizes were huge!
Mario Kart World Is Not An Open-World Game, Nintendo Says - GameSpot
And..
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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.
It is almost impossible.
How does Arab culture and values differ from western culture and values?
I vividly remember that evening.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Scientists Beamed Light Right Through a Man's Head For The First Time - ScienceAlert
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I looked around me
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
.
Searched for my roll number.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
All achievers in their own way.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“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.”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, I had not made it.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Your credentials do not matter!
Dropped them
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Keep your ego aside.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
“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).”
Cleared multiple of them
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
But, then it hit me hard.
All the best!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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.
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).
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.