Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 01:06
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Keep your ego aside.
Vel expedita omnis impedit modi earum itaque ut.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Worked for a marketing agency
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Should I become an interior designer or not in today's world?
Dropped them
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
But, then it hit me hard.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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The batch sizes were huge!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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 was alone in Delhi back then
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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 said, “Yes! I believe so.”
It is almost impossible.
“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.”
And, I had not made it.
“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).”
Your credentials do not matter!
Who has experienced what they called a happy accident (bestiality)?
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 entered the park.
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In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And..
Cleared multiple of them
All the best!
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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…
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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.
All achievers in their own way.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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.”
I looked around me
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I did not go back to my home.
Searched for my roll number.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Found an empty bench..
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.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Anyway!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I vividly remember that evening.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.