Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 22.06.2025 08:28
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.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And, I had not made it.
Keep your ego aside.
The #1 Herb for Better Gut Health, According to Dietitians - EatingWell
Found an empty bench..
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Fossils show colonies of reptiles lived communally 250 million years ago - Phys.org
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And..
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
How Acetaminophen Silences Pain Before It Reaches the Brain - Neuroscience News
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Cleared multiple of them
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Your credentials do not matter!
Searched for my roll number.
.
New Apple study challenges whether AI models truly “reason” through problems - Ars Technica
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
.
Denver Health sees increase in people getting MMR vaccine - 9News
It is almost impossible.
But, then it hit me hard.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Geothermal Energy Has A New, 163-Gigawatt Message For Fossil Fuels - CleanTechnica
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And entered the park.
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…
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
All the best!
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Dropped them
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
The batch sizes were huge!
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
All achievers in their own way.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I vividly remember that evening.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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 looked around me
“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 crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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.
I did not go back to my home.
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).
“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, 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.”
Anyway!
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Worked for a marketing agency
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I was alone in Delhi back then
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I was constantly staring into the ground