Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 01:44

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