Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 07:26
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
“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 was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
The batch sizes were huge!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
But, then it hit me hard.
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Searched for my roll number.
I was alone in Delhi back then
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I vividly remember that evening.
All achievers in their own way.
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Anyway!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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).
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Your credentials do not matter!
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Found an empty bench..
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
.
“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..
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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.
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.
I looked around me
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And entered the park.
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Cleared multiple of them
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
And, I had not made it.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I did not go back to my home.
All the best!
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
It is almost impossible.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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“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 was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Dropped them
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Keep your ego aside.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.