Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 02:59
“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.”
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…
And, I had not made it.
But, then it hit me hard.
Dropped them
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I was alone in Delhi back then
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I did not go back to my home.
I looked around me
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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.
How did you get to be a leftist?
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
.
It is almost impossible.
Do you realize people believe that story about Taylor Swift? Do you not say it is satire?
All the best!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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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.
Your credentials do not matter!
I was constantly staring into the ground
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The batch sizes were huge!
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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 joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Anyway!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“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 vividly remember that evening.
Worked for a marketing agency
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And..
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Cleared multiple of them
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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).
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And entered the park.
Found an empty bench..
Keep your ego aside.
All achievers in their own way.
“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 had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Searched for my roll number.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.