Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 15:57
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
The batch sizes were huge!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Your credentials do not matter!
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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.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I was constantly staring into the ground
And entered the park.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I looked around me
Are rich people harder workers than poor people as a whole?
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And, I had not made it.
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I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Cleared multiple of them
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
What thing happened to you as a child that you haven’t let go of to this day?
“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.”
All the best!
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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It is almost impossible.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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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).
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.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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Dropped them
Searched for my roll number.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Why do some films seem to date/age so badly?
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I vividly remember that evening.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I was alone in Delhi back then
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Found an empty bench..
And..
I did not go back to my home.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
“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…
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
But, then it hit me hard.
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.
.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Anyway!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Worked for a marketing agency
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Keep your ego aside.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“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).”
All achievers in their own way.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -