Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 02:20

This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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.
“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).”
Keep your ego aside.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I did not go back to my home.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I looked around me
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Anyway!
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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“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.”
It is almost impossible.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Why is it so hard to date nowadays?
But, then it hit me hard.
And entered the park.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Has Pope Francis signed a document that gay men can now become priests?
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Your credentials do not matter!
.
All achievers in their own way.
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All the best!
Dropped them
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Have you ever been physically attacked by a demon?
Cleared multiple of them
Searched for my roll number.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
How do I cope with the fact that I will never have a girlfriend?
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Found an empty bench..
And, I had not made it.
The batch sizes were huge!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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 joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
“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.”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I was constantly staring into the ground
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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).
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Worked for a marketing agency
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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..