Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 10:13

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