Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 03:03
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If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And..
Keep your ego aside.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And, I had not made it.
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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.
And entered the park.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
What melts your heart every time without fail?
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I looked around me
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I was constantly staring into the ground
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
“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.”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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All the best!
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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I did not go back to my home.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
The batch sizes were huge!
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I vividly remember that evening.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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 remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Searched for my roll number.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Found an empty bench..
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
“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).”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Cleared multiple of them
But, then it hit me hard.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Dropped them
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).
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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.
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 was alone in Delhi back then
“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 achievers in their own way.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Your credentials do not matter!
Anyway!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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?”
It is almost impossible.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.