Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 00:16
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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.
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And, I had not made it.
“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.
.
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.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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But, then it hit me hard.
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 was constantly staring into the ground
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I looked around me
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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Searched for my roll number.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
.
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Cleared multiple of them
All the best!
It is almost impossible.
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Keep your ego aside.
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Found an empty bench..
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Anyway!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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.
“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 was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route 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).
All achievers in their own way.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
“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 was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And..
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
And entered the park.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Dropped them
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I vividly remember that evening.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I did not go back to my home.
The batch sizes were huge!
Your credentials do not matter!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!