Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 04:22

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