Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 05:59

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