Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 11:43
“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 alone in Delhi back then
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And..
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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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, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“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.”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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But, then it hit me hard.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Worked for a marketing agency
Is the saying "nice guys finish last" true? Can good intentions always lead to positive outcomes?
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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.
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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.
And, I had not made it.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Cleared multiple of them
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…
Anyway!
Dropped them
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And entered the park.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Your credentials do not matter!
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The batch sizes were huge!
It is almost impossible.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I did not go back to my home.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
All the best!
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.”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Found an empty bench..
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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Keep your ego aside.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Searched for my roll number.
.
I vividly remember that evening.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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 crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I was constantly staring into the ground
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I looked around me
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)