Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 10:38

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