Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 08:56

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