Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 16:25
I did not go back to my home.
And entered the park.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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And, I had not made it.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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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.”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“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.”
At what point did you realize it was the right time to leave your job?
I was alone in Delhi back then
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I vividly remember that evening.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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 its own way of humbling you.
I was constantly staring into the ground
It lasted approximately 10 months.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Searched for my roll number.
Dropped them
Your credentials do not matter!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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.
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).
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
It is almost impossible.
Worked for a marketing agency
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Anyway!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Keep your ego aside.
Found an empty bench..
I looked around me
All the best!
“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).”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And..
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Cleared multiple of them
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
But, then it hit me hard.
.
All achievers in their own way.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
The batch sizes were huge!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..