Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 04:08

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