Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 07:10
I was constantly staring into the ground
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.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I was alone in Delhi back then
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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
All the best!
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And, I had not made it.
What are some important works of Marcel Proust (novelist)?
Your credentials do not matter!
And..
Keep your ego aside.
Why do most people care so much about what others think? Are they afraid of society norms?
“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).”
Dropped them
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Can you explain the difference between God and atma according to the Bhagavad-Gita?
Found an empty bench..
It is almost impossible.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And entered the park.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
How are Hinduism and Sikhism related, considering they both originated in Punjab, India?
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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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 was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I looked around me
“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.”
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Cleared multiple of them
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Worked for a marketing agency
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I vividly remember that evening.
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…
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
.
“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.”
But, then it hit me hard.
I did not go back to my home.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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.
All achievers in their own way.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
The batch sizes were huge!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Searched for my roll number.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Anyway!