Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 00:01
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
“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.”
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.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I was alone in Delhi back then
3 Economic Events That Could Affect Your Portfolio This Week, June 16-20, 2025 - TipRanks
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
How does it feel to be in a marriage without any love?
“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.”
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Cleared multiple of them
Why climbing the stairs can be good for your body and brain - BBC
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Your credentials do not matter!
Citi Calls Time on Gold’s Rally Due to Slumping Demand, Fed Cuts - Bloomberg.com
All achievers in their own way.
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 cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Secret leprosy infected the Americas before European arrival - DW
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is facing trial — and these eccentric sketch artists - The Washington Post
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Nvidia, Other Chip Stocks Slide Amid Worries About US-China Trade Tensions - Investopedia
.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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.
All the best!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Found an empty bench..
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Keep your ego aside.
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.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
“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).”
Worked for a marketing agency
And..
.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I vividly remember that evening.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Searched for my roll number.
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…
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And entered the park.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I did not go back to my home.
It is almost impossible.
I looked around me
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Anyway!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Dropped them
The batch sizes were huge!
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, I had not made it.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.