Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 00:56

I looked around me
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).
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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 is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
It’s true, cutting calories will make you depressed - The Times
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Astronomers discover baby planets taking their 1st steps in nearby stellar nursery (images) - Space
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
All the best!
Anyway!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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.
I was alone in Delhi back then
How can we understand the mind of a Trump supporter?
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And, I had not made it.
And entered the park.
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“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
All achievers in their own way.
Searched for my roll number.
“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).”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I vividly remember that evening.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Found an empty bench..
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Keep your ego aside.
“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.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I did not go back to my home.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And..
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Dropped them
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Worked for a marketing agency
Cleared multiple of them
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
The batch sizes were huge!
.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Your credentials do not matter!
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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.
But, then it hit me hard.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
“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.”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
It is almost impossible.