Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 04:13
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I was constantly staring into the ground
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
How the Universe and Its Mirrored Version Are Different - WIRED
And entered the park.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
See how the national debt grew to more than $36 trillion - The Washington Post
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 vividly remember that evening.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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.
.
The Undervalued Medical Power of Muscle - Medscape
“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.”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
What symptoms did you notice before being diagnosed with cancer?
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I looked around me
I did not go back to my home.
China Considers Ordering Hundreds of Airbus Jets in Major Deal - Bloomberg.com
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for 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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And..
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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…
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
It is almost impossible.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Feds poised to approve SpaceX’s takeover of another military launch pad - Ars Technica
And, I had not made it.
Cleared multiple of them
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
.
Worked for a marketing agency
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
All the best!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Keep your ego aside.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Dropped them
I was alone in Delhi back then
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Anyway!
The batch sizes were huge!
Your credentials do not matter!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
“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).”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Searched for my roll number.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Found an empty bench..
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
All achievers in their own way.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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.