Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 04:09

I was constantly staring into the ground
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Cleared multiple of them
Found an empty bench..
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
Dropped them
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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I did not go back to my home.
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 remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Anyway!
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
.
What is a good habit and what is bad one?
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
What’s something you’ve learned that you think everyone should know, but nobody talks about?
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…
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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).
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
And..
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.
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.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Your credentials do not matter!
I vividly remember that evening.
And entered the park.
And, I had not made it.
Keep your ego aside.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
“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).”
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“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.”
The batch sizes were huge!
It is almost impossible.
All achievers in their own way.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
But, then it hit me hard.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I was alone in Delhi back then
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I looked around me
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
All the best!
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Searched for my roll number.
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.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
“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.”
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Worked for a marketing agency
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams