Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 05:38
“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.”
And, I had not made it.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Found an empty bench..
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And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And..
How can I get thousands of likes on TikTok?
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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Worked for a marketing agency
Searched for my roll number.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Can AI replace a product manager?
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
It is almost impossible.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I did not go back to my home.
Dropped them
I was constantly staring into the ground
Why does it itch on my vulva, uterus, and sides of my vagina, but it doesn't itch inside the vagina?
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Cleared multiple of them
.
Culpa maxime qui ut ut aut in.
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.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
The batch sizes were huge!
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
.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And entered the park.
I was alone in Delhi back then
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
All achievers in their own way.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Keep your ego aside.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Anyway!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I vividly remember that evening.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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 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.”
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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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…
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I looked around me
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
“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).”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
But, then it hit me hard.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
All the best!
Your credentials do not matter!
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.