Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 04:10
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
.
The batch sizes were huge!
Worked for a marketing agency
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After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Dropped them
All achievers in their own way.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Does the Lil Wayne song ‘Lollipop’ refers to a Lollipop sweet or a metaphor?
I was alone in Delhi back then
Keep your ego aside.
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.
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But, then it hit me hard.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And..
Found an empty bench..
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Searched for my roll number.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Your credentials do not matter!
I did not go back to my home.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
All the best!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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It is almost impossible.
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.
Cleared multiple of them
What would be the lowest score with 9 strikes and no gutter balls?
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
“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).”
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Anyway!
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I looked around me
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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 an element of probability that no one can predict.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And entered the park.
“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, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I vividly remember that evening.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
“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.”
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, I had not made it.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)