Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 10:46

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