Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 01:52

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