Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 14:52
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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“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..
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I looked around me
I did not go back to my home.
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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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 hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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Cleared multiple of them
“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.”
But, then it hit me hard.
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Searched for my roll number.
I vividly remember that evening.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And entered the park.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Do you know a good lawyer joke?
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
It is almost impossible.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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“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 exam has its own way of humbling you.
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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…
Dropped them
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Anyway!
I was constantly staring into the ground
The batch sizes were huge!
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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.
All achievers in their own way.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
All the best!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
.
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.
Worked for a marketing agency
Found an empty bench..
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And, I had not made it.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Your credentials do not matter!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Keep your ego aside.