Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 00:15
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
And..
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 was constantly staring into the ground
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).
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.
What is the reason for writing X^2 as XX instead of X*X?
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
And, I had not made it.
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…
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I was alone in Delhi back then
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
All achievers in their own way.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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“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.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
It is almost impossible.
I looked around me
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
.
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
But, then it hit me hard.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I did not go back to my home.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Your credentials do not matter!
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2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And entered the park.
All the best!
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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.”
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Searched for my roll number.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Worked for a marketing agency
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“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 was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Found an empty bench..
Keep your ego aside.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
The batch sizes were huge!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Cleared multiple of them
Dropped them
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I vividly remember that evening.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Anyway!