Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 05:05

Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
“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).”
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And..
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In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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.”
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 -
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Worked for a marketing agency
How can I plan a zero-waste vacation without compromising on comfort?
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Anyway!
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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.
All achievers in their own way.
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
But, then it hit me hard.
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.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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I did not go back to my home.
The batch sizes were huge!
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
“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.”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Cleared multiple of them
It lasted approximately 10 months.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Searched for my roll number.
.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I looked around me
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Keep your ego aside.
I vividly remember that evening.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Your credentials do not matter!
I was alone in Delhi back then
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I was constantly staring into the ground
And, I had not made it.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Dropped them
All the best!
It is almost impossible.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Found an empty bench..
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And entered the park.