Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 06:07
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Worked for a marketing agency
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I vividly remember that evening.
Keep your ego aside.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Your credentials do not matter!
“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).”
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.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Alex Cooper Accuses Former Soccer Coach of Sexual Harassment in Call Her Alex - Vulture
But, then it hit me hard.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Starbucks moves to the next phase in its turnaround: Winning over employees - CNBC
And, I had not made it.
.
.
What techniques can be used to sing like Freddie Mercury if one is unable to hit high notes?
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
The batch sizes were huge!
It is almost impossible.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I looked around me
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
The Fog of Trade War Is Causing Confusion About Price Increases - WSJ
And..
A sense of grief and toil had taken over 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…
Jets owner Woody Johnson buying Crystal Palace with $254 million investment - New York Post
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Searched for my roll number.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Dropped them
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
All achievers in their own way.
Cleared multiple of them
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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.”
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I was alone in Delhi back then
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.”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
All the best!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Anyway!
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.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And entered the park.
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 parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.