Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 19:25
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.
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I was alone in Delhi back then
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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
All achievers in their own way.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
It is almost impossible.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on 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…
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I looked around me
I was constantly staring into the ground
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Anyway!
But, then it hit me hard.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I vividly remember that evening.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Why would a spouse cheat if the marriage is good?
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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Worked for a marketing agency
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Keep your ego aside.
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Dropped them
Searched for my roll number.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And entered the park.
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And, I had not made it.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Found an empty bench..
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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Your credentials do not matter!
Cleared multiple of them
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 did not go back to my home.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
“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 did not move for the next 30 minutes..
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“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.”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And..
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
All the best!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
The batch sizes were huge!
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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).
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.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
“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.”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.