Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 06:27
Worked for a marketing agency
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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).
Blue Origin boss: Government should forget launch and focus on “exotic” missions - Ars Technica
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And..
I looked around me
The batch sizes were huge!
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Advice for trying GLP-1 drugs for weight loss from a doctor who's been there - NPR
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.
And, I had not made it.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I was alone in Delhi back then
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
What are some mind-blowing facts that sound unreal but are actually true?
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
“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.”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Can bosses get fired for being too hard on employees?
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I did not go back to my home.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Tensions rise as Patrick slams Abbott’s veto of THC ban: ‘Legalizes marijuana in Texas’ - KHOU
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
.
Your credentials do not matter!
Instagram will finally let you rearrange your grid - TechCrunch
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Brad Pitt and Tim Cook surprise fans at Apple Fifth Avenue ahead of ‘F1 The Movie’ release - 9to5Mac
And entered the park.
I was constantly staring into the ground
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
“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.”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
But, then it hit me hard.
Anyway!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Dropped them
Found an empty bench..
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
All achievers in their own way.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Keep your ego aside.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
.
“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).”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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…
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
It is almost impossible.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
All the best!
Cleared multiple of them
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Searched for my roll number.
I vividly remember that evening.