Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 08:36
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Microsoft’s New Windows 11 Start Menu Is Finally Worth Exploring
The batch sizes were huge!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
But, then it hit me hard.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
.
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).
Searched for my roll number.
Controversial Call Leads To Oregon Losing By A Run - University of Oregon Athletics
Found an empty bench..
I did not go back to my home.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
What is every dictators biggest fear?
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Your credentials do not matter!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I vividly remember that evening.
Harvard doctor lists 6 cancer causing foods: What are their alternatives - Times of India
Worked for a marketing agency
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
A Forgotten Cancer Is Surging in Young People, And Experts Are Puzzled - ScienceAlert
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Is it true that all men want a woman who looks like an Instagram “model”?
Keep your ego aside.
It is almost impossible.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Xbox Game Pass adds The Alters today - TrueAchievements
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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 the best!
Anyway!
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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 write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Trump to Axios: Israel's attack could help me make deal with Iran - Axios
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
“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.”
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Kidney health and Restless Legs Syndrome explained: Symptoms, causes, and cure - Times of India
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
All achievers in their own way.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And entered the park.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I looked around me
Dropped them
Cleared multiple of them
“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..
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…
“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).”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I was constantly staring into the ground
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.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And, I had not made it.