Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 11:18
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Cleared multiple of them
.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Do Republicans give permission to Democrats to vote for any candidate except for Kamala Harris?
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And..
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).”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
What makes outside showers appealing? Why are they not commonly seen?
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Worked for a marketing agency
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It is almost impossible.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And, I had not made it.
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And entered the park.
“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.”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
In bed, not in music, which is better, a drummer or a bass player?
Searched for my roll number.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
But, then it hit me hard.
US growth likely to slow to 1.6% this year, hobbled by Trump's trade wars, OECD says - ABC News
All the best!
Found an empty bench..
I vividly remember that evening.
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I looked around me
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
The batch sizes were huge!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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).
I was alone in Delhi back then
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…
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Anyway!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
“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.”
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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I did not go back to my home.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
“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?
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
All achievers in their own way.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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.
Keep your ego aside.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Dropped them
I was constantly staring into the ground
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!