Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 09:30
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
The batch sizes were huge!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
It has been said that people with ADHD can often hyperfocus. Can that be an advantage?
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Anyway!
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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.
“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.”
I did not go back to my home.
All achievers in their own way.
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
All the best!
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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.
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.
But, then it hit me hard.
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And entered the park.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
It is almost impossible.
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This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
What do you do to make yourself sleep early?
“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.”
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I looked around me
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I was constantly staring into the ground
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…
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Found an empty bench..
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And, I had not made it.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And..
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 ..
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
.
Your credentials do not matter!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Worked for a marketing agency
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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.
“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).”
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Dropped them
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Cleared multiple of them
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Keep your ego aside.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I was alone in Delhi back then
I vividly remember that evening.