Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 06:07
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.
Found an empty bench..
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I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
“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.”
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
“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.”
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).
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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…
Cleared multiple of them
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I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And entered the park.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Your credentials do not matter!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
.
Dropped them
I looked around me
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I was alone in Delhi back then
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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And, I had not made it.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
But, then it hit me hard.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I did not go back to my home.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I vividly remember that evening.
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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.
All achievers in their own way.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
It is almost impossible.
Worked for a marketing agency
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Searched for my roll number.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
The batch sizes were huge!
“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).”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Anyway!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
All the best!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Keep your ego aside.