Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 00:55
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.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
What do you remember that 95% of us have forgotten?
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Are there any real-life examples of prisoners who escaped from hospitals and were never caught?
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
“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.”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
What is one small habit that has transformed your life in unexpected ways?
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
All the best!
.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Worked for a marketing agency
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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…
Keep your ego aside.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And..
Your credentials do not matter!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Why do people still think Michael Jackson was guilty?
I vividly remember that evening.
But, then it hit me hard.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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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.
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.
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“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.”
I did not go back to my home.
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).
Anyway!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Cleared multiple of them
It is almost impossible.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And entered the park.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I was alone in Delhi back then
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
All achievers in their own way.
Searched for my roll number.
Found an empty bench..
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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.
The batch sizes were huge!
And, I had not made it.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I looked around me
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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).”
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Dropped them