Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 01:45
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I was constantly staring into the ground
The batch sizes were huge!
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“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.”
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“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).”
Are British people in awe when someone from the United States visits their country?
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Your credentials do not matter!
'The Life of Chuck' might leave you brushing away tears — or scratching your head - NPR
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Physicists Propose Cheaper Alternative to Particle Colliders: Supermassive Black Holes - Gizmodo
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.
Cleared multiple of them
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
How might an Indian girl respond to someone saying "I love you"?
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).
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Has anyone tried Deepseek V3? Does it work?
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Justin Bieber talks 'anger issues,' says he's 'broken' in emotional Instagram post - ABC News
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…
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Dropped them
Worked for a marketing agency
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Pariatur et vero magni aperiam nulla.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Searched for my roll number.
Keep your ego aside.
The Universe's Most Powerful Cosmic Rays May Finally Be Explained - ScienceAlert
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I looked around me
ETH, SOL 'very rare' staking ETFs may launch imminently — Analysts - Cointelegraph
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And..
I vividly remember that evening.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
But, then it hit me hard.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Anyway!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And entered the park.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Found an empty bench..
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
“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, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I was alone in Delhi back then
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.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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.”
It is almost impossible.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
All achievers in their own way.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And, I had not made it.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
All the best!
I did not go back to my home.
.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams