Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 25.06.2025 08:21
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I was alone in Delhi back then
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Consectetur assumenda in molestiae debitis accusamus quaerat consectetur.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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).
Scientists find 34-million-year-old snake that changes our understanding of evolution - Earth.com
I looked around me
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I was constantly staring into the ground
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I did not go back to my home.
Keep your ego aside.
Ray Dalio: ‘We should be afraid of the bond market’ - CNN
All achievers in their own way.
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…
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
What motivated you to start reading books in English? What was the first book you read in English?
I vividly remember that evening.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
How to avoid age-related cognitive deterioration - EL PAÍS English
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Anyway!
Found an empty bench..
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
The ‘golden summer of cheap flights’: Now’s the time for last-minute deals - CNN
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
But, then it hit me hard.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Blocking Brain Inflammation Molecule May Halt Alzheimer’s - Neuroscience News
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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.
I want to touch my sister’s boobs. What do I say?
.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Your credentials do not matter!
Target says Philly Pride 365 rejected its sponsorship - Axios
Dropped them
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Here are all the former F1 drivers on the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours Hypercar grid - Motorsport.com
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
All the best!
Cleared multiple of them
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Here's One Reason To Buy A Lucid Air Over A Tesla Or Rivian - InsideEVs
The batch sizes were huge!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
“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.”
.
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.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And entered the park.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And..
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Worked for a marketing agency
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“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.”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
And, I had not made it.
It is almost impossible.
Searched for my roll number.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
“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).”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.