Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 02:58

I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
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.
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.”
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).
All achievers in their own way.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Anyway!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Worked for a marketing agency
And..
How can I get a girlfriend? I am 26.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Why did the American's mulberry harbor not hold up after D-Day?
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Can you write a short story with a twist ending?
But, then it hit me hard.
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.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I looked around me
It is almost impossible.
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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.
I did not go back to my home.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“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 was alone in Delhi back then
I vividly remember that evening.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“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).”
Found an empty bench..
Your credentials do not matter!
Searched for my roll number.
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…
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I was constantly staring into the ground
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And, I had not made it.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Cleared multiple of them
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And entered the park.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
The batch sizes were huge!
.
Keep your ego aside.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
All the best!
Dropped them
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.