Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 17:37
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
“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.”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I looked around me
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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Cleared multiple of them
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Consequuntur dolor explicabo ipsa autem vel eos et.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
“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).”
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).
Have you ever gone to a porn theater with your wife?
And..
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Worked for a marketing agency
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
“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.”
But, then it hit me hard.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
All the best!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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.
Anyway!
It is almost impossible.
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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Your credentials do not matter!
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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 write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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 did not go back to my home.
The batch sizes were huge!
I was constantly staring into the ground
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Found an empty bench..
Keep your ego aside.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, I had not made it.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And entered the park.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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.
.
Searched for my roll number.
Dropped them
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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…
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I vividly remember that evening.