Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 00:53
I did not go back to my home.
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.
“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 parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Your credentials do not matter!
Anyway!
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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…
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Cleared multiple of them
Are there many people here who suffer from schizophrenia?
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.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
All the best!
“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.”
And entered the park.
Keep your ego aside.
The batch sizes were huge!
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Wall Street CEOs are cycling through the five stages of tariff grief - NPR
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Dropped them
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
How to draft a will to avoid becoming an AI ghost—it’s not easy - Ars Technica
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I vividly remember that evening.
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).
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
But, then it hit me hard.
Accidental discovery at New York planetarium unlocks secret into universe’s inner workings - PBS
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
It is almost impossible.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
And, I had not made it.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
“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.”
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I was alone in Delhi back then
.
.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I was constantly staring into the ground
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 move for the next 30 minutes..
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And..
Worked for a marketing agency
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I looked around me
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
All achievers in their own way.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Found an empty bench..
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.