Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 23:49
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
How is ChatGPT different from Claude AI or Bard?
The batch sizes were huge!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
“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.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
“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).”
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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, then it hit me hard.
All the best!
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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Cleared multiple of them
And..
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Keep your ego aside.
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In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
If you believe in God, do you think God can save you from cancer?
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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And entered the park.
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…
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I was alone in Delhi back then
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
“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.”
Anyway!
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.
.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Searched for my roll number.
And, I had not made it.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I looked around me
All achievers in their own way.
I vividly remember that evening.
Found an empty bench..
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
It is almost impossible.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Dropped them
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I did not go back to my home.
.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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.
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).
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.
Your credentials do not matter!
Worked for a marketing agency
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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.