Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 03:00
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Jared Isaacman’s Plans For NASA - NASA Watch
Dropped them
And, I had not made it.
.
And..
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Cynthia Erivo Stuns in a Sculptural Beaded Corset at the Tony Awards 2025 - instyle.com
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
FCC threat to revoke EchoStar spectrum licenses draws widespread backlash - Ars Technica
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Worked for a marketing agency
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Do empaths fall easier for abusive people?
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
How many downloads does an iOS app need to get into the top charts in education?
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I looked around me
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
“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.”
Jack Betts, ‘Spider-Man’ Actor and Spaghetti Western Veteran, Dies at 96 - Variety
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I vividly remember that evening.
“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.”
Veteran investor makes surprising Fed rate call after jobs report - TheStreet
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.
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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Found an empty bench..
Trump’s tax bill could raise taxes on foreign companies, hurting investment from abroad - AP News
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I was constantly staring into the ground
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
United States roster at 2026 Olympics will differ from 4 Nations Face-Off, GM says - NHL.com
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Your credentials do not matter!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Uh-Oh! Switch 2's New GameChat Feature Is Transcribing Bad Words - Nintendo Life
I did not go back to my home.
And entered the park.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Keep your ego aside.
“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 write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Searched for my roll number.
It is almost impossible.
Cleared multiple of them
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 was alone in Delhi back then
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
The batch sizes were huge!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
.
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).
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
All achievers in their own way.
All the best!
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Anyway!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams