Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 03:00
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Keep your ego aside.
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I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
What are the ten cars that make me no longer feel inferior?
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Your credentials do not matter!
“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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Worked for a marketing agency
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Searched for my roll number.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
All achievers in their own way.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And entered the park.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Can a cop pull you over walking home asking why you are out so late?
Found an empty bench..
I did not go back to my home.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And..
Dropped them
.
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But, then it hit me hard.
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 vividly remember that evening.
I was alone in Delhi back then
“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, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I looked around me
It is almost impossible.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
“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.”
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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 had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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…
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
All the best!
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Anyway!
“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.”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Cleared multiple of them
The batch sizes were huge!
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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).
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
And, I had not made it.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.