Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 22.06.2025 01:29
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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 write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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Worked for a marketing agency
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I looked around me
It is almost impossible.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I was constantly staring into the ground
All achievers in their own way.
What emerging digital marketing tools should marketers watch?
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…
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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).
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I did not go back to my home.
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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?”
What do you do when you are struggling to fall asleep?
The batch sizes were huge!
Cleared multiple of them
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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And entered the park.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I vividly remember that evening.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
But, then it hit me hard.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Anyway!
Keep your ego aside.
“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.”
“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.”
And..
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.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
.
Dropped them
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.
Searched for my roll number.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
All the best!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
“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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
“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.
Your credentials do not matter!
And, I had not made it.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Found an empty bench..