Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 00:16
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Does pressing a girls boobs hurt?
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
The batch sizes were huge!
Scientists Identify Hidden Rule That Shapes All Life on Earth - SciTechDaily
.
All the best!
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“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.”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
It is almost impossible.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I vividly remember that evening.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
ESA studying impacts of proposed NASA budget cuts - SpaceNews
.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Cleared multiple of them
All returning athletes in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 revealed - ESPN
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Anyway!
Searched for my roll number.
Climate change is boosting the risk of sleep apnea - NPR
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
How do military families balance personal political views with respect for civilian leadership?
But, then it hit me hard.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Massive iron reserve worth trillions discovered could reshape the global economy - Glass Almanac
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I looked around me
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
“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.
I did not go back to my home.
And..
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Found an empty bench..
Keep your ego aside.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Dropped them
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
“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.”
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I was constantly staring into the ground
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I was alone in Delhi back then
All achievers in their own way.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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).
Worked for a marketing agency
Your credentials do not matter!
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.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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 said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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…
It lasted approximately 10 months.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And, I had not made it.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!