Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 05:52
“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).”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Is it helpful to justify the reason for a breakup when ending a relationship?
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.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I was alone in Delhi back then
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After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I did not go back to my home.
Worked for a marketing agency
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I vividly remember that evening.
Anyway!
Found an empty bench..
I was constantly staring into the ground
“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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
But, then it hit me hard.
“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.”
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Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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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.
I looked around me
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Cleared multiple of them
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
How can someone living alone in their own apartment reduce the cost of their electric bills?
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
“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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Your credentials do not matter!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
.
And..
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Dropped them
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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).
Keep your ego aside.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
The batch sizes were huge!
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…
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
It is almost impossible.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And, I had not made it.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And entered the park.
All the best!
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Searched for my roll number.
All achievers in their own way.
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.