Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 16:42

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