Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 00:07
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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).
The batch sizes were huge!
I was alone in Delhi back then
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
“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.”
Is sunscreen toxic? The UV truthers on the internet sure think so. - The Boston Globe
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Worked for a marketing agency
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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?”
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Why do liberals refuse to define what a woman is and what does that mean for the future of feminism?
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…
Found an empty bench..
Dropped them
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
“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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
There’s a hidden rule that all life on Earth must follow, research claims - Boy Genius Report
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Keep your ego aside.
Big brands are staying quiet this Pride Month - CNN
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Night Owls More Impulsive Than Morning Larks - Neuroscience News
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Smell and sight can spot Parkinson’s disease years earlier, study finds - The Brighter Side of News
But, then it hit me hard.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
And entered the park.
All achievers in their own way.
.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Your credentials do not matter!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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 looked around me
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
It is almost impossible.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
All the best!
Anyway!
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Cleared multiple of them
Searched for my roll number.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I vividly remember that evening.
I did not go back to my home.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
And..
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“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.”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I was constantly staring into the ground
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And, I had not made it.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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.
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 was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.