Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 02:22

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