Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 25.06.2025 01:50
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Cleared multiple of them
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Why do you think Filipinos are conservatives?
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And..
.
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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 joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Keep your ego aside.
The batch sizes were huge!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
.
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This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Should parents force their kids to go to school when they are sick?
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Searched for my roll number.
I looked around me
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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.
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I vividly remember that evening.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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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“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.”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Found an empty bench..
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
“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 sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Anyway!
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And entered the park.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
But, then it hit me hard.
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All the best!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Your credentials do not matter!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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…
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I was alone in Delhi back then
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
All achievers in their own way.
I did not go back to my home.
It is almost impossible.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And, I had not made it.
Dropped them