Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 01:00
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And..
The batch sizes were huge!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Cleared multiple of them
Apple is on defense at WWDC 2025 - The Verge
And, I had not made it.
But, then it hit me hard.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
HSBC’s Mark Tucker to return to insurer AIA as chair - Financial Times
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Worked for a marketing agency
“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.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I was constantly staring into the ground
It lasted approximately 10 months.
How Dragonfly will support the search for life on an uninhabitable world - NASASpaceFlight.com -
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…
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
What made you feel disgusted today?
And entered the park.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
“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).”
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Scientists Discover Mysterious Human Lineage with No Descendants - The Daily Galaxy
Keep your ego aside.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
.
I vividly remember that evening.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I did not go back to my home.
All the best!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Reddit sports communities central to new AI lawsuit - Awful Announcing
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I looked around me
I was alone in Delhi back then
6 "Bad" Fruits You Should Be Eating for Weight Loss, According to Dietitians - EatingWell
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
“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.”
Neanderthals Spread Across Asia With Surprising Speed—and Now We Know How - Gizmodo
Your credentials do not matter!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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 had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Anyway!
Dropped them
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.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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.
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).
All achievers in their own way.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Found an empty bench..
Searched for my roll number.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
It is almost impossible.