Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 01:43

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