Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 09:15
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
But, then it hit me hard.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I did not go back to my home.
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 remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Week in Review: Meta reveals its Oakley smart glasses - TechCrunch
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
“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.”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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…
What are some effective strategies for getting more upvotes on Quora?
.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Keep your ego aside.
Why paracetamol – one of the world’s most common painkillers – works - The Jerusalem Post
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Can you write a poem or short story based on the first image that shows up on Pinterest?
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Chinese Biotech Showcases Challenger to Eli Lilly’s Obesity Drug - Bloomberg.com
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 looked around me
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
What is the future of AI and which are the best ones in 2025?
“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).”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Found an empty bench..
What are some good romantic novels?
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Searched for my roll number.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Why can’t my wife just accept the fact that I’m going to cheat?
Anyway!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Rocks reveal the turning point when oxygen changed Earth forever - Earth.com
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Cleared multiple of them
GameStop promise replacements after retail staff staples Switch 2 screens - OC3D
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
And..
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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 constantly staring into the ground
Dropped them
.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
The batch sizes were huge!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Worked for a marketing agency
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
It is almost impossible.
“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.”
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And, I had not made it.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I was alone in Delhi back then
All the best!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And entered the park.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
All achievers in their own way.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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 vividly remember that evening.
Your credentials do not matter!
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!