Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 17:09

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