Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 19:19

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