Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 02:22
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
“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).”
“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.”
Dropped them
I vividly remember that evening.
But, then it hit me hard.
I was alone in Delhi back then
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
All the best!
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And..
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Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
All achievers in their own way.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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Anyway!
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Worked for a marketing agency
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Cleared multiple of them
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Keep your ego aside.
Found an empty bench..
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The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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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.
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…
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 was constantly staring into the ground
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And, I had not made it.
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I did not go back to my home.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Your credentials do not matter!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Searched for my roll number.
“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.”
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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 cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I looked around me
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
And entered the park.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
It is almost impossible.
The batch sizes were huge!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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).