Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 22.06.2025 06:03

The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
“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, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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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The batch sizes were huge!
Worked for a marketing agency
Cleared multiple of them
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Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I was constantly staring into the ground
“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.”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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 did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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All achievers in their own way.
Found an empty bench..
It is almost impossible.
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If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And entered the park.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Anyway!
But, then it hit me hard.
Why is my stomach getting so big from taking testosterone cypionate 31 to 34 in 2 months?
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I was alone in Delhi back then
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And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
All the best!
I did not go back to my home.
I looked around me
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Keep your ego aside.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And..
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Searched for my roll number.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Your credentials do not matter!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Dropped them
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I vividly remember that evening.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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…
It lasted approximately 10 months.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“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).”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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.
And, I had not made it.
.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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.