Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 23:48
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
The batch sizes were huge!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
What is the difference between the Bible and the Qur'an?
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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.
Have you ever witnessed a remote beach show where hundreds of turtles crawling to the water?
Anyway!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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…
Snap plans to sell lightweight, consumer AR glasses in 2026 - TechCrunch
I was constantly staring into the ground
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Filmmakers/Actors Vote On 21st Century Films - Dark Horizons
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Triassic reptiles took 10,000 mile trips through 'hellish' conditions, study suggests - Phys.org
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Keep your ego aside.
I vividly remember that evening.
Utah’s quiet measles case: what happened and why officials stayed silent - KSLTV.com
Found an empty bench..
I did not go back to my home.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
But, then it hit me hard.
And, I had not made it.
Which is the safest protein powder in India for use?
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Dropped them
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Could You Live Without a Computer? I Can. - The Free Press
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Cleared multiple of them
Bank of America predicts major housing market changes are coming soon - TheStreet
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
“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.”
Colorado has now recorded 10 measles cases this year as airport outbreak grows - GazetteXtra
And entered the park.
And..
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Why do you think they're treating Diddy worse than Tate? Is it because of racism?
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Your credentials do not matter!
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I looked around me
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).
Searched for my roll number.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
All achievers in their own way.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
“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.”
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 was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
All the best!
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Worked for a marketing agency
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
It is almost impossible.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over 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).”
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.