Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 24.06.2025 05:54
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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 write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Anyway!
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Keep your ego aside.
I looked around me
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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Cleared multiple of them
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I was constantly staring into the ground
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And, I had not made it.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
“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.”
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Searched for my roll number.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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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.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I was alone in Delhi back then
But, then it hit me hard.
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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 vividly remember that evening.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
All achievers in their own way.
Found an empty bench..
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I did not go back to my home.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
And entered the park.
All the best!
It is almost impossible.
Dropped them
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Your credentials do not matter!
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.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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…
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Worked for a marketing agency
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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).
The batch sizes were huge!
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
“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).”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And..