Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 00:29

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