Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 22.06.2025 10:07
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).
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.
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Your credentials do not matter!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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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…
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I looked around me
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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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 parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
But, then it hit me hard.
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.
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And, I had not made it.
I was alone in Delhi back then
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And..
Worked for a marketing agency
It lasted approximately 10 months.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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Keep your ego aside.
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 was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
“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.”
Cleared multiple of them
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“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
.
It is almost impossible.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I vividly remember that evening.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Searched for my roll number.
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 did not go back to my home.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Dropped them
Anyway!
And entered the park.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
All the best!
All achievers in their own way.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I was constantly staring into the ground
“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).”
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Found an empty bench..
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.