Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 04:04

In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
“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.”
It is almost impossible.
All the best!
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.
“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.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Found an empty bench..
Repellat quod recusandae rerum adipisci deleniti.
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…
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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).
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
What is the Rejuran skin booster for?
.
Cleared multiple of them
“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).”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Worked for a marketing agency
F1 reveals 2026 calendar as Madrid replaces Imola - Motorsport.com
All achievers in their own way.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I was constantly staring into the ground
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Searched for my roll number.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
The batch sizes were huge!
And entered the park.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I looked around me
And..
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Dropped them
And, I had not made it.
I vividly remember that evening.
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.
Your credentials do not matter!
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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.
Anyway!
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
But, then it hit me hard.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I did not go back to my home.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Keep your ego aside.