Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 03:05
“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 hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And..
Is there an MBTI personality that is more or less likely to handle stress?
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.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Keep your ego aside.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
How will ADHD stimulants affect a teenager?
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
While emptying a house, have you ever seen something in it that blew your mind?
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
Anyway!
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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Cleared multiple of them
I vividly remember that evening.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
.
I did not go back to my home.
I looked around me
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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…
All achievers in their own way.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
The batch sizes were huge!
All the best!
It is almost impossible.
Worked for a marketing agency
Dropped them
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Your credentials do not matter!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Found an empty bench..
“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.”
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.
.
But, then it hit me hard.
And, I had not made it.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
“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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And entered the park.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams