Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 07:16

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