Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 00:29

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