Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 03:59

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