Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 06:26

A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
All the best!
All achievers in their own way.
What is the best skin care routine product for oily skin?
And entered the park.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Why do most people care so much about what others think? Are they afraid of society norms?
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Worked for a marketing agency
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I looked around me
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
FIFA Club World Cup predictions: Who are tournament favorites? - MLSsoccer.com
Your credentials do not matter!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
But, then it hit me hard.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
‘Gas station heroin’ is technically illegal and widely available. Here are the facts - WANE 15
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).
Anyway!
Searched for my roll number.
How do introverts celebrate their birthday?
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And..
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
“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.”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
It is almost impossible.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
BOJ braces for higher interest rates with provisions boost - Nikkei Asia
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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.
Scientists are experimenting with a completely new approach to combat human aging - Earth.com
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.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I did not go back to my home.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“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 was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Dropped them
The batch sizes were huge!
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Keep your ego aside.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And, I had not made it.
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.
Found an empty bench..
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Cleared multiple of them
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
.
“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).”
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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…
I vividly remember that evening.
.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.