Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 21.06.2025 03:36

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