Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 10:06
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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).
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
What made you recently say to yourself, “Wait. Really?”
Dropped them
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
But, then it hit me hard.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Windows Snipping Tool now lets you create animated GIF recordings - BleepingComputer
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
And entered the park.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
What is the best eye serum for dark circles?
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
All the best!
How to use Google's AI-powered NotebookLM — 5 tips to get started - Tom's Guide
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
The batch sizes were huge!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Anyway!
Crashed lander looks back at Earth from the moon photo of the day for June 10, 2025 - Space
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Your credentials do not matter!
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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…
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Found an empty bench..
Searched for my roll number.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Keep your ego aside.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I was alone in Delhi back then
And..
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Cleared multiple of them
All achievers in their own way.
.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, I had not made it.
“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 vividly remember that evening.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
It is almost impossible.
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.
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.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“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).”
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.
I did not go back to my home.
I looked around me
.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Worked for a marketing agency
“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.”
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)