Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 15:38
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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And..
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.
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
But, then it hit me hard.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
All the best!
The batch sizes were huge!
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Your credentials do not matter!
“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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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…
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Keep your ego aside.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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?
And, I had not made it.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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I was alone in Delhi back then
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Found an empty bench..
I was constantly staring into the ground
Worked for a marketing agency
Searched for my roll number.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
It is almost impossible.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I did not go back to my home.
“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 exam has its own way of humbling you.
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.
I vividly remember that evening.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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).
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I looked around me
Cleared multiple of them
“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.”
All achievers in their own way.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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Anyway!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Dropped them
And entered the park.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.