Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 00:29
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Worked for a marketing agency
Cleared multiple of them
What is the best AI ChatGPT or Copilot, Cursor, Grok?
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I was constantly staring into the ground
Eight Centers Lions Could Sign to Replace Frank Ragnow - Sports Illustrated
Anyway!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Why do people think Justin Bieber is worse than Joseph Stalin?
.
And..
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Nvidia Stock Gains. What’s Driving the Chip Maker. - Barron's
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“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).”
Keep your ego aside.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Worm DNA is changing how we understand evolution - Earth.com
“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.”
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Ireland added to list of countries monitored by the U.S. for currency manipulation - Fortune
I did not go back to my home.
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…
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
When British people write X after everything, are they being serious or trying not to be awkward?
“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.”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
It lasted approximately 10 months.
What is the sum of X+XX+XXX+XXXX?
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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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).
iOS 26 beta 2 adds brand new iPhone ringtone, listen here - 9to5Mac
I looked around me
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Dropped them
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I vividly remember that evening.
.
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 is almost impossible.
Found an empty bench..
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
But, then it hit me hard.
I was alone in Delhi back then
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.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Your credentials do not matter!
All the best!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Searched for my roll number.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
The batch sizes were huge!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And entered the park.
All achievers in their own way.
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.
And, I had not made it.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..