Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 22.06.2025 05:16
All achievers in their own way.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I did not go back to my home.
Your credentials do not matter!
“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.”
Oilers-Panthers tale of the tape: Who has the edge in Cup Final rematch? - theScore.com
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I vividly remember that evening.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
How do I cut off friends that don't contribute to my life?
And, I had not made it.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
.
What was your best revenge story?
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
But, then it hit me hard.
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).
The Case for Andrew Vaughn - Brew Crew Ball
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Frigid Exoplanet in Strange Orbit Imaged by NASA’s Webb - NASA Science (.gov)
.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“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).”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Cleared multiple of them
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Found an empty bench..
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Worked for a marketing agency
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And entered the park.
I looked around me
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.
Anyway!
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…
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Keep your ego aside.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Google’s NotebookLM now lets you share your notebook — and AI podcasts — publicly - The Verge
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.
“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, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
The batch sizes were huge!
Dropped them
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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.
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 was constantly staring into the ground
Searched for my roll number.
And..
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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.
I was alone in Delhi back then
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
It is almost impossible.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
All the best!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.