Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 25.06.2025 11:45

I did not go back to my home.
Cleared multiple of them
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
But, then it hit me hard.
Whats the rule that makes "please" pronounced the same as "pleas"?
I was constantly staring into the ground
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
All the best!
Is it true that in 2028 there will be a new AIDS variant that will wipe out all the LBGTQ+ people?
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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).
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Is Andrew Tate losing popularity?
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
“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, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
What AI tool can be used to write exactly in the human writing style?
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Keep your ego aside.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
All achievers in their own way.
Anyway!
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Is it true that sleeping with your hair down can cause damage?
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…
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 entered the park.
It is almost impossible.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I was alone in Delhi back then
“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..
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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 vividly remember that evening.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Found an empty bench..
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.
Searched for my roll number.
Worked for a marketing agency
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
“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).”
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Dropped them
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
The batch sizes were huge!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I looked around me
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.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Your credentials do not matter!
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)