Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 07:25

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.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Your credentials do not matter!
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Doloremque harum est natus ipsum quasi at atque quam.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Dropped them
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Newspaper headlines: Britain 'battle ready' and 'new Maddie search' - BBC
Worked for a marketing agency
Keep your ego aside.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Trump’s budget puts Huntsville-made spacecraft on the chopping block - AL.com
The batch sizes were huge!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I did not go back to my home.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Lighter than normal WWDC expected without significant Apple Intelligence uprgrades - AppleInsider
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I was alone in Delhi back then
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Fantasy Baseball SP Roundup 6/15: The Long Awaited Brayan K.O. - Pitcher List
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.
I looked around me
With record crowd watching, Sky get blown out by Fever in first WNBA game at United Center - AP News
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
And..
“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).”
Anyway!
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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…
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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.
It is almost impossible.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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).
Cleared multiple of them
I was constantly staring into the ground
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, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And entered the park.
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 said, “Yes! I believe so.”
But, then it hit me hard.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
All achievers in their own way.
Found an empty bench..
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
All the best!
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
“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, 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.”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
.
Searched for my roll number.
I vividly remember that evening.