Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 06:34
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I was alone in Delhi back then
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
It is almost impossible.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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.”
But, then it hit me hard.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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).
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Found an empty bench..
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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“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.”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I did not go back to my home.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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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.
All achievers in their own way.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Cleared multiple of them
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
The batch sizes were huge!
Worked for a marketing agency
Searched for my roll number.
All the best!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Anyway!
“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 vividly remember that evening.
And, I had not made it.
Dropped them
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
.
Keep your ego aside.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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…
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And..
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And entered the park.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Your credentials do not matter!
I looked around me