Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 24.06.2025 10:04

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