Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 09:17

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 joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Anyway!
Worked for a marketing agency
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
“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..
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
ISS Research & Development Conference Cancellation - NASA Watch
It is almost impossible.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Don’t Try Flying With Erewhon Sunflower Seeds - The Cut
I was constantly staring into the ground
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Rents fall in most U.S. metros since 2023 as demand struggles to keep up with supply - Seeking Alpha
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Presidential Message on National Men’s Health Week, 2025 - The White House (.gov)
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…
Found an empty bench..
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Natural Tick Repellent Found—on Donkey Skin - Newser
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
All achievers in their own way.
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.
Boisson Beats Andreeva, Updated French Open Women's Bracket at Roland-Garros - Bleacher Report
All the best!
I was alone in Delhi back then
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Is the 4B movement's aggressiveness against men for seeing women as mantelpieces valid?
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
But, then it hit me hard.
Xiaomi confirms imminent launch of new flagship phones and tablets - Notebookcheck
.
And, I had not made it.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Looks Like Ye and Bianca Censori Are Going Strong - The Cut
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
“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).”
How Fast Are You Aging? Neuroscience Says These 3 Simple Tests Can Tell You - Inc.com
Keep your ego aside.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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)
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
The batch sizes were huge!
I looked around me
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Your credentials do not matter!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Cleared multiple of them
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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.
.
Dropped them
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Searched for my roll number.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I did not go back to my home.
I vividly remember that evening.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
“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.”
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.