Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 13:36

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