Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 02:06
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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).
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Walk your way to a sharper mind: How 40 minutes of walking boosts brain size - Times of India
I was constantly staring into the ground
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Do handsome guys intimidate women or people in general?
Your credentials do not matter!
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.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Which movies have the best endings?
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I did not go back to my home.
Worked for a marketing agency
Is it safe to say that China is at least 30 years ahead of India?
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Dropped them
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
How many boxes 600 x 400 x 200 go into a 20ft container?
Keep your ego aside.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
South Africa Is Rising Up Out of The Ocean, Scientists Reveal - ScienceAlert
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And, I had not made it.
Cleared multiple of them
Physicists create 'the world's smallest violin' using nanotechnology - Phys.org
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.
And entered the park.
Searched for my roll number.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Should the United States help Ukraine against Russia?
I vividly remember that evening.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Mountaineers Defeat Kentucky to Advance to Super Regionals - West Virginia University Athletics
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
.
.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
The batch sizes were huge!
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
“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.”
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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.”
Anyway!
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
All the best!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I was alone in Delhi back then
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“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).”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
All achievers in their own way.
But, then it hit me hard.
I looked around me
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
And..
Found an empty bench..
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…