Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 12:42
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Your credentials do not matter!
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)
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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Worked for a marketing agency
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
“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.”
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“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 said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
It is almost impossible.
‘We’re right at the epicenter’ - Meduza
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And, I had not made 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).
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
All the best!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Horoscope for Sunday, June 22, 2025 - Chicago Sun-Times
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.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Newspaper headlines: 'A generation let down' and 'Israel claims control' - BBC
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“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).”
All achievers in their own way.
I was constantly staring into the ground
.
Found an empty bench..
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Dropped them
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Cleared multiple of them
Searched for my roll number.
Opinion: The secret to a longer life could be this old-fashioned English breakfast - MarketWatch
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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…
Origami structures unfold into seamless surfaces for deployable applications - Phys.org
.
And entered the park.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
What’s next for Fannie and Freddie under Trump administration? - Investing.com
I did not go back to my home.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Anyway!
But, then it hit me hard.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
The batch sizes were huge!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I vividly remember that evening.
I looked around me
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And..
It lasted approximately 10 months.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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!
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.