Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 21:32
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
But, then it hit me hard.
Apple looked at Mira Murati’s AI startup after OpenAI exit, and it won’t stop there - 9to5Mac
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.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Man thought he was 'tired from work' before brain tumour diagnosis - BBC
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Dropped them
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I was constantly staring into the ground
Bitcoin bears bet against BTC’s rally, but a short squeeze could follow IF… - AMBCrypto
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And..
Keep your ego aside.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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).
Where can Ukrainians go if they cannot have shelter and heating this winter?
Worked for a marketing agency
.
And entered the park.
Silicon Valley's not crying for Musk - Axios
Found an empty bench..
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Is Tinder the best dating app?
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Are female judges more lenient than male ones?
Your credentials do not matter!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
And, I had not made it.
I vividly remember that evening.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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…
Demand in the Housing Market Just Got Even Worse, as Supply Piles Up - Wolf Street
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
“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.”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Cleared multiple of them
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
All achievers in their own way.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Anyway!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
The batch sizes were huge!
I did not go back to my home.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
“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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Searched for my roll number.
It is almost impossible.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“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, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I was alone in Delhi back then
All the best!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I looked around me
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.