Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 16:35
I was constantly staring into the ground
The batch sizes were huge!
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Dropped them
I was alone in Delhi back then
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I looked around me
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
How do you feel about Donald Trump signing an executive order that says there are only two genders?
All the best!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
If an abortion doesn’t affect you, why do people make it a big deal?
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Found an empty bench..
What are some disadvantages of living in rural areas? What are the advantages?
Your credentials do not matter!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Harvard study says Vitamin D may actually slow down aging - Times of India
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Lululemon Stock Plummets 22% in Late Trading on Cut Guidance. Tariffs Are to Blame. - Barron's
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.
And, I had not made it.
If sea levels were rising, wouldn't the acreage of coastal salt marshes increase? Are they?
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
“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).”
Injuries force USMNT to make roster changes as the Gold Cup nears - The Washington Post
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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!
Is it recommended to leave a note in a lost wallet asking for it to be returned?
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
It is almost impossible.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
What should I do? I'm 17 and I'm dating a 23-year-old guy.
Anyway!
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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.
How has your life changed since starting college?
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I vividly remember that evening.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Why do humans sweat while stressed?
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Keep your ego aside.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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).
When did you realize that your childhood was not normal?
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
And..
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I did not go back to my home.
“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 we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
“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.”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
All achievers in their own way.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Searched for my roll number.
.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Worked for a marketing agency
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
But, then it hit me hard.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Cleared multiple of them
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…
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”