Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 24.06.2025 05:22

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