Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 08:44

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