Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 22.06.2025 06:42

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