Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 08:32
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).
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
All the best!
New COVID-19 variant detected in Washington state. Here’s what to know - The Seattle Times
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
“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 joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Keep your ego aside.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Why are 'romantasy' books suddenly everywhere, and what does this say about today's readers?
Anyway!
“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.”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Flight attendant reportedly found naked during flight from SFO - SFGATE
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
.
I looked around me
Apple’s struggles to update Siri lead to investor concerns over AI strategy - Financial Times
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Raw Milk Is Trending — Here's Why Doctors Are Seriously Concerned - BuzzFeed
But, then it hit me hard.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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 alone in Delhi back then
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
It is almost impossible.
Discovery of a Lifetime: Student Discovers Ancient “Living Fossil” Underneath Rock - SciTechDaily
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 write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Building the 'Moonhouse': Q&A with artist Mikael Genberg - Space
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Found an empty bench..
And..
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
All achievers in their own way.
And, I had not made it.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
And entered the park.
Person arrested after security threat at Sea-Tac, flights halted - MyNorthwest.com
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
“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.”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I was constantly staring into the ground
.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I vividly remember that evening.
The batch sizes were huge!
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Searched for my roll number.
Dropped them
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Worked for a marketing agency
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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.
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.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Your credentials do not matter!
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I did not go back to my home.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Cleared multiple of them
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.