Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 19:48
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And entered the park.
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).
The NASA science missions that would be axed in Trump’s 2026 budget - The Washington Post
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 determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Why do so many autistic adults deal with self-hatred?
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I looked around me
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Epic Effort to Ground Physics in Math Opens Up the Secrets of Time - Quanta Magazine
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Dropped them
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
King Charles Shares Super Rare Photo With Late Father Prince Philip - AOL.com
I was constantly staring into the ground
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
All the best!
What techniques can be used to sing like Freddie Mercury if one is unable to hit high notes?
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Keep your ego aside.
And..
Rematch Review - Unbelievable Tekkers - GameSpot
.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
5 Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens - Investopedia
Worked for a marketing agency
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
4 ways women are physically stronger than men - The Washington Post
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
It is almost impossible.
Oil rallies as Russia-Ukraine tensions offset OPEC+ output hike - Investing.com
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
The batch sizes were huge!
How do modern fantasy authors approach diversity differently than previous generations?
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
What is the craziest thing that you've ever witnessed?
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
And, I had not made it.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
“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.”
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.
Your credentials do not matter!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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.
Anyway!
Searched for my roll number.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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…
I did not go back to my home.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
“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.”
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
But, then it hit me hard.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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?
Found an empty bench..
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I vividly remember that evening.
Cleared multiple of them
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
All achievers in their own way.
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.
“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).”