Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 01:59

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