Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 04:38

Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I was alone in Delhi back then
When it's time to think about AI for recruitment process automation?
I did not go back to my home.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Ipsa qui quis id sit et sit eius.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Your credentials do not matter!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Dozens of Hooters locations abruptly closed: List of latest closures - 9News
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Long, dark 'streaks' spotted on Mars aren't what scientists thought - Live Science
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Cleared multiple of them
Found an empty bench..
I vividly remember that evening.
Wall Street sets Palantir stock price for next 12 months - Finbold
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
It is almost impossible.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Has Pope Francis signed a document that gay men can now become priests?
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
“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).”
And, I had not made it.
Satellite measures river flow waves for the first time - The Washington Post
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Keep your ego aside.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
“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, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Dropped them
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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).
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
All the best!
The batch sizes were huge!
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Worked for a marketing agency
Anyway!
But, then it hit me hard.
I looked around me
Searched for my roll number.
And entered the park.
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 hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And..
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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, 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.”
.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
.