Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 17:11
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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?”
Bacteria living in your gut may cause depression, not your brain, says a new study - Earth.com
I was alone in Delhi back then
Worked for a marketing agency
“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 looked around me
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I vividly remember that evening.
What do all Indian parents have in common?
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
The FCC is cracking down on EchoStar’s deployment of 5G. - The Verge
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
See how the national debt grew to more than $36 trillion - The Washington Post
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Searched for my roll number.
And, I had not made it.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
What are rare earth minerals, and why are they central to Trump’s trade war? - CNN
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.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“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.”
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Anyway!
Athletics' Denzel Clarke leaps over wall to rob Angels' HR for incredible catch - ESPN
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Your credentials do not matter!
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
All the best!
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Dropped them
Cleared multiple of them
And entered the park.
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, then it hit me hard.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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…
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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 constantly staring into the ground
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 did not go back to my home.
And..
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Found an empty bench..
It is almost impossible.
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.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
All achievers in their own way.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.