Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 23.06.2025 03:22
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.
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).
.
Tesla’s head of Optimus humanoid robot leaves the ‘$25 trillion’ product behind - Electrek
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
It is almost impossible.
.
Alan Turing's iconic paper on a 'universal computing machine' goes up for auction - Live Science
Found an empty bench..
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Your credentials do not matter!
How can someone effectively handle a targeted individual?
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And, I had not made it.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
In the last 500 years, have there been civilizations whose cruelty matched that of Nazi Germany?
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Anyway!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I looked around me
The batch sizes were huge!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
All achievers in their own way.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Keep your ego aside.
Inflation report suggests damage from Trump's tariffs isn't guaranteed - Axios
I did not go back to my home.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Newspaper headlines: 'A generation let down' and 'Israel claims control' - BBC
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Searched for my roll number.
After 19 Years of Trying, She's Pregnant—Thanks to AI - Newser
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Worked for a marketing agency
All the best!
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And..
“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.”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I vividly remember that evening.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“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 gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
And entered the park.
Cleared multiple of them
I was constantly staring into the ground
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Dropped them
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.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
“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).”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
But, then it hit me hard.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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…
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.