Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 16:20
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
“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.”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Is BPD real or just an excuse?
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“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).”
.
What do you wear when you are alone at home?
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
The batch sizes were huge!
Et expedita consequatur quam et.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Do you believe that Jesus was God on Earth?
I was constantly staring into the ground
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Searched for my roll number.
Common daily vitamin could slow biological aging, major study suggests - AOL.com
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Dropped them
And..
Amazon Carries Nintendo Games Again, Including New Switch 2 Exclusives - GameSpot
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Worked for a marketing agency
Keep your ego aside.
Your credentials do not matter!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I vividly remember that evening.
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.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I was alone in Delhi back then
But, then it hit me hard.
All achievers in their own way.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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).
It is almost impossible.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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…
Cleared multiple of them
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And entered the park.
Anyway!
I looked around me
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
“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.”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I did not go back to my home.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
All the best!
And, I had not made it.
Found an empty bench..