Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 23.06.2025 01:45

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