Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 00:40

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