Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 01:19
And entered the park.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
But, then it hit me hard.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
4 of the Healthiest Cooking Oils to Use—and 3 You Should Limit, According to Dietitians - EatingWell
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
12 Shocking Celebrity Revelations From This Week That You Simply Won't Believe - BuzzFeed
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
6 million Chickens Dead and Counting - Daily Kos
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Amazon launches new R&D group focused on agentic AI and robotics - TechCrunch
It is almost impossible.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And, I had not made it.
When was the first time you felt discriminated against because you were female?
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
“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.”
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).
Higher-Earning Shoppers Hit the Dollar Store as Spending Tightens - WSJ
Anyway!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
All the best!
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
How to watch Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote - TechCrunch
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
The batch sizes were huge!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
What are some cool confidence hacks?
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.
I was constantly staring into the ground
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I did not go back to my home.
“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 was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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 joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I vividly remember that evening.
Dropped them
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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!
I was alone in Delhi back then
Found an empty bench..
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Searched for my roll number.
“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 parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Keep your ego aside.
All achievers in their own way.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Cleared multiple of them
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Worked for a marketing agency
And..
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Your credentials do not matter!
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.