Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 00:57
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
.
All the best!
I vividly remember that evening.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Anyway!
And, I had not made it.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Why do people believe that global warming is man made?
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.”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I was alone in Delhi back then
All achievers in their own way.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Why is that Hag Hillary Clinton so quiet these days? She is the dog that isn't barking
Cleared multiple of them
Worked for a marketing agency
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Ever Wonder What Those Chrome Tubes On Semis Are? (No, They're Not Fuel Tanks) - Jalopnik
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Keep your ego aside.
How do I cut off friends that don't contribute to my life?
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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…
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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.
Ireland added to list of countries monitored by the U.S. for currency manipulation - Fortune
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
The batch sizes were huge!
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Your credentials do not matter!
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
It is almost impossible.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And entered the park.
Found an empty bench..
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).
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“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.”
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I did not go back to my home.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I looked around me
“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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
But, then it hit me hard.
Searched for my roll number.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.