Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 03:42

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