Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 05:55
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
How can I promote my Amazon products to get more sales?
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Stocks Stay Lukewarm After US, China Trade Talks: Markets Wrap - Bloomberg
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Your credentials do not matter!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I was constantly staring into the ground
What are some life hacks for living on your own?
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I vividly remember that evening.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
US oil output set for first annual drop since pandemic - Financial Times
“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.”
Found an empty bench..
And, I had not made it.
6 recalls you can’t miss this week - NJ.com
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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 go back to my home.
Apple Now Selling Refurbished M4 MacBook Air Models - MacRumors
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.
“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.”
.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
But, then it hit me hard.
Searched for my roll number.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
How do you stop your balls from sweating?
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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).
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Mariners set return date for ace Logan Gilbert - The Seattle Times
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Join Our next Developer Update Livestream — Diablo IV - Blizzard News
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…
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Cleared multiple of them
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Worked for a marketing agency
.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
“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).”
Dropped them
I looked around me
The batch sizes were huge!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Keep your ego aside.
All the best!
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.
It is almost impossible.
Anyway!
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And..
And entered the park.