Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 01:00

I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
What do you think, TikTok is nothing but another porn site? Do you agree or not? Why?
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I was alone in Delhi back then
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“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.”
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
All the best!
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
But, then it hit me hard.
Cleared multiple of them
I’m 17 and looking for a girl. What do I do?
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Your credentials do not matter!
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Why is it important for Hollywood celebrities to come out against Trump?
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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.
Found an empty bench..
Carrying own bag after splitting with caddie, Max Homa fails to qualify for U.S. Open - NBC Sports
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Your TRICARE Checklist for Moving - TRICARE Newsroom (.mil)
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Keep your ego aside.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
How do you get people to follow your Quora Space?
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I looked around me
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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, 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.”
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Worked for a marketing agency
Anyway!
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And..
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Dropped them
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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).
“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).”
Searched for my roll number.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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 vividly remember that evening.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And entered the park.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
All achievers in their own way.
The batch sizes were huge!
It is almost impossible.
I did not go back to my home.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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 was constantly staring into the ground
And, I had not made it.