Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 08:31

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.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
And, I had not made it.
How do I separate the vocals of two different people speaking in a single channel?
The batch sizes were huge!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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..
“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.”
Searched for my roll number.
What are mean nicknames to call my sister? She is always so mean to me.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Private Japanese spacecraft aims to land in the moon's 'Sea of Cold' this week - Space
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
.
watchOS 26 preview: 5 new Apple Watch features I can’t wait to try - Tom's Guide
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
But, then it hit me hard.
AMD confirms AGESA 1.2.0.3e fixes TPM security flaw - VideoCardz.com
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).
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Best Pokémon to Vote for in August 2025 Community Day (PvP Analysis) - Pokémon GO Hub
Cleared multiple of them
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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 remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
It is almost impossible.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
“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).”
Your credentials do not matter!
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I looked around me
I was alone in Delhi back then
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I vividly remember that evening.
All achievers in their own way.
I did not go back to my home.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And entered the park.
Anyway!
Worked for a marketing agency
And..
All the best!
Keep your ego aside.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Dropped them
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
“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.”