Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 05:40
I was constantly staring into the ground
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Your credentials do not matter!
Two former Polygon writers are starting a new site - The Verge
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
.
Found an empty bench..
Who are the most underrated and under-appreciated Hollywood actors/actresses?
I vividly remember that evening.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And entered the park.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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).
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Van der Zande On Pole at The Glen for Acura MSR - Sportscar365
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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.
It is almost impossible.
Can Djokovic climb the mountain? - Roland Garros
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
AI alone cannot solve the productivity puzzle - Financial Times
Cleared multiple of them
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And..
Worked for a marketing agency
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Smell and sight can spot Parkinson’s disease years earlier, study finds - The Brighter Side of News
And, I had not made it.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Global pandemic warning: Aspergillus deadly fungus mirrors HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ - Times of India
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
“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.”
How often should you use red light therapy?
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
500-Million-Year-Old Mystery Fossil Rewrites Early Animal Evolution - SciTechDaily
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Searched for my roll number.
Person With Deadly Virus Visited Popular Hudson Valley Restaurant - Hudson Valley Post
The batch sizes were huge!
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.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Kroger faces massive worker walkout, closed stores - TheStreet
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
But, then it hit me hard.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
“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 was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
.
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 crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Keep your ego aside.
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.”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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…
All achievers in their own way.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I looked around me
Anyway!
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I was alone in Delhi back then
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
All the best!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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.