Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?

I was alone in Delhi back then

I lacked a mentor when I needed one.

“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).”

346 Million-Year-Old Fossil Rewrites the Story of Life on Land - SciTechDaily

Anyway!

I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.

Your credentials do not matter!

Kubica Quickest in Opening Le Mans Test Session - Sportscar365

2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.

Searched for my roll number.

Worked for a marketing agency

Nintendo will finally reveal more about Donkey Kong Bananza in new Direct - Polygon

Found an empty bench..

Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.

This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.

What is Vitamin D deficiency: Know its causes, symptoms, and how to fix it - Times of India

“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”

The batch sizes were huge!

Cleared multiple of them

8 signs you're mentally stronger than 95% of people, according to psychology - VegOut

I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.

I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.

Keep your ego aside.

How do I convince flat earthers that the earth is round?

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.

If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.

Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams

How would you describe modern day Russian society, beyond just politics?

This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.

2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)

But, then it hit me hard.

Why do females hate MGTOW so much?

.

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.

Young & Restless Preview: Cane’s Agenda Revealed — ‘No More Secrets and No More Games’ - Soaps.com

It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.

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 -

Mark Hughes: Mercedes can disrupt McLaren-Verstappen fight - The Race

It lasted approximately 10 months.

It is almost impossible.

“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”

Incredible auroras delight stargazers in New Zealand photo of the day for June 2, 2025 - Space

Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.

Dropped them

The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.

And..

A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.

“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 looked around me

I was constantly staring into the ground

I did not move for the next 30 minutes..

This exam has its own way of humbling you.

Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.

I did not go back to my home.

If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.

I said, “Yes! I believe so.”

Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.

In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.

All achievers in their own way.

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 joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.

I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.

I vividly remember that evening.

And, I had not made it.

Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!

And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.

There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.

After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..

And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.

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.

And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.

I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)

Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!

Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.

.

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, 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.”

So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.

All the best!

I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.

And entered the park.

In case you are wondering, how did my story end?