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

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

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

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…

Ipsa qui quis id sit et sit eius.

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

A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.

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

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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.

I was alone in Delhi back then

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

This exam has its own way of humbling you.

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I was constantly staring into the ground

“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).”

Cleared multiple of them

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

I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.

Keep your ego aside.

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I vividly remember that evening.

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

I looked around me

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

The batch sizes were huge!

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

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

And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.

And..

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“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.”

And, I had not made it.

And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.

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

Searched for my roll number.

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

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Worked for a marketing agency

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

Found an empty bench..

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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -

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

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

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It is almost impossible.

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.

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.

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

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

Dropped them

Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.

Your credentials do not matter!

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).

Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams

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

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

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

A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.

All achievers in their own way.

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

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 hurriedly opened the holy PDF.

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

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

I did not go back to my home.

I said, “Yes! I believe so.”

It lasted approximately 10 months.

But, then it hit me hard.

All the best!

I lacked a mentor when I needed one.

And entered the park.

Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.

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

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

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

I did not move for the next 30 minutes..

Anyway!

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