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

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

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I vividly remember that evening.

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

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

Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams

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I did not go back to my home.

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

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

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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.

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

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).

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

It lasted approximately 10 months.

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

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

“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.”

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

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

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

All the best!

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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.

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

What did your best friend do that ended your friendship?

It is almost impossible.

And entered the park.

Keep your ego aside.

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Dropped them

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

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

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

Cleared multiple of them

I said, “Yes! I believe so.”

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

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…

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

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The batch sizes were huge!

Searched for my roll number.

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

My boyfriend has been separated from his wife for 5 years. Why won't he divorce her? Should this be a deal breaker?

Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.

I lacked a mentor when I needed one.

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

What caused the decline of the Soprano crew?

A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.

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

I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.

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Anyway!

I looked around me

But, then it hit me hard.

“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).”

I was alone in Delhi back then

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

“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.”

Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.

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

Worked for a marketing agency

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

I did not move for the next 30 minutes..

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 crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.

This exam has its own way of humbling you.

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

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

I was constantly staring into the ground

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

And..

Found an empty bench..

Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.

Your credentials do not matter!

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

All achievers in their own way.

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

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

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.

And, I had not made it.