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

I vividly remember that evening.

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 entered the park.

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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.

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

I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.

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

All the best!

Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.

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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”

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

Dropped them

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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.

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…

Worked for a marketing agency

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And, I had not made it.

.

And..

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

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.

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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.”

“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.”

.

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

I was constantly staring into the ground

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

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

Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.

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

If all the American hundred millionaires and billionaires chipped in a modest 10% of their net worth to provide affordable housing to homeless families and other down and out persons, (like veterans), would this address the housing crisis?

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

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

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

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

Cleared multiple of them

It is almost impossible.

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.

Searched for my roll number.

“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).”

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

Keep your ego aside.

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

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

Anyway!

I looked around me

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

Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams

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

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

It lasted approximately 10 months.

I did not go back to my home.

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

A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.

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

The batch sizes were huge!

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

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

Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.

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

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 lacked a mentor when I needed one.

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

Your credentials do not matter!

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

I did not move for the next 30 minutes..

All achievers in their own way.

But, then it hit me hard.

This exam has its own way of humbling you.

Found an empty bench..

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

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

A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.

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

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