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

It is almost impossible.

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

“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).”

Why wasn't Queen as successful in America as in other countries? Then, after Radio Ga Ga, they couldn't even get into the top 40 in America even when these songs were top 10 hits everywhere else in the world.

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

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).

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

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

Anyway!

This exam has its own way of humbling you.

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.

And, I had not made it.

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

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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.”

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

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

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I vividly remember that evening.

Found an empty bench..

Keep your ego aside.

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

I lacked a mentor when I needed one.

Worked for a marketing agency

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

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!

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

I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.

All achievers in their own way.

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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.

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

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.

Has a cop ever said something to you which was completely unexpected?

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

And..

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

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

Your credentials do not matter!

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

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…

Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.

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.

The batch sizes were huge!

And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.

All the best!

But, then it hit me hard.

Dropped them

“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 did not move for the next 30 minutes..

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

I did not go back to my home.

A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.

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

I said, “Yes! I believe so.”

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

Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.

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

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

I looked around me

And entered the park.

Cleared multiple of them

Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.

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

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

Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams

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.

Searched for my roll number.

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

I was alone in Delhi back then

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

I was constantly staring into the ground

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

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

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

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

It lasted approximately 10 months.

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