Many people ask whether the UPSC Exam, one of the most difficult in the country, is attainable by average students. The path to becoming an IAS officer begins with the UPSC Prelims, a difficult obstacle to conquer given the large number of aspirants who take the exam. Only a chosen handful, motivated by unshakable commitment, qualify for the Mains exam. Successful candidates are invited to the final interview round after performing exceptionally well in the Mains.

Only a few hundred are inducted into the prestigious Indian government services after successfully passing the personality test. However, it is critical to recognise that the UPSC test may be qualified with patience, honesty, perseverance, and a favourable set of circumstances. Keep reading to find out what makes UPSC difficult, along with a few related explanations.

Passing the UPSC Exam is not a herculean feat. Anyone can pass this exam if they use the appropriate technique and execute it flawlessly. There is no need to be the top student in college; many people with mediocre academic records have already succeeded in this endeavour.

Nonetheless, various variables contribute to the UPSC exam's difficult nature, distinguishing it from other competitive examinations. Examining the wide syllabus, the high cut-off marks, and the use of negative marking in the UPSC Prelims reveals why UPSC is regarded as a hard test.

Here are five reasons why the IAS exam is viewed as difficult:

1. Exam Pattern

The UPSC exam design is crucial in understanding why many aspirants find it difficult. The exam is divided into three parts: UPSC Prelims, Mains, and a Personality Test or Interview round. Each step must be completed successfully before moving on to the next. The difficulty level rises as one progresses. UPSC Prelims serves as a screening test to determine who is eligible for the Mains. The marks received in the Mains and Interview rounds eventually decide each candidate's outcome. Notably, the interview stage is the most difficult, as it examines both knowledge and personality attributes to assess one's capacity to deal with a variety of situations.

2. UPSC Syllabus is Extensive

Another element contributing to the difficulty of the UPSC syllabus is its enormous breadth. The wide range of courses included in the Prelims and Mains syllabuses necessitates substantial study time and unshakable resolve. If candidates want to succeed, they must delve extensively into each subject to get a comprehensive understanding. The first round includes multiple-choice questions, while the second phase demands descriptive answers. Every subject must be thoroughly understood. Furthermore, the exam's high qualifying standards leave no room for applicants to ignore any single topic.

3. High UPSC Exam Qualifying Marks

The UPSC exam's success rate speaks volumes about its difficulty. Every year, millions of applicants apply for the Prelims, but only 25% pass and advance to the IAS Mains exam. This number alone identifies UPSC as one of the most difficult tests in the world. The interview step, with a 50% success rate, emphasises the rigour of the selection process even further. In essence, the IAS Exam has a passing percentage of less than 1%. Although this is depressing, one can position themselves among the prestigious 1% with good preparation.

4. UPSC Preliminary Examination Negative Marking

Because of the prevalence of negative marking, the UPSC Prelims exam is difficult. It consists of objective-type questions in which candidates must choose the proper answer from a selection of four possibilities. The selections are frequently meant to induce confusion, making it harder to select the best option. Aspirants must think quickly and precisely when selecting their solutions, as spending too much time on one question can leave inadequate time for the next. Time management and precision are essential for completing the Prelims successfully. Incorrect responses result in mark deductions, emphasising why passing the UPSC exam can be difficult.

5. Time Needed for UPSC Exam Preparation

The UPSC test is difficult because of the lengthy preparation time required. Candidates typically spend around a year preparing for the UPSC Exam, while others may need even more time. The duration is determined by an individual's commitment and preparation method. A solid academic foundation, combined with a solid comprehension of core concepts and frequent engagement with relevant articles and newspapers, might help to speed up the preparation process. The Mains examination, in particular, especially the optional papers, necessitates extra effort. It is important to emphasise that the amount of hours spent studying is not the most important factor; what is important is the quality of learning rather than the quantity.

While there may be several reasons to avoid beginning UPSC preparation, it is critical to retain unflinching dedication and hold on to the aim of becoming an IAS officer. With the appropriate mindset, adequate preparation, and a tenacious spirit, one can overcome the UPSC exam's hurdles and achieve their goals.