UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam is conducted to select candidates for various administrative posts in India like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and more. It is considered the most prestigious exam as successful candidates are inducted into the top bureaucrat positions across the Indian administration. However, there is a general perception that UPSC is one of the world’s toughest exams.
Is the UPSC exam tough? Given the fierce competition, many stages of the examination, the vast syllabus, and low success rates, it is a difficult exam. On average, 12-15 lakh people apply every year, out of which, only 1000 people make it. Since 2007, UPSC prelims also have had negative scores. So, Is the UPSC exam tough? Perhaps. Let’s explore what makes it the world’s toughest exam.
UPSC Exam Pattern 2025
| Stages | Name | No. of Papers | Type of Exam | Total Marks |
| Stage 1 | UPSC Prelims | 2 Papers | Objective | 400 |
| Stage 2 | UPSC Mains | 9 Papers | Descriptive | 1750 |
| Stage 3 | UPSC Interview | In-Person with Interview Panel | Personality Test | 275 |
The final merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained in three stages, which is 2025.
Is the UPSC Exam Tough?
Before answering the question, we must explore the nature of the UPSC exam.
UPSC Exam Structure
The UPSC exam pattern is one aspect that leads to the question, “Is the UPSC exam tough?” The UPSC exam has three stages: UPSC Prelims, UPSC Mains, and UPSC Interview.
Candidates can get eliminated at any stage. UPSC Prelims is a qualifying exam, where attaining minimum marks is necessary to advance to UPSC Mains. Of course, the difficulty level increases at every stage. While the UPSC Prelims are purely objective, UPSC mains are purely descriptive. Even though many candidates clear the first two stages, most get rejected at the interview stage, which is an in-person test.
Moreover, the UPSC exam pattern has evolved and continues to evolve, maintaining unpredictability for aspirants. So, is the UPSC exam tough given its exam pattern? There is indeed a general perception among seekers due to this rigorous exam pattern.
Competitive Levels
Every year, lakhs of candidates compete for around 1000 UPSC posts. Only a quarter make it to the UPSC Mains. Of these, only around 15% clear the UPSC Mains and advance to the interview stage. The UPSC interview stage has a 50% rejection rate. Finally, around 1% make it to the final merit list.
For example, in 2023, an estimated 13,00,000 candidates applied for 1,255 vacancies available. The pass percentage is also very low. In 2019, only 829 cleared the UPSC (three stages) against the applied 1,135,261.
The fierce competition for the UPSC is due to the limited number of attempts. A general category aspirant has a maximum of 6 attempts in his lifetime, after which they can’t apply for the exam. That is why the competition levels soar every year.
Is the UPSC exam tough? Turns out. But with the right strategy and dedication, you can always be in that 1% of candidates.
The Nature of the UPSC Syllabus
The vastness of the UPSC Syllabus is another factor that leads to the question “Is the UPSC exam tough?”. Unlike many other competitive exams, where knowledge in one or two specific subjects is sufficient, UPSC aspirants need to cover a large amount of syllabus. Moreover, though the syllabus is outlined by the official examination board, there is no pin-pointed study material to cover the syllabus. Which makes the UPSC syllabus less tangible, adding to the difficulty level of the exam.
Subjective Evaluation
While UPSC Prelims has an objective type exam with clearly defined marks and evaluation criteria, UPSC Mains is a descriptive exam with no defined evaluation criteria. It is strictly a subjective evaluation based on the effectiveness of answer-writing. That makes many candidates raise the question “Is the UPSC exam tough?”. There is no standard for evaluating the responses of a candidate in the UPSC mains. It depends on the examiner’s judgement, making it very difficult.
UPSC Preparation Time
Is the UPSC exam tough? Yes, its lengthy preparation time contributes to this perception. Candidates typically spend around a year studying, though some may take ten months or up to a year and a half. Despite its challenges, with the right strategy and focused preparation, success is possible.
Length of the Exam
The unique aspect of the UPSC exam is its duration. The total exam through three stages lasts over a year. During this time, candidates have to remain focused without any distractions, while handling the constant mental pressure that might arise. Is the UPSC tough? It is so if you are not prepared for the long duration of the exam. If you can maintain enthusiasm throughout and enjoy the process of the exam, you can succeed.
Is the UPSC Prelims Tougher than Mains?
Many candidates find the UPSC Prelims tougher than the Mains. It is due to the challenging objective questions and the negative marking, which heightens the pressure. Is the UPSC exam tough? The Prelims require quick thinking and time management, while the Mains focus on in-depth knowledge and analytical writing, making both stages uniquely demanding.
How Difficult is the UPSC?
Despite the challenges of the exam, many toppers have admitted that cracking the UPSC will not be difficult with the right preparation strategy, focus, and healthy life. First of all, UPSC aspirants must start preparation in the early stages itself. Ideally, they can start during their final years of the degree.
They must understand the syllabus well, for example, by dividing it into static and dynamic parts. While static parts like Indian and World History, Geography, etc., remain the same, current affairs form the dynamic part. They have to focus on the up-to-date events more closely. With such strategies, it is possible to handle the journey more easily.
Conclusion
So, Is the UPSC exam tough? It is undeniably challenging due to its extensive syllabus, fierce competition, and subjective evaluation. But it is not impossible to crack. Candidates who approach their preparation with a strategic mindset and a positive attitude can navigate the complexities of the exam. Recognising both the difficulties and the growth opportunities, aspirants can transform the challenge of the UPSC into a rewarding journey towards their goals in public service.
FAQs
Why UPSC is tough?
UPSC is tough due to its vast syllabus, intense competition, and multi-stage exam process. It requires deep conceptual understanding, analytical thinking, and consistent preparation to clear its prelims, mains, and interview stages. However, with adequate preparation and strategy approaching the UPSC becomes easier.
Is the UPSC exam tougher than the NEET?
Yes, the UPSC exam is considered tougher than NEET because of its broader syllabus and the complexity of questions. Unlike NEET, which focuses on medical subjects for undergraduate admission, UPSC covers diverse topics. UPSC syllabus requires a deeper understanding and analytical thinking across multiple stages of the exam.
Moreover, even after clearing the UPSC exam, candidates may get rejected at the interview stage. But clearing NEET is enough to get admission to a top-tier medical university.
Is the UPSC exam tougher than the JEE?
Yes, the UPSC exam is considered tougher than the JEE due to its higher competition, unpredictable paper patterns, and vast syllabus. Additionally, the UPSC exam spans nearly a year, while the JEE exam is only for a few hours of duration. The success rates also show a large variation in UPSC compared to the JEE.
Is UPSC the toughest exam in the world?
Yes, the UPSC exam is considered one of the toughest in the world. This is due to the vast syllabus, unpredictable questions, and low success rate. The selection process is challenging, where subjective evaluation is involved, unlike any other exam. Aspirants must master diverse subjects, including current affairs, making it difficult to crack.
Which UPSC exam is easy?
The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam is often considered easier than the Mains and Interview stages, as it focuses on objective-type questions. However, it still requires extensive preparation and strategic thinking.
Is UPSC tougher than CA?
Comparing UPSC and CA reveals distinct challenges. CA focuses heavily on accounting, finance, and taxation, requiring specialised expertise. In contrast, UPSC tests a wide range of topics, including history, geography, and current affairs. The level of difficulty largely depends on a candidate’s strengths and interests.
