There are many myths revolving regarding the UPSC IAS Exam. One among them is that the UPSC CSE exam is the toughest of all. Still, we do not know why people keep on saying this. Each year many aspirants crack this exam and some of them clear it in their first attempt. It all depends on how you prepare and avoid mistakes during your preparation. Moreover, with the right guidance, the right preparation one can crack this examination very easily.
Let us see what makes people feel this exam is tough with upsc coaching in indore
Bulky Syllabus
The primary aspect that makes the candidates feel the IAS exam tough is the examination pattern and bulky syllabus. Along with the notification, UPSC releases the Syllabus as well. This will be 2-10 pages, which apparently makes aspirants feel the syllabus is bulky and heavy. In fact, the UPSC syllabus is a meticulously designed one. Be it Prelims or Main examination, the syllabus is defined word by word clearly. There is no ambiguity in this. The syllabus is the best companion of an IAS aspirant. Of course, the syllabus is a vast one, as candidates have to cover several topics. This can lead to confusion and frustration. Nevertheless, Scrutinizing the Syllabus will help the candidate to understand the topic in detail. Then you know what to study and omit.
Rigid Pattern
Compared to another exam, this exam process is rigid. There are many exams such as CA where a candidate has to clear the stages one by one. Even if they fail in any stage, they just have to reappear for the same. However, in the UPSC IAS exam, this facility is not available. Even if you fail in the Main exam or interview, you have to start from the very first stage, which is considered as a difficult part for candidates.
Low success rate
It is a competition of lakhs of aspirants and the success rate is 0.5 % that is very low. So the chances of getting into services are very less unless you work smartly. UPSC not only test the intelligence but also an extensive range of skill set such as reading, writing, time management, comprehension, aptitude, logical reasoning, language, personality etc.
Unpredictable
Of course, the UPSC is unpredictable but far from uncertain. They may ask questions from anywhere but keep in mind, anywhere from the UPSC syllabus. If you thoroughly practice previous years UPSC questions papers, you will be able to guess topics from where the questions could be asked. UPSC never ask a question without reason. If you are a good newspaper reader with the right analyzing skill, you can easily predict some questions that can be asked for prelims as well as Main. UPSC never ask a question from infinity. If a candidate can analyse the previous year question paper you will understand the pattern of UPSC clearly. Relay of NCERT and newspaper. This can be your lifesaver.
But, in spite of all this, I am saying the exam is not tough, why? Let’s analyse the questions from previous years and see:
In 2018, UPSC asked,
With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:
- GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
- GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
- GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
This particular topic was in news in the year 2016, 2017, and 2018. One who read the newspaper in a dedicated manner and does research on it can easily answer this question.
UPSC Prelims question from 2016
Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practising drip irrigation?
- reduction of weed
- reduction in soil salinity
- reduction in soil erosion
Select the correct answer using the code is given below:-
- 1 and 2 only
- 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- None of the above is an advantage of practising drip irrigation
This topic was in detail in the Economic survey that year.
Main question 2018:
What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on the marine ecosystem?
This question was in General studies paper-1,2018. This topic was discussed in the Hindu on 2nd May 2018. The candidate those who are into geography must have gone through this.
Repeating questions
Some question keeps resurfacing from the previous year’s papers.
In 2013, UPSC asked
Which of the following leaf modifications occurs/occur
in desert areas to inhibit water loss?
- Hard and waxy leaves
- Tiny leaves or no leaves
- Thorns instead of leaves
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Again in 2018,
Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss?
- Hard and waxy leaves
- Tiny leaves
- Thorns instead of leaves
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- 2 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
In 2018,
Which one of the following links all the ATMs in India?
- Indian banks’ Association
- National Securities Depository Limited
- National Payments Corporation of India
- Reserve Bank of India
In 2017,
Consider the following statements:
- National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) helps in promoting financial inclusion in the
- NPCI has launched RuPay, a card payment scheme.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
The scenario is not different in the main examination. UPSC has asked about the legal and constitutional provisions of tribal welfare in 2014 and 2017. From 2013 to 2017, they had asked questions related to urbanization and social issues. Poverty and bankruptcy have become the favourite topics of examiner nowadays. They had come up with several questions from 2014.
Consider another question for 2017.
How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times?
The answer to this question lies in NIOS, NCERT and Tamil Nadu class 11 history book.
The UPSC is not at all a hard nut to crack. UPSC IAS exam may look like a monster because of above-mentioned factors such as bulky syllabus, low success rate, and the rigid pattern. But in reality, one can crack this exam with the right strategies. If you are ready to shed your blood and sweat smartly, you surely clear this exam.
