Why UPSC is considered one of the Hardest Exam on Planet Earth
UPSC stands for the Union Public Service Commission. It is a constitutional body in India responsible for conducting various competitive examinations for recruitment to several prestigious positions within the Indian government. The UPSC was established on October 1, 1926, and its headquarters are located in New Delhi.
Conducting Civil Services Examinations: The UPSC conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is considered one of the most prestigious and competitive examinations in India. The CSE is conducted to recruit candidates for positions such as Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other Group A and Group B services.
Cracking the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exams in India is often considered challenging due to several factors.
Challenges:-
Vast Syllabus: The UPSC exams have an extensive syllabus covering a wide range of subjects, including history, geography, economics, politics, science and technology, and current affairs. The breadth of the syllabus requires candidates to have a comprehensive understanding of various subjects.
Depth of Knowledge: The UPSC exams demand an in-depth understanding of the subjects rather than superficial knowledge. Candidates are expected to analyze and critically evaluate complex issues, demonstrate conceptual clarity, and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Competition: The UPSC exams are highly competitive, with a large number of aspirants vying for a limited number of positions. The competition is intense, as candidates come from diverse educational backgrounds and possess varying levels of knowledge and preparation.
Multi-stage Selection Process: The UPSC exams consist of multiple stages, including the preliminary exam, main exam, and personality test (interview). Each stage requires different skill sets and thorough preparation. Clearing all stages with a high score is necessary to secure a good rank.
Current Affairs and General Awareness: The UPSC exams place significant emphasis on current affairs and general awareness. Candidates must stay updated with national and international events, government policies, social issues, and recent developments in various fields.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: The UPSC exams evaluate candidates’ analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and decision-making capabilities. Questions often require candidates to analyze complex situations, provide reasoned answers, and apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
Lengthy Preparation Duration: Preparing for UPSC exams requires consistent and dedicated effort over an extended period. Aspirants usually spend months or even years preparing, which demands discipline, perseverance, and effective time management.
Dynamic Exam Pattern: The UPSC exams undergo periodic changes in the exam pattern, which adds uncertainty to the preparation process. Candidates must adapt to these changes and align their strategies accordingly.
How to Crack UPSC
Cracking the UPSC exam requires a well-planned and disciplined approach. Here are some strategies to help you prepare for the 2023 UPSC exam:
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus:
- Familiarize yourself with the UPSC exam pattern and syllabus. Understand the different stages, subjects, and weightage of each paper. This will help you create a study plan and allocate time accordingly.
- Create a Study Plan: Develop a comprehensive study plan that covers the entire syllabus. Divide your time effectively, giving sufficient attention to each subject and allocating more time for areas where you need improvement. Set realistic goals and stick to your study schedule.
- Study Material and Resources:
- Gather high-quality study material and resources, including textbooks, reference books, online sources, and current affairs magazines. Choose reliable sources that cover the entire syllabus. Make notes and create a study material repository for quick revision.
- Current Affairs:
- Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. Focus on national and international news, government policies, social issues, and significant events. Make a habit of taking notes and revising them regularly.
- Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers:
- Solve mock tests and previous year question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and practice time management. Analyze your performance, identify weak areas, and work on improving them. Regular practice will help you develop confidence and improve your speed and accuracy.
- Revision and Self-Assessment: Regular revision is crucial to retain information. Create a revision plan and revise each subject at regular intervals. Test yourself through self-assessment to gauge your progress and identify areas that require more attention.
- Optional Subject Selection:
- If applicable, choose an optional subject that you are genuinely interested in and have a good understanding of. Analyze the syllabus and previous year question papers to determine the best strategy for preparing the optional subject.
- Join a Coaching Institute (optional):
- Consider joining a reputed coaching institute for guidance and structured preparation. Coaching institutes can provide expert guidance, study materials, and mock tests. However, self-study can also be effective if you have the discipline and resources to follow a well-structured plan.
- Develop Answer Writing Skills:
- Answer writing is a crucial aspect of the UPSC exams. Practice writing answers in a concise, coherent, and structured manner. Focus on presenting your thoughts logically and supporting them with relevant examples and facts. Review and evaluate your answers to improve your writing skills.
- Maintain a Positive Mindset:
- Stay motivated, positive, and disciplined throughout your preparation journey. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Take care of your physical and mental well-being by incorporating regular exercise, a healthy diet, and sufficient rest.
Remember, cracking the UPSC exam requires consistency, perseverance, and dedication. Stay focused, learn from failures, and make necessary adjustments to your study plan. Seek guidance from successful candidates, mentors, and educators to enhance your preparation strategy.
IIS UPSC eligibility
The eligibility criteria for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exams in India vary depending on the specific examination being conducted. However, I can provide a general overview of the eligibility requirements for the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is one of the most prominent exams conducted by UPSC.
Nationality:
The candidate must be a citizen of India.
For certain services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), there may be additional requirements for nationality, such as being a citizen of India or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or being of Indian origin who migrated from certain countries.
Age Limit:
The candidate must be at least 21 years old as of August 1st of the exam year.
The upper age limit varies based on the candidate’s category:
General Category: Maximum age is 32 years.
OBC (Other Backward Classes): Maximum age is 35 years.
SC/ST (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes): Maximum age is 37 years.
Physically Disabled: Maximum age is 42 years.
Educational Qualification:
The candidate must hold a degree from a recognized university.
Final-year students awaiting their degree results are also eligible to apply, but they must submit proof of passing the degree examination by a specified date.
Number of Attempts:
The number of attempts allowed for the UPSC exams depends on the candidate’s category:
General Category: 6 attempts.
OBC Category: 9 attempts.
SC/ST Category: No limit until the upper age limit is reached.
Physically Disabled (General/OBC): 9 attempts.
Physically Disabled (SC/ST): No limit until the upper age limit is reached.
It’s important to note that these eligibility criteria are subject to change, and it is advisable to refer to the official UPSC notification and website.
