Is UPSC the Toughest Exam in the World?

Toughest Exam in the World: In the list of the toughest exams in the world, the UPSC Civil Services Examination stands in the second position and in the first position for being the toughest recruitment exam in the world. The examination is mandatory for candidates who aspire to work in elite positions in India's civil services.

List of Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

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UPSC is Toughest Exam in the World

1. Preliminary Examination
2. Main Examination
3. Personality Test

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Top Reasons Why UPSC is the World’s Toughest Exam

• Extensive Syllabus: The UPSC syllabus is very broad and encompasses a wide range of topics, such as science, polity, economics, geography, history, and environment. It demands a thorough comprehension and in-depth knowledge.
• Lengthy Selection Process: The exam consists of three stages - Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview, each posing unique challenges and increasing difficulty levels.
• High Competition: Due to the high number of applicants compared to the limited vacancies, there is fierce competition, leaving barely any room for error. There is an expectation for candidates to consistently deliver their highest level of performance at all stages.
• Cap on Attempts: There is a cap on the number of times candidates can appear for the examination (6 for the general category). Failing any stage leads to starting from zero next year making it a long and exhaustive process.
• Unpredictable Question Patterns: The exam is known for its unpredictable questions that test candidates' ability to apply knowledge rather than rote memorization, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Negative Marking: While the difficulty level is already increasing, on the one hand, there is a negative marking in the Prelims exam, which adds to the challenge. There is hardly any guarantee that you will clear the first stage next year after qualifying previously.
• Subjective Evaluation: The subjective nature of the exam, especially in the main stage, requires a deep understanding of diverse subjects and the ability to articulate well-structured responses, adding to the complexity and challenge of the exam.