How difficult is the HCS exam?

More than difficult the exam has an exorbitant amount of topics to cover. The candidate is expected to follow a disciplined approach whereby he is expected to cover the syllabus of the civil services examination. The HCS exam like any other Civil services examinations consists of three stages mainly The Preliminary, The Mains and The Interview. The candidate is expected to have an all-around knowledge of the subject accompanied by personality and confidence that are tested in the exam to finally select an able candidate who is able to don the country’s leadership profile. The candidate after clearing the preliminary examination (Marks don’t count towards the Final Merit) with a cut-off are called to sit for the mains and the interview. One can imagine the difficulty level of the examination that only 10% of the candidates interviewed are chosen in the elite civil services. There is no doubt that the syllabus of the IAS exam is huge and with the right approach the examination can be approached . The candidate is expected to push his limits. It is a do and dies battle and only the best can get through the arduous examination.

There shall be a number of people discouraging you from not being able to clear the exam in the first attempt, but it is important that you have conviction and self-belief as that pulls you through. Take guidance for it is essential to have a planned approach to study. Joining a coaching institute only helps you in getting all the study material under one roof and if you are disciplined and motivated you are bound to succeed. However, a coaching institute is not the only way of preparation as many candidates have resorted to self-study.

Pressure owing to a large amount of syllabus often gets too much and some students leave it midway. But the key to acing this examination is self-belief and motivation. Don’t get discouraged by the success rate. Just think that if they can do it so can you. It is essential you should follow the preparation regime with a focus on Quality rather than Quantity. Practice again and again till you get all the concepts right. Have time for leisure, or any entertainment activity for it keeps you physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally fit, you might give it up when the going gets tough.

No exam is difficult if you follow smart work. Have a great sense of observance and follow your own instinct. Use technology effectively and remember always there are people who have aced the exam before and if they can do it so can you.