Which exam is the easiest to crack: UPSC, SSC, Banking, or State PCS?

The Easiest Government Job Exam: Students preparing for government jobs often wonder which exam—UPSC, State PCS, SSC, or Banking—is the easiest and offers the best chance of selection. While no competitive exam can truly be called "easy," their difficulty levels vary based on the syllabus. UPSC is generally considered the toughest exam, whereas the syllabus for banking exams is relatively limited. SSC and State PCS fall somewhere in between—neither too difficult nor too easy. Therefore, students need to understand which exam aligns best with their interests, capabilities, and career goals. Let us compare these four exams and their difficulty levels...

UPSC Civil Services
The UPSC Civil Services exam is one of the toughest in the country. It is conducted for recruitment to services such as the IAS, IPS, and IFS. The syllabus is vast, and aspirants need a strong understanding of national and global affairs. One must keep track of events, both major and minor, as questions can be asked from any topic. This requires a sharp presence of mind. Candidates must clear three stages—Prelims, Mains, and the Interview—to secure selection. It is worth noting that the selection rate for this exam is very low. Many aspirants begin preparing right after Class 12. While some clear it on their first attempt, others require multiple attempts before finally tasting success...

State PCS
Next, let’s look at State PCS. This category includes state-level administrative services such as UPPCS, BPSC, MPPCS, and RAS. Its pattern is similar to that of the UPSC, but the syllabus is more compact by comparison. There is a greater focus on state-specific subjects. Competition levels in State-level PCS exams are quite high.

SSC
This exam covers Mathematics, Reasoning, English, and General Knowledge (GK). Its syllabus is smaller compared to UPSC or PCS exams. Practicing these subjects daily makes it easier to score well. If you are looking for a job quickly, SSC is a great option because its syllabus is more limited than the other two, making preparation easier.

Banking (IBPS, SBI, RRB)
These exams are easier than the other three categories. Questions cover Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, and Computer Knowledge/General Awareness. The syllabus is limited and clearly defined. Speed ​​and accuracy are crucial for passing these exams; some candidates manage to crack them with just 6 to 12 months of preparation.

Which is the easiest?
If you have been an average student, the order of difficulty (from easiest to hardest) is: Banking – SSC – State PCS – UPSC.

In other words, Banking exams are the easiest, while the UPSC Civil Services exam is the toughest.

Which one should you choose?
Choose UPSC if you dream of becoming an IAS or IPS officer.
Choose State PCS if you aspire to state administrative roles like SDM, DSP, or BDO.
Choose SSC CGL for Group B or Group C jobs in central ministries.
Choose Banking for roles like Bank PO/Clerk and to secure a government job quickly.
In terms of career progression:
UPSC – State PCS – SSC CGL – Banking.
In terms of ease of selection:
Banking – SSC – State PCS – UPSC.

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