UPSC IAS MYTH BUSTER

UPSC IAS (Union Public Service Commission – Indian Administrative Service) is one of the most prestigious exams in India. Still, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding it. These myths often discourage potential candidates from attempting the exam or lead to incorrect preparation strategies. The UPSC civil services exam is one of the most competitive exams in India, divided into three stages. However, when aspirants begin their preparation, they often have limited knowledge about the exam, the UPSC Syllabus, UPSC Exam Pattern and the optimal strategy for success. Due to this lack of understanding and fear of the exam, many aspirants fall prey to various myths associated with it.

Knowing the proper UPSC CSE syllabus will give a strong foundation for examination and help you to have the confidence to attempt it. So check out and bust your nightmares.

Check out the Myths And Its Truths

Check out the myths that have created a lot of fuss and look at how we busted the truth.

Myth Buster – 1 It is one of the most challenging exams.

One of the most prevalent myths about cracking the UPSC Civil Services exam is that only academic toppers have a chance to succeed. However, this is far from the truth. The UPSC exam assesses a candidate’s overall knowledge, ability and skills, and a person’s overall personality rather than just their academic performance.

Busted: While academic excellence can help crack the exam, it is not a prerequisite. Many successful IAS officers have come from average educational backgrounds but still have been selected for a significant role after successfully qualifying for the exam.

• In fact, the UPSC exam is majorly planned to test a candidate’s overall personality and ability to handle complex situations rather than just their academic knowledge.

• Therefore, it is essential to note that being a topper does not always guarantee success, and one’s academic performance should not deter one from pursuing their dream of becoming an IAS officer.

• Instead, candidates should focus on developing a well-rounded personality, acquiring relevant knowledge and skills, and developing a strategic approach to cracking the UPSC exam.

Myth 2: Attempting Maximum Questions in IAS Prelims Will Guarantee Success

One of the common myths associated with the UPSC IAS exam is that attempting the maximum number of questions in the Prelims exam guarantees success. However, this is far from the truth. In the Prelims exam, there are 100 questions, each carrying two marks and a negative marking of one-third of the allotted marks for each wrong answer.

Busted: Attempting too many questions without proper understanding and analysis can lead to negative markings and a decreased overall score. Therefore, it is essential to focus on accuracy rather than the number of attempted questions.

• One can check out the UPSC prelims syllabus for a better understanding of attempts.

• Candidates should understand the importance of time management and utilize their time wisely to attempt only the questions they are confident about.

• However, this can be done by attempting more of the UPSC IAS previous year’s question papers.

Check out this: UPSC Previous Year Question Papers: Prelims & Mains 2023

Myth Buster 3- UPSC IAS Is The Toughest Exam

The UPSC exam is often considered the toughest exam in India. Many people believe that the difficulty level of the exam is so high that it is almost impossible to crack. It is true that the UPSC exam is extremely competitive and requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but it is not impossible to crack.

Busted: Every year, thousands of candidates successfully clear the UPSC exam and join the prestigious civil services of the country. The key to passing the exam is diligent preparation, dedication, and a thorough comprehension of the UPSC exam pattern and material. One can download the UPSC syllabus pdf for better understanding.

Myth 4: Reading Too Many Books Can Be Counterproductive

Many UPSC aspirants often believe that reading many books, notes and study materials can help them be more knowledgeable and experienced in their exams.

Busted: The truth is that being ready for many books is counterproductive as it can lead to confusion and information overload. It is important to choose the right UPSC Books and study materials relevant to the UPSC syllabus and comprehensively cover all the important topics. Yes, the best books for UPSC can bring a lot of change in your overall study pattern.

Moreover, It is also important to supplement book reading with other study materials like newspapers, free UPSC material, notes, and online resources to stay updated on current affairs and improve general awareness.

Myth 5: One must study for 18 hours daily to clear the UPSC Exam.

This is one of the most common myths about the UPSC exam.

Busted: While it is true that UPSC is a highly competitive exam and requires dedicated and consistent effort, studying for 18 hours a day is not necessary to crack the exam. In fact, such long hours of studying can lead to burnout and reduced productivity.

More importantly, a brilliant and efficient study plan includes regular breaks, sufficient sleep, and a balanced diet. It is better to focus on quality over quantity of study hours. Aim to study for 6-8 hours daily, with breaks to relax and rejuvenate.

Myth Buster 6: UPSC Interview Board judges based on the candidate’s attire and appearance.

This is a common myth among UPSC aspirants that their selection in the interview stage is based solely on their attire and appearance. However, this is not true. The UPSC Interview Board evaluates candidates based on their knowledge, personality, and communication skills, not their clothing or looks.

• While it is important to dress appropriately and maintain good grooming, the interview board does not judge candidates solely based on their physical appearance.

• The focus is on the candidate’s ability to express themselves and their knowledge of various subjects. The board is looking for candidates who can answer every interview question.

Also Check UPSC IAS Interview Board Profile 2023: Insights and Tips

Myth 7: Make notes on every single topic in the syllabus.

Busted: One of the most common misconceptions among UPSC aspirants is that they need to make notes on every single topic in the UPSC prelims syllabus and UPSC mains syllabus.

While it is important to have a good grasp of all the topics, it is not feasible to make detailed notes on them. This can lead to a waste of time and effort and may not be an effective way to prepare for the exam.

It is important to prioritize topics and make notes accordingly. However, aspirants can check the notes making Strategy.

Check out this: UPSC IAS Prelims Notes Making Strategy 2023

Myth 8: Aspirants need to have a good command of English

Busted: The IAS Exam is conducted in both English and Hindi, and the candidates can attempt the exam in the language of their choice.

• The medium of the exam is not a factor that determines a candidate’s success.
• While having a good command of the language is important to express oneself better, it is not a mandatory requirement for clearing the exam.

Conclusion

The UPSC IAS exam is often shrouded in myths and misconceptions that can be misleading and discouraging for aspirants. However, by debunking these myths and understanding the realities of the exam, aspirants can approach their preparation with clarity and confidence.

Frequently Asked Question

Q.1 Who is the most struggling IAS officer?

Ans. The most struggling IAS Officer is K Jayaganesh. Despite failing the civil service examination six times, he remained resilient and did not give up. He persevered, and in his final attempt, he passed the exam with a rank of 156.

Q.2 Who cracked IAS without coaching?

Ans. There have been several individuals who have cracked the IAS exam without coaching. Coaching is not mandatory to clear the IAS exam.

Q.3 Who is unfit for the IAS exam?

Ans. Conditions that are declared temporarily unfit and can be declared fit after successful surgery:

• Hernia
• Varicose veins
• Hydrocele
• Haemorrhoids
• Malignancies at the time of entry to service
• Having transplanted organs

Q.4 Which is the toughest exam in India?

Ans. The Union Public Service Commission’s is commonly known as the IAS exam, is considered one of the toughest exams in India. This exam is conducted in three stages: the Preliminary exam, the Mains exam, and the Personality Test (Interview).

Q.5 Which rank is safe for IAS?

Ans. Candidates who secure a rank within the top 100-150 have a higher chance of getting selected for the IAS.

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