We all are charmed by the grandeur associated with the civil services in India. According to a report, UPSC civil services exam is one of the toughest exams of the world. Naturally, the preparation process for the exam will attract several myths around it.
But, as George Orwell famously said: “Myths, which are believed in, tend to become true. Hence, if you start believing in myths associated with the UPSC preparation, your dream of becoming a civil servant will surely get ruined.
Here, we are listing down some of the common myths about the UPSC and debunking them too:
Myth 1: Engineers have it easy in the UPSC exam.
This is a common myth among the students from non-science background. Time and again, toppers of the exam have proved that the UPSC exam is not skewed against students from humanities or commerce background. Be it Garima Lohia (AIR 2), Shruti Sharma (AIR 1) or Tina Dabi (AIR 1), all come from non-engineering background. Apart from them, there are many others who have cleared this exam without harbouring any ‘ifs and buts’ mentality.
Myth 2: Preparation requires 15-16 hours of study routine.
This is absolutely not true. The exam requires a dedicated and consistent performance. Always remember, this journey can be a long one for some aspirants. And, it is normal. Mental health is more important than anything else. Putting in more than 15-16 hours can take a toll on your health, which can affect your performance in the long run. Follow a disciplined regime, but it shouldn’t be taxing on the mind.
Myth 3: UPSC exam cannot be cracked with a job.
There are many aspirants who have cleared this exam, along with a full-time job. These candidates were not superhumans. All they had was the clear-cut goal in their mind. Besides knowing what should be studied, an aspirant should also know, or learn to know, what shouldn’t be studied.
Myth 4: Answer-writing should be done only after prelims.
This is a common misconception among aspirants, due to which they ruin their valuable years in preparation. They get caught in the vicious cycle of attempts and reattempts and getting stuck at the same stage where they clear prelims easily, but do not get the interview call. To break this cycle, answer-writing practice should be initiated early on.
Myth 5: You need to have super-human memory to clear this exam.
Unlike the state-PCS which focuses more on facts, the UPSC CSE exam is more about developing analytical skills. A person who has strong analytical skills with an ability to connect the dots between different issues would surely have an edge over other candidates.
Myth 6: UPSC exam prefers English-medium students.
UPSC doesn’t favour anyone with a particular background over others. It only has preferences for people with sharp analytical skills. Medium of instruction should never be counted amongst the hurdles. Just focus on deeper understandings of the subjects and issues plaguing the country. Eventually, you will develop officers-like qualities.
Myth 7: You need to read the ‘The Hindu’ newspaper inside-out.
There are certain aspirants who give more than four hours to study the newspaper. They even make notes of city-based stories. This not only wastes their precious time, but also provides them a pile of notes which are of no use at the time of revision. Candidates are required to read and analyze only the important articles. They can develop this understanding by following previous-year questions and syllabus.
Myth 8: You need to start your preparation right after school.
UPSC looks for a candidate who has a well-rounded personality. It can only be developed when you have greater exposures in life. Some parents enroll their kids in coaching institutes just after college. This unnecessarily burdens the child’s mind and limit his/her capability. It should only be the child’s prerogative to decide when to start his/her preparation.
Myth 9: Candidates from premier colleges are preferred during the personality test.
UPSC Interview consists of members from varied backgrounds. They are only looking for candidates who possess essential traits for administrative roles. It doesn’t matter which school or college you have been to. You only need to demonstrate officer-like qualities in the personality test.
Myth 10: My chances of success will increase only if I give multiple government exams.
A lot of candidates start preparing for multiple government exams simultaneously. Following this strategy in the beginning of the preparation can possibly backfire. The strategy to give other government exams simultaneously, or a ‘Plan B’, can be adopted after two unsuccessful attempts. A candidate meets failure only when his/her improvement stops. You can only how to bring improvements only under right guidance. So, always go for the trusted guidance.
These myths work as a potent tool in diminishing your chances of success. Never fall for them. Clearing this exam requires concerted efforts and a strong belief in your capabilities. Approach this exam with real expectations and unwavering dedication and success will follow you.
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