Every year, thousands of students write the UPSC exams. Being one of the important exams in India, students have to practice relentlessly to clear their prelims, mains and the final personality analysis round. UPSC exams require preparation and hard work on behalf of the candidates and there are several myths that float around the exams which scare the candidates endlessly. Stick to the end of the article as we debunk the popular myths and provide you with the correct guidance instead.
1. Myth: UPSC exams are the toughest and only academic toppers can score the highest rank
Truth: As in layman's terms, UPSC exams are considered extremely tough exams as there is a very low pass percentage of less than 1%. But a different statistical observation reveals as UPSC allows six reattempts, a majority of students writing the UPSC exams do not take the exams seriously and merely write the exam to have a feel of the exams.
Candidates who have passed the UPSC exams have stated that dedication and perseverance along with the right techniques will help in clearing the exams.
Another common belief is that academic toppers can only obtain the highest rank. However, a look at the passing candidates each year can help in debunking the myth. Most candidates are from backward regions of India, being weak or average students. Academic performance does not play a role in the UPSC results and it solely depends on how the candidate prepares for the UPSC exams.
2. Myth: You have to study a lot and remember everything to clear UPSC
Truth: The myth that candidates writing the UPSC examinations should know everything creates unnecessary stress on students. On one hand, the syllabus about UPSC is vast but it is definitive except for current affairs.
A systematic approach will help in clearing the UPSC exams easily. Further, the IAS exam does not have the intention to assess the factual and memorization power of the candidates but the conceptual clarity and analytical abilities.
Toppers of UPSC exams clearly state that the number of hours that a candidate studies is not important but the quality of the study sessions is important. It is essential that the study sessions are without any distractions and the knowledge can be retained effectively.
A working professional committed to a full-time job can also prepare and pass the UPSC exams. To know more about it, read our article on it here.
3. Myth: It is mandatory for a UPSC candidate to attend coaching classes
Truth: It cannot be denied that attending coaching classes helps in the provision of additional guidance but attending coaching classes is not mandatory. There are many working professionals who cannot attend classes and so are some candidates who come from regions where there is little or no guidance for UPSC exams.
In the age of digitalization, candidates can find an abundant source of study materials for UPSC exams online. Candidates can also join an online learning platform where they can avail learning classes at their preferred timings. And as mentioned earlier, the key to success is consistent preparation and strong motivation.
4. Myth: UPSC candidates require good writing skills and have to attend to maximum questions in the exam
Truth: UPSC main exams are fully subjective and students are required to write essays and comprehensions. Writing skills are developed over time. Practising writing the mock answers within a time limit can help in improving your writing skills. It is also important to mention here that it is not possible to write 90 questions in the given time limit and instead of attending to all the questions, focusing on mere 50-60 questions and providing quality answers for them will help in acing the exams.
There are other few myths that revolve around UPSC exams as well, like candidates coming from a vernacular background facing difficulty, gender partiality presence or being extremely lucky to crack the exams can be debunked as well.
It is important to conclude the article by saying that there is no denying the UPSC exams are tough but with dedication, persistence and hard work, the exams can be acted as well. Preparing for the exams relentlessly by studying and covering the syllabus and keeping abreast with the current affairs will help in passing the exam with flying colors.