Debunking the Myths about Clearing the UPSC CSE Preparation

• UPSC CSE preparation scenario is marred with myths. 
• Its huge syllabus, difficulty, and the percentage of selection gave rise to these myths. 

Aspirants have to deal with many prevailing myths throughout the preparation journey, some get caught in them while others circumvent them. Experts assert that getting caught in the whirlpool of these myths can cause serious problems, and could even cost an attempt. 

The Union Public Service Commission Civil Service Examination is believed to be one of the toughest exams and lakhs of aspiring candidates appear for it every year. Apart from being one of the toughest examinations, with endless syllabus and underlying myths. But a successful candidate fights through every hurdle and becomes a successful civil servant. 

Myths Circulating UPSC CSE 

Data suggests that every year more than 10,00,000 aspirants fill out the form for Preliminary examination, and nearly 6,00,000 appear for it. Out of this lot, only 10,000 are selected to appear for the Mains examination, hereon, 6,000 candidates appear for the Interview and only 1,000 to 1,200 go on to become a civil servant. The selection percentage is very low, and the gravity of evading the myths becomes more important. 

Aspirants Should be a Know-it-All 

One of the most famous myths says that an aspirant must know it all, and must possess knowledge about everything there is to know. Obviously, the scenario where an aspirant possesses knowledge about everything is nearly impossible. Moreover, the extent of the points covered in the syllabus suggests that aspirants might have to learn everything. 

However, a proper strategic approach can help in covering every extent of the syllabus in the given time frame. Also, instead of covering every minute detail if a candidate might focus on important points it will provide a wider knowledge rather than the non-required in-depth knowledge. 

Obviously, a civil servant is required to have workable knowledge about every field he/she might need to perform duties. But going in depth about every topic might take away valuable time and not deliver the desired results. Hence it is advised to maintain a proper strategic approach rather than trying to be a Know-it-all. 

There’s  no Option for Coaching

Expensive and time consuming coaching classes are mandatory for clearing UPSC CSE. It can be agreed that able guidance is required to clear the maze of syllabus and other required aspects. But it should not be mandatorily coming from a coaching institute. Moreover, despite enrolling in such coaching a substantial time for self-study needs to be allotted. 

Many coaching institutes portray themselves as a sure-shot way to become a civil servant. They charge hefty fees and provide assurance that you shall be successful in the UPSC CSE. But in today’s era of the internet, an immense knowledge pool is available at your fingertips. 

There are many examples of candidates clearing the examination without joining classes. There is no doubt that a candidate requires proper guidance and mentoring, but it should not customarily come from a coaching class. A proper strategy and a burning desire for success can lead to desired results. 

Related Read: What not to Do in UPSC Preparation: Eight Avoidable Mistakes

You have to be the “Chosen One” myths

In the aforementioned data where the percentage of selection was mentioned, it becomes clear that the selection percentage is very very low. Such data gives rise to the myth that you have to be the “Chosen One” to be selected. It does not matter how many hours you have studied, or if you have an optimal level of preparation, if you are not the Chosen One you will not be selected. 

To some extent, it is true that you have to be extraordinary to be selected, but it does not mean that you have to be the Chosen One. With proper time management, study patterns, mentoring, dedication, and perseverance anyone can become a successful civil servant. The UPSC board provides equal opportunities for every aspiring candidate, they only need to work hard to be better than the others and better than themselves. 

Study, Eat, Study, Repeat myths

Considering the extent of the syllabus, a myth prevailed that aspirants had to study 16-18 hours every day. But achieving this feat is humanly impossible, for obvious reasons. Proper time management, and a strategically divided syllabus, can bring desired results while an aspirant gets to lead a normal life.

Even if an aspirant dedicates a substantial amount of time to preparation, it can overload the brain and might hamper the outcome. The human mind needs rest and refreshment like any other muscle. Hence it is advised that instead of wasting energy in studying 18 hours a day, devise a strategic plan, and break down the syllabus and related tasks into palatable formats. Keep track of everything, stay focused and dedicated, and you too might become a successful civil servant. 

Drown Yourself in Books

Again considering the extent of the syllabus, a myth prevails that an aspirant must drown himself/herself in books. It is agreed that they have to read numerous books just to cover the syllabus, but drowning in books seems a bit of an overkill. Moreover, going through so many books might confuse them, as every book covers similar topics in a different way. 

Any able mentor would provide you with guidance on which books to refer to, also the internet is full of such lists. Focusing on important topics, rather than studying complete books not only saves time, but helps in increasing chances of success. Again the importance of a proper strategy is emphasised here. 

It’s Over if You are Late

The majority believe that starting early is the best way to success, and if you are late, you can never make it. It is known that a substantial amount of time is required for preparation and experts assert it to be a minimum of one year. Starting early has its advantages but starting late does not mean that it’s over. 

Aspirants usually start at the age of 18-19, with an age limit of 32 years, but even if you start at the age of 28-29, it is still possible. The UPSC board has no guidelines for a minimum age to start preparing, hence whenever the motivation strikes candidates can start preparing for the examination. But one should consider that starting late will have some added baggage associated with it.  

No Job while Preparing

Preparing for UPSC takes dedication time, and survival while preparing needs money. India is a nation of middle-class families, and not everyone is privileged enough to prepare till the age limit while the family takes care of the rest. Many aspirants have to take jobs to support themselves and their families. This does not mean that having a job cuts away the chances of success. 

It is true that a job will take away a substantial amount of time. But with proper strategy, and skillfully using the remaining time, success can be achieved. Moreover, preparing for competitive exams like UPSC CSE, Bank PO, etc for working individuals is common. They are trying to survive while working hard to achieve their dream of a better life. Again a proper strategy will help in utilising the time at hand to succeed. 
The aforementioned are the well-known myths circulating around UPSC CSE preparation. The common answer to break all the myths is a proper strategy. Be it for being a Know it All, or the necessity of coaching classes, or to be the Chosen One, or to drown yourself in books, etc. Proper planning and strategy are the answer to nearly every myth.