General Myths & UPSC Success Factors

1. Only candidates with an exceptional IQ can clear UPSC.

Explanation: Many believe that extraordinary intelligence is required for UPSC success.

Counterpoint: Hard work, consistency, and smart study matter more than a high IQ.

Example: Many average students who followed a disciplined approach have cleared UPSC.

2. You need to study 16-18 hours a day to clear UPSC.

Explanation: Some aspirants think only extreme study hours can lead to success.

Counterpoint: Quality matters more than quantity; 6-8 hours of focused study is sufficient.

Example: Toppers like Kanishak Kataria (AIR 1, 2018) studied for 7-8 hours daily, not 16 hours.

3. Candidates from poor financial backgrounds cannot clear UPSC.

Explanation: Many believe UPSC is only for those who can afford coaching and expensive books.

Counterpoint: Many successful candidates self-study using free online resources.

Example: Govind Jaiswal (AIR 48, 2006), a rickshaw puller’s son, cleared UPSC without expensive coaching.

4. Coaching is a must to crack UPSC.

Explanation: Some believe that without coaching, clearing UPSC is impossible.

Counterpoint: Many aspirants clear UPSC through self-study.

Example: Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1, 2017) relied mostly on self-study and online resources.

5. UPSC success depends on luck.

Explanation: Some think luck plays the biggest role in clearing UPSC.

Counterpoint: Success depends on dedication, strategic preparation, and smart work.

Example: Toppers clear UPSC because of consistent efforts, not luck alone.

6. You need to make notes on every topic.

Explanation: Some aspirants believe writing notes on everything is essential.

Counterpoint: Notes are helpful, but relying on standard books and mind maps is often enough.

Example: Many successful aspirants use printed materials and revise them instead of making detailed notes.

7. Reading all NCERT books is mandatory.

Explanation: Many aspirants think they must finish all NCERTs from Class 6 to 12.

Counterpoint: Not all NCERTs are necessary; selective reading based on the syllabus is better.

Example: For History, Class 11-12 NCERTs are enough; for Science, only Class 6-10 NCERTs are needed.

8. You must read The Hindu/The Indian Express daily.

Explanation: Some believe reading newspapers daily is non-negotiable.

Counterpoint: Newspapers are useful, but monthly compilations and PIB updates can save time.

Example: Many aspirants rely on Vision IAS or Insights IAS current affairs compilations.

9. Writing more pages in Mains guarantees more marks.

Explanation: Some believe longer answers mean better scores.

Counterpoint: UPSC values quality, structure, and analysis over length.

Example: A 200-word crisp answer with diagrams scores better than a 500-word vague response.

10. Memorizing facts and statistics is the key to UPSC success.

Explanation: Some think that rote learning is the key strategy.

Counterpoint: UPSC tests analytical skills, not just memory.

Example: Instead of just quoting GDP growth rates, linking them to policy implications fetches more marks.

11. Only candidates from humanities backgrounds succeed.

Explanation: Some assume science and engineering students struggle in UPSC.

Counterpoint: Many engineers, doctors, and commerce graduates have topped the exam.

Example: Kanishak Kataria (AIR 1, 2018) and Gaurav Agarwal (AIR 1, 2013) were both engineers.

12. UPSC is only for students with a strong academic record.

Explanation: Some believe low academic scores in school or college mean UPSC failure.

Counterpoint: UPSC only evaluates your Mains, Optional, and Interview performance.

Example: Many toppers had average marks in college but excelled in the UPSC exam.

13. Candidates from small towns or villages are at a disadvantage.

Explanation: Some believe urban candidates have an edge due to better exposure.

Counterpoint: UPSC values diversity and real-life experiences.

Example: Many toppers, including Govind Jaiswal (Varanasi) and Shah Faesal (J&K), came from small towns.

14. You must read every book multiple times to retain information.

Explanation: Some aspirants believe repeated reading is the only way to remember.

Counterpoint: Active recall, revision notes, and mock tests are more effective than passive reading.

Example: Instead of re-reading Laxmikanth 5 times, making mind maps and solving PYQs improves retention.

15. You must study for years before attempting UPSC.

Explanation: Some believe at least 3-5 years of preparation is needed.

Counterpoint: With focused study, many aspirants clear UPSC in 1-2 years.

Example: Athar Aamir (AIR 2, 2015) cleared UPSC in his first attempt during college.

16. You should attempt all 20 questions in Mains at any cost.

Explanation: Some believe answering all questions is more important than quality.

Counterpoint: Well-structured 16-18 answers with depth score better than 20 rushed responses.

Example: Many toppers focus on quality over quantity in Mains.

17. You need to be an extrovert to succeed in the UPSC interview.

Explanation: Some think only outgoing personalities excel in interviews.

Counterpoint: Clarity, confidence, and composure matter more than personality type.

Example: Many introverts like Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1, 2017) performed excellently in interviews.

18. If you fail once, you will always fail.

Explanation: Some aspirants believe failing in one attempt means they are not meant for UPSC.

Counterpoint: Many toppers succeed after multiple attempts with better strategies.

Example: Apala Mishra (AIR 9, 2020) failed in Prelims before securing a high rank.

19. There is a fixed strategy that works for everyone.

Explanation: Many believe that one-size-fits-all strategies exist for UPSC.

Counterpoint: Each aspirant must customize their preparation based on strengths and weaknesses.

Example: Some aspirants prefer notes, while others rely on digital resources like Vision IAS PDFs.

20. UPSC success guarantees happiness and a perfect life.

Explanation: Some believe that clearing UPSC means a perfect career and life.

Counterpoint: The civil services come with challenges like stress, public accountability, and work pressure.

Example: Many officers face political interference and bureaucratic hurdles but continue serving with dedication.