Myths About Exam and Results

Myth: UPSC favors certain optional subjects. Reality: Scores depend on preparation, not subject popularity.

Myth: Prelims cut-off is fixed annually. Reality: It varies (e.g., 90–95 in 2025, per VisionIAS).

Myth: Mains marks alone determine rank. Reality: Interview marks (275) significantly impact ranking.

Myth: UPSC is biased toward certain states. Reality: Toppers come from diverse regions annually.

Myth: Only top ranks get IAS. Reality: Ranks up to 100–150 often secure IAS, depending on vacancies.

Myth: Negative marking makes Prelims impossible. Reality: Strategic answering minimizes its impact.

Myth: UPSC changes question patterns drastically. Reality: Patterns evolve gradually, traceable via past papers.

Myth: You need to score 50% in Prelims to qualify. Reality: GS I cut-off (90–95) and CSAT 33% suffice.

Myth: Mains answers must be unique to score high. Reality: Structured, relevant answers with examples score well.

Myth: UPSC is only about hard work, not strategy. Reality: Smart work, as Shakti’s minimalist approach showed, is key.