Preparation Myths

1. You must read 10-15 books per subject.

Explanation: Many aspirants believe that reading multiple books for each subject is necessary.

Counterpoint: UPSC rewards conceptual clarity and revision over excessive book collection. It’s better to master 1-2 standard books per subject.

Example: For Polity, reading M. Laxmikanth thoroughly is more effective than juggling multiple sources.

2. Handwritten notes are a must for every subject.

Explanation: Some believe making handwritten notes is the only way to retain information.

Counterpoint: While notes are useful, digital notes or directly revising from books can also be effective. The key is efficient revision.

Example: Some toppers use Evernote or OneNote for digital notes instead of traditional notebooks.

3. Standard books change every year.

Explanation: Many assume they need to buy new books every year.

Counterpoint: Standard books like Laxmikanth (Polity) and Spectrum (History) remain relevant for years. Only current affairs-related subjects require updates.

Example: The Economic Survey and Budget change annually, but Ancient & Medieval History books remain unchanged.

4. Newspaper reading alone is enough for Current Affairs.

Explanation: Some believe reading The Hindu or Indian Express is all they need for current affairs.

Counterpoint: While newspapers are important, additional compilations (like Vision IAS, Insights) help with retention.

Example: Budget and Economic Survey summaries are better for UPSC than just newspaper articles.

5. Current Affairs of only one year is needed.

Explanation: Many aspirants limit their preparation to the past year’s current affairs.

Counterpoint: UPSC asks questions covering 1.5 to 2 years of current events.

Example: Questions from previous years' events (like 2023 events in the 2025 exam) often appear.

6. One coaching material is enough for everything.

Explanation: Many aspirants rely solely on a single coaching institute’s material.

Counterpoint: No single institute covers everything perfectly. It’s best to refer to multiple sources selectively.

Example: A mix of Vision IAS (Current Affairs), ForumIAS (Ethics), and NCERTs is a balanced strategy.

7. Making short notes for every topic is mandatory.

Explanation: Some believe that they must create separate notes for everything.

Counterpoint: For subjects like Polity, directly marking and revising from Laxmikanth can be more effective.

Example: Candidates like Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1) used minimal self-notes and revised directly from books.

8. You must join a test series to pass Prelims.

Explanation: Many believe joining test series is compulsory.

Counterpoint: Test series help, but self-practice with PYQs and standard sources is equally effective.

Example: Some aspirants clear Prelims by solving PYQs and mocks from free sources.

9. Prelims is easier than Mains.

Explanation: Many think Prelims is a minor hurdle compared to Mains.

Counterpoint: Prelims has high unpredictability due to negative marking and elimination-based selection.

Example: Many aspirants who clear Mains easily struggle with Prelims due to tricky MCQs.

10. Mains is all about writing lengthy answers.

Explanation: Some believe that writing lengthy answers leads to more marks.

Counterpoint: Quality and structure matter more than length. Concise and well-structured answers score higher.

Example: A 150-word answer with proper Introduction-Body-Conclusion (IBC) is better than a long but unstructured response.

11. Memorizing statistics is compulsory for GS papers.

Explanation: Some aspirants try to memorize excessive data for GS.

Counterpoint: Using a few key statistics and reports smartly is more effective than cramming numbers.

Example: Instead of memorizing multiple poverty estimates, quoting NITI Aayog’s latest report is better.

12. Writing in point format is always better.

Explanation: Many aspirants believe writing only in bullet points fetches higher marks.

Counterpoint: A mix of paragraph and bullet points works best, depending on the question.

Example: Analytical answers (e.g., ethics case studies) often need paragraph format, while factual ones (e.g., schemes) work well in points.

13. A beautiful handwriting ensures better marks.

Explanation: Many believe neat handwriting guarantees high marks.

Counterpoint: Legibility matters, but content quality is the primary factor.

Example: Some toppers with average handwriting score well due to structured answers.

14. GS papers require the same strategy as Optional papers.

Explanation: Some aspirants study GS and Optional the same way.

Counterpoint: GS needs broad coverage, while Optional requires in-depth mastery.

Example: Public Administration GS answers need a generalist approach, while Optional answers require theory-based depth.

15. Quoting committees, reports, and judgments is unnecessary.

Explanation: Many think extra references don’t matter.

Counterpoint: Quoting committees (like ARC), Supreme Court judgments, and reports (like UNDP HDR) enhances answers.

Example: In Polity, quoting Keshavananda Bharati case for the Basic Structure doctrine strengthens the answer.

16. If you attempt all questions, you’ll pass.

Explanation: Some believe writing something for every question guarantees success.

Counterpoint: Quality matters more than quantity—poorly attempted answers can lower overall marks.

Example: A well-written 15-answer attempt can score more than an average 20-answer attempt.

17. Essay paper does not need separate preparation.

Explanation: Many ignore essay preparation, assuming GS knowledge is enough.

Counterpoint: Structured essays with philosophical, economic, and social dimensions score higher.

Example: AIR 1 2023 used quotations and diverse perspectives to score well in essays.

18. If you have a good Optional, you don’t need GS preparation.

Explanation: Some aspirants prioritize Optional at the cost of GS.

Counterpoint: GS and Essay contribute 1250/2025 marks, making them equally important.

Example: Many candidates with high Optional marks failed due to poor GS scores.

19. UPSC evaluates answers based on length, not content.

Explanation: Some think longer answers fetch more marks.

Counterpoint: Marks depend on clarity, analysis, and relevance, not word count.

Example: Short but precise answers with facts, examples, and diagrams perform well.

20. You must be a great writer to clear Mains.

Explanation: Many believe highly polished language is necessary.

Counterpoint: Simple, structured, and clear writing is the key to high scores.

Example: Using subheadings, examples, and flowcharts improves presentation, even with basic English.