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MYTHS ABOUT UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAM

14th February, 2022

Remember the legend of PIED PIPER OF HAMELIN. He lures 130 children of the town away….The world of UPSC Civil Services Exam preparation is replete with such inducements, lures, and false, often exaggerated promises. The aspirants face many a dilemma. The tremendous prestige of the examination has created an aura about the test and given rise to many half-baked truths, which heighten the sense of awe.

 

 Is it essential to buy tens of books for a single subject to crack CSE? Do I have to say goodbye to social Life? Is it impossible to break the Exam without attending a coaching class in Delhi? Is success in this Exam only guaranteed by luck and god's grace? ……so on. Several such myths are circulated among lakhs of aspirants all the time. This clogs the mind of the aspirants and makes them sway away from their target. 

 

This article makes an attempt to dispel certain popular "myths" by confronting them with the corresponding "realities" with perfect rational and scientific arguments.

 

                                                                       

# MYTH 1: EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND NEEDS TO BE GOOD

# REALITY: IITian with a decent profile on paper got 117 marks in the interview whereas rural background aspirants with very humble education get the best marks in the Exam. SO PLEASE GET THESE EXCUSES OUT OF MY HEAD.

 

# MYTH 2: IT IS THE TOUGHEST AND MOTHER OF ALL EXAMS

# REALITY: This is just another exam. The mother of all exams is Life. So, take IAS preparation as a phase in Life, not as equivalent to Life. It is a big rumor that the Civil Services IAS Exam is the mother of all exams and one of the toughest exams in the world. NASA conducts an entry-level examination, which is content-wise rigorous and physically taxing. CSE is challenging but not in terms of content but uncertainty.

 

# MYTH 3: NEED AN IQ LEVEL OF 200!!!

# REALITY: Most toppers are just above average in intelligence. But what separates them is that THEY ARE MARATHON RUNNERS AND NOT SPRINTERS.

 

# MYTH 4: ONE NEEDS TO KNOW EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN

# REALITY:  Undeniably, Syllabus is vast and undefined. The point is that UPSC is a generalist exam, and one requires general understanding and conceptual clarity of all the subjects and topics prescribed in the syllabus. One need not be an expert, just a genuine learner.

 

# MYTH 5: PRELIMS IS ALL ABOUT FACTS

# REALITY: UPSC IAS exam does not intend to check one's factual knowledge. Instead, UPSC assesses one's understanding, conceptual clarity, and analytical abilities.

 

# MYTH 6: ATTENDING COACHING IS A MUST AND SELF-STUDYING A SURE FAILURE

# REALITY: Aspirants can get all the resources required for the Exam on their desk with just one click. Candidates should analyze their strengths and weaknesses and their stance in self-study and coaching institutes and choose accordingly.

 

# MYTH 7: DELHI IS MECCA FOR CSE PREPARATION

# REALITY: This is only smoke without a fire. Apart from good quality coaching institutes now being available in other parts of the country, digital media and the internet have helped many candidates access good quality study material. Further, any sincere and dedicated aspirant can get selected from anywhere provided they have done the requisite intelligence and hard work.

 

 # MYTH 8: TO SUCCEED, ONE NEEDS TO STUDY AT LEAST 16 HOURS A DAY

# REALITY: This is both unhealthy and unattainable. It is not the amount of time that one puts in, but the concentration and focus while studying. The mind and the body need to be well-rested to function fully. Hence, time management and the proper study plan are essential in preparation.

 

# MYTH 9: FLUENCY AND COMMAND OVER ENGLISH LANGUAGE

# REALITY: UPSC doesn't demand superior English; it requires basic English knowledge. Further, UPSC also allows candidates to write in their regional language in the Mains examination. Additionally, it is good to know they are weak in language and can improve it. But remember, one requires only this much hold on language, which helps them understand the question and write logical and okay meaning answers.

 

# MYTH 10: OLDER CANDIDATES HAVE A LESSER CHANCE OF SELECTION

# REALITY: What matters is understanding a wide variety of issues, irrespective of age.

 

# MYTH 11: ONE CAN MASTER A SUBJECT BY ONLY READING SEVERAL BOOKS ON THE TOPIC

# REALITY: Instead of reading many books, one should select resources and focus on revision from the same resources.

 

# MYTH 12: WRITING PRESENTATION SKILLS CAN'T BE IMPROVED

# REALITY: Candidates should practice answer writing as this will help their memory power and confidence level.

 

# MYTH 13: ONE HAS TO ATTEMPT/ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS 

# REALITY: It's just another of those shortcuts people keep coming up with to cracking the UPSC exam. One cannot become a topper by answering as many questions as possible since there's negative marking, and one may get a terrible score. Getting the maximum of the answers right comes from hard work.

 

# MYTH 14: HINDI BACKGROUND ASPIRANT IS AT A DISADVANTAGE 

# REALITY: The language one chooses is not a handicap; rather, lack of confidence and non-availability of study materials is. One should always select the language they are most comfortable in expressing themselves.

 

# MYTH 15: IT IS THE BEST JOB IN INDIA 

# REALITYIt varies from person to person. It depends upon what one's motivation is and how much pressure one can take. But right now, the focus should be on clearing the Exam.

 

# MYTH 16: IT IS ALL ABOUT LUCK, AND LUCK WON'T SHINE ON ME 

# REALITY: Luck and chance play a role in varying degrees in any life endeavor. It is impossible to clear this Exam without toiling for a year. But some luck is definitely needed once many have an equal knowledge base. THE HARDER ONE WORKS, THE LUCKIER THEY GET.

 

# MYTH 17: A MILLION APPLY- I DON'T STAND A CHANCE 

# REALITY: Though lakhs of aspirants apply for this Exam, the real competition is among only a FEW THOUSAND serious aspirants. Those who study consistently with the right strategy and appropriate sources make it into service.

 

# MYTH 18: UNIMPORTANT TOPICS CAN BE LEFT

# REALITY: There is nothing important/unimportant in CSE. UPSC has a tendency to ask questions from those topics which are not given their due importance. Do not leave any part of the syllabus unprepared!!!         

 

# MYTH 19: ONE HAS TO HAVE MEMORY OF A MACHINE

# REALITY: One does not need to be a factopedia to clear the civil services. As earlier said, UPSC assesses one's understanding and conceptual clarity, and analytical abilities.

 

# MYTH 20: ONE MUST READ STANDARD BOOKS COVER TO COVER AND MAKE NOTES ON EVERY TOPIC

# REALITY: Apart from a few essential NCERTs and some books, nothing is required to be read cover to cover. Break down the syllabus into keywords and protect them from relevant sources and books. Also, taking notes is essential. But they shouldn't become an end in themselves. They should help in understanding ineffective revision.

                               

# MYTH 21: PREPARATION DEMANDS A LOT OF MONEY

# REALITY:  Only self-motivation and sincere effort/hard work are enough for cracking the civil service exam.

 

# MYTH 22: RECRUITMENT PROCESS IS TAINTED/CORRUPTED/BIASED

# REALITY: UPSC recruitment is more transparent. UPSC gives details of all their recruitment in the Annual report. The system has been produced from all regions, religions, backgrounds, etc.

 

# MYTH 23: ONE NEEDS TO BE A MONK WHILE PREPARING

# REALITY: One only needs to be self-disciplined. One need not go in hibernation. One should not often socialize as it distracts, but some unwinding only eases the stress.

 

# MYTH 24: IT REQUIRES A MINIMUM OF 3-4 YEARS OF PREPARATION

# REALITY:  One year of preparation, wholehearted attempt though, is all that it takes.

 

# MYTH 25: COMPULSORY LANGUAGE PAPERS ARE ONLY QUALIFYING- DO NOT NEED ANY PREPARATION 

# REALITY:  Instances are not lacking where aspirants seen as the most probably have failed to qualify in the language papers.

 

# MYTH 26: CHOOSE THE OPTIONAL ACCORDING TO TRENDS

# REALITY: Choose an optional after doing a SWOT analysis based on curiosity/likeability of the subject.

 

# MYTH 27: IAS IS NOT FOR WEAK HEARTED

# REALITY: It is actual Exam is arduous, but one cannot grow without adversities. Problems need to be seen as guidelines. TOPPERS ARE ALSO SCARED.

 

# MYTH 28: IF ONE FAILS, HE IS THE BIGGEST LOSER ON EARTH!!

# REALITY: This is the completely wrong way of looking at things. Nothing can be farther from the truth. One should define oneself by what one love.

 

# MYTH 29: 200 BOOKS YET QUESTIONS ARE OUT OF SYLLABUS

# REALITY: UPSC sticks to the syllabus, but the questions are twisted, which requires a good knowledge base before attempting them. One can read only limited resources. So, one has to be very selective in what they read and revise it repeatedly.

 

# MYTH 30: NEED TO DREAM TO BE AN IAS

# REALITY: One only needs a relentless pursuit of what is in front of them.

 

In this world, till human being exists, such kinds of rumors and myths will survive on the mother planet. People tend to believe more in words than believing in themselves.

 

Believe in yourself and develop self-confidence. Disregard all the myths, aim at the goal with a positive attitude, right preparation plan, and never give up mindset then see the wonders. One needs to enjoy the learning experience instead of becoming anxious and burning out. 

 

 WHY APTIPLUS ACADEMY FOR CIVIL SERVICES IS CONSIDERED THE BEST ONLINE UPSC CIVIL SERVICES PREPARATION AND BEST TEST SERIES FOR UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAM?

 

APTI PLUS Academy for Civil Services provides a conducive ecosystem for Best Online UPSC Civil Services Preparation to have the roadmap and the will to see that roadmap through to the end. The unprecedented success in recent years, 2014-2019, has reinstated its position as the Best Coaching Institution for Civil Services Exam coaching in Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Eastern India. The academy has produced top ranks such as AIR 10, 11, 19 in CSE 2019; AIR 20, 43, 54, 63 in IFoS Exam 2019, ranks 5, 6, 17 in WBCS 2018 and ranks 3, 15, 18, 19, 24, 30 in OAS 2018.

Even in the current pandemic, this premier institute for IAS Exam Preparation has remained committed and stood with all the aspirants. It has done everything to help its Online IAS Preparation in every way possible. Years of expertise, research, and analysis of the Civil Services Examination have driven the Academy to develop a UPSC Live Classes Program that is in line with the changing dimensions of the UPSC preparation process and is the Best Online UPSC Civil Services Preparation. It introduced an Advanced Learning Management System under which the best quality of education gets delivered straight to home through India's Top Educators. The program is meticulously designed by India's most adroit professionals having extensive expertise in Civil Services Examination. The objective is thus to simplify the process of Online IAS Preparation and provide a platform for UPSC Live Classes that can best suit aspirants and professionals and lead them to the path of success.

One can choose from the broadest range of courses in the UPSC Online classes program: NCERT, Online Program for Regular Course (Prelims + Mains), Online Course for Optional Subject, Online Test Series Program. There is a specific backend technical team working exclusively for UPSC Online classes.

There is a focus on self-paced learning in the best IAS coaching Institute providing Best Online UPSC Civil Services Preparation. As a result, one can watch pre-recorded video lectures to revise anytime and anywhere! Similarly, one can access pre-recorded UPSC Live Classes, even if they miss a class. Aspirants get proper guidance, prompt doubt clearing sessions, and mentorship throughout the preparation. Discussions in the UPSC Live Classes make student participation a priority. Both these points highlight how Apti Plus has become the Best Coaching Institution providing Best Online UPSC Civil Services Preparation in Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Eastern India.

APTI PLUS's Best Online UPSC Civil Services Preparation program is unique with features such as UPSC Live Classes schedule is highly flexible. A categorized pedagogical approach is followed in the UPSC Live Classes for undergraduates, postgraduates, & working professionals. There is a wide range of courses available in the Best Online UPSC Civil Services Preparation program under eminent faculty members from Delhi and across India. One can reach this Best Online UPSC Civil Services Preparation classroom at the click of a button. Each Module in this Best Online UPSC Civil Services Preparation program must be completed in a targeted manner. There are daily assignments & quizzes for holistic preparation of each Module in this Best Online UPSC Civil Services Preparation program. Every UPSC Online classes lecture is followed by MCQ discussion for Prelims & Subjective Question discussion for Mains.

Books for General Studies (Prelims + Mains) dispatched by courier within a week of enrolment. There is a provision to access study materials in e- format/ PDF format. A bookmark option to customize necessary study materials is available. Study materials are designed by renowned academicians.

Student Discussion Forum in UPSC Online classes allows Interaction which boosts retention of topics and leads to healthy competition to enhance learning & stay motivated continuously. Personalized Mentoring In UPSC Online Classes allows undivided attention to each and every aspirant individually and performance monitoring & Feedback on level of preparation after regular intervals. 

The Academy has drawn in the most imminent faculty members from across India for UPSC Online classes, which makes it the Best Online UPSC Civil Services Preparation program. As a result, quality teaching, individual attention, and an all-inclusive education have become the hallmark of the Institute. The highly qualified and most experienced faculty fraternity teaches in the best coaching institutes of India.

They are dedicated and committed to student's complete success and provide assistive surroundings to contribute to their overall development. No other coaching institute in Kolkata providing UPSC Online classes boasts such a skilled faculty fraternity. There is a mix of experienced dynamic and young sharp-minded faculties who have either cleared the Exam or went till the interview stage of the examination, which gives confidence among the students. 

Other advantages of Aptiplus Academy for Civil Service's Best Online UPSC Civil Services Preparation includes that it advocates and instills self-study techniques among the aspirants, there is no scarcity of study materials for online preparation for UPSC, it can also be availed with reasonable charges, flexibility as students can study as per their schedule, time Management as students save up the time that they previously used to commute from their home to the coaching class. Less traveling and protection from COVID.

The basic mantra for success in UPSC Civil Services Exam is "Learn, Revise, Evaluate, Improve, Succeed." Keeping this in mind, APTI PLUS Academy has structured its Prelims Test Series Program meticulously, with in-depth coverage of the syllabus and scientifically designed Tests covering the entire static and current portions to ensure improved learning outcomes and enhanced scores of the students, which makes it the Best Test Series For UPSC Civil Services Exam (Prelims).

 

A stage-wise approach starting from extensive in-depth coverage of GS syllabus moving towards thematic and current affairs based tests and finally CSE simulation through complete length tests makes sure that aspirants can handle the different facets of the UPSC Prelims Paper and be Exam ready with all the ingenuities and expertise to cope with any surprise that UPSC throws at them. The Best Test Series For UPSC Civil Services Exam (Prelims program) helps aspirants exhaustively cover all the traditional sources and steps up their preparation and brings it to UPSC level by multiple revisions and personalized Feedback.

The Main Examination is intended to assess the overall intellectual traits and depth of understanding of candidates rather than merely their information and memory range. The questions are likely to test the candidate's basic knowledge of all relevant issues and ability to analyze and view conflicting socio-economic goals, objectives, and demands. 'Mains' assesses the quality of thoughts and content of one's mind. These will enter subconsciously into one's answer sheets. Keeping this in mind, APTI PLUS Academy's Best Test Series For UPSC Civil Services Exam (Mains) has been designed to ensure content development and enhanced answer writing skills for the aspirants and enable them to develop multi-dimensional analytical perspective across all themes important for Mains.

One can 'test their preparation, boost their score and ensure success by being part of the Best Test Series For UPSC Civil Services Exam (Mains). This robust Best Test Series For UPSC Civil Services Exam platform provides many mocks, detailed evaluation within 72 hours, comprehensive one-to-one Feedback by faculty members, and exact model answers and test discussions.