By Owais Ali Bhat, Director, Chanakya IAS Academy, Jammu
After 15 years of guiding aspirants through the labyrinth of the Civil Services Examination (CSE), I’ve heard almost every myth there is about the Preliminary stage — the so-called “screening test.” Each year, I watch bright, capable young minds doubt themselves, waste months chasing misconceptions, and sometimes even give up before they’ve truly begun. It’s time to set the record straight.
Let’s bust a few of the most common myths surrounding the UPSC Prelims.
Myth 1: You need to cover everything under the sun.
Reality: No, you don’t. The UPSC doesn’t want you to become a walking encyclopedia. It tests your clarity of thought, conceptual understanding, and ability to apply logic — not your capacity to memorise obscure facts. A smart, focused strategy always trumps a scattered, exhaustive one. Quality beats quantity.
Myth 2: The CSAT paper is just a formality.
Reality: I’ve seen many candidates stumble here, especially those from humanities backgrounds. The CSAT paper (Paper II) is qualifying, yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. If you underestimate it, it can cost you dearly. Practice regularly, and don’t treat it like a side dish. I’ve had students who sailed through GS but missed the cut-off because of CSAT.
Myth 3: Only those with a background in history or political science can crack Prelims.
Reality: This is one of the most harmful misconceptions. The UPSC exam is designed to be inclusive of all disciplines — engineering, medicine, commerce, law, and arts. It’s about how you prepare, not what you studied in college. In fact, diversity of thought is a strength in this examination.
Myth 4: You must read 10 newspapers a day.
Reality: Please don’t. UPSC demands an understanding of current events, not an obsession with news clippings. One good newspaper (like The Hindu or Indian Express), read consistently and analytically, is more than enough. Supplement it with a reliable current affairs compilation and you’re good to go.
Myth 5: Attempting fewer questions is a safer bet.
Reality: While accuracy is important, over-caution can be just as harmful. In recent years, the cut-off has gone high enough that attempting only 50–60 questions rarely works. A balanced risk-taking approach — where you attempt 75–85 questions with calculated guessing — is often more fruitful.
Myth 6: Coaching is mandatory to clear Prelims.
Reality: Let me be very honest here — coaching helps, especially in providing guidance, mentorship, and structure. But is it indispensable? Absolutely not. Many have cleared it through self-study, discipline, and smart strategy. What coaching gives you is an ecosystem; how you use it is up to you.
Myth 7: If you don’t clear Prelims in the first attempt, you’re not meant for UPSC.
Reality: This exam is not just about knowledge; it’s about temperament, consistency, and learning from your mistakes. Every failed attempt teaches you more than any book ever can. Some of the finest officers I’ve mentored cleared the exam in their third or fourth attempt — not because they weren’t good enough earlier, but because they grew with the process.
In Conclusion:
The Civil Services Preliminary exam is not a monster. It’s a challenge — yes — but a conquerable one with the right mindset. My message to all aspirants: Don’t let myths cloud your judgment. Believe in your ability, stick to your plan, and keep refining your preparation. The Prelims is not the end; it’s just the beginning of a much bigger journey.
And remember, as I always tell my students: “Success in UPSC is 50% knowledge and 50% attitude.” Make sure you build both.
Thank you sir You are blessed with positive thoughts n the way you bost up is command able 🙏