Is UPSC Tough for Average Students? Every year, many aspirants contemplate whether an average student can complete the UPSC civil services examination.
The UPSC exam is undoubtedly one of the most challenging tests to conquer. This comprehensive assessment comprises three phases: Prelims, Mains, and the Final Interview, during which the evaluator evaluates mental acuity, personal attributes, and decision-making prowess. Hence, surmounting this exam necessitates unwavering concentration and unwavering commitment.
Considering this average student scenario, the response is an emphatic YES! An average student possesses the potential to triumph over the UPSC exam. Former academic struggles are inconsequential, be it from schooling or college years. With historical and educational challenges, such as Junaid Ahmad, Shubham Gupta, and Rukmani Roy, aspirants have triumphed over the UPSC Civil Services Exam.
However, the UPSC exam poses difficulties; it remains within the realm of possibility to conquer. With devotion, persistence, and a strategic approach, any average student can excel in this exam. A constructive outlook, a profound grasp of the syllabus, and consistent practice prove indispensable. With the right mentorship and diligent effort, achieving success in the UPSC exam and realizing the aspiration of serving the nation as a civil servant can be well within reach.
What is An Average Student?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) does not need candidates to have degrees from top institutions such as IITs and IIMs. It demands that a graduation degree in any stream is sufficient to appear for the exam. One thing that makes more difference is your level of hard work, discipline, and consistency, which are essential for clearing the UPSC exam.
Each aspirant possesses unique skills and strengths that can help them stand out. Your academic marks may only be a number, but they do not define your hidden potential. It’s essential to have faith in yourself and follow the strategies of successful candidates, which we will discuss further in this article.
5 Qualities of an Average Student
1. Straight Thinking
To crack the UPSC exam, aspirants must possess a unique quality that the exam needs. Ask yourself repeatedly, “What is the unique quality that will help me succeed in the exam?” Once you have identified your strengths and weaknesses, you can create a strategy tailored to your needs.
When it comes to studying for the UPSC, it’s not about the number of study materials but the quality of your study that matters. Aspirants committed to looking in the right direction and using fewer resources are more likely to score well on the exam. Therefore, focus on the quality of your study rather than the time you spend studying. Doing so can significantly increase your chances of success in the UPSC exam.
2. Daily Action Plan
The UPSC exam is the first choice for candidates who aspire to become an IAS officer and make themselves proud. However, aspirants must be committed to their preparation and adopt a disciplined approach to crack this exam. Creating a daily action plan and studying according to it is essential to cover the vast syllabus effectively.
To ensure success, candidates must avoid distractions and keep everything aside, including doubts, past failures, and success, which may bother them during the preparation phase. With a focused mindset and a dedicated approach, aspirants can increase their chances of success in the UPSC exam and achieve their dream of becoming an IAS officer.
3. Navigating the Syllabus
To succeed in the UPSC exam, aspirants must closely monitor the vast syllabus. Covering the entire syllabus at once can be overwhelming, so consider dividing it into smaller parts to make it more manageable. Additionally, it’s important to remember that every aspirant is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. So, avoid blindly following others’ strategies and tailor your preparation plan to suit your needs and preferences.
If you find it challenging to keep up with current events by reading newspapers every day, don’t worry. You can use telegram groups where people post crucial daily news, saving you a significant amount of time. Remember, studying smart is crucial to boosting your productivity and saving time, which can increase your chances of success in the UPSC exam. So, focus on finding the study methods and resources that work best for you and stick to them.
4. Effective Note Preparation Strategies
Aking the time to prepare self-notes can significantly aid in retaining information and recalling critical points of a topic. Studies have shown that writing down the report by hand and subsequently reviewing it one or more times can aid in storing information in long-term memory.
Additionally, writing notes in your language can make the material more accessible and easier to comprehend, as it is more familiar. By preparing comprehensive and thoughtful self-notes, you can improve your understanding and retention of the material you are studying.
5. Effective Online Mock Tests for Exam Preparation
It is crucial for aspirants to feel confident in their ability to answer the types of questions that may appear on the exam. Mock tests can play a significant role in achieving this, as they allow you to practice and become familiar with various question patterns that UPSC has asked in past exams. You need to practice multiple questions to ensure your preparation is complete.
Mock tests provide a valuable opportunity to simulate test conditions and better understand the exam format. By reviewing and analyzing your performance on these tests, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses and make necessary adjustments to your study plan. Furthermore, mock tests can help build confidence and reduce exam-day anxiety.
Strategy of Toppers Who Were Once Average Students
We recommend that you watch the interviews with Hindi medium toppers below. These interviews offer valuable insights into how individuals who were once considered average students could clear the UPSC exam successfully.
By listening to the experiences and strategies of these toppers, you can better understand what it takes to succeed in the exam and learn some tips and tricks to incorporate into your preparation. Additionally, hearing from those who have achieved success can provide valuable motivation and inspiration as you work towards your goals.
We encourage you to take some time to watch these interviews and gain insights from those who have excelled in the UPSC exam despite initial challenges.
1. Divya Tanwar (Rank 438, CSE 2021)
Divya Tanwar, who secured the 438th rank in the CSE 2021 and subsequently became an IPS officer, provides an inspiring example of success in the UPSC exam. Despite coming from a family without a solid educational background, Divya successfully prepared for and cleared the exam on her first attempt.
In an interview, Divya shared that her educational background was in Hindi, presenting its own challenges. However, she persevered and developed a successful study plan to achieve her goals. We encourage you to watch the full video to gain a more detailed understanding of her experiences and strategies.
Divya’s story highlights that with hard work, dedication, and effective preparation, it is possible to succeed in the UPSC exam, regardless of background. So, take inspiration from her journey and use it to fuel your determination to succeed.
You can also read, Ishita Kishore UPSC 2022 Topper
2. Pawan Kumar (Rank 551, CSE 2021)
Pawan Kumar’s success in clearing the UPSC exam with a rank of 551 in the CSE 2021 is awe-inspiring, especially considering that he received his education in Hindi medium. His achievement is a testament to the fact that anyone can succeed in the UPSC exam with hard work and dedication.
To better understand Pawan’s journey and the strategies he used to achieve success, we recommend watching the entire video. In this interview, Pawan provides valuable insights into how he approached the exam and overcame the challenges he faced during the preparation process.
By watching and learning from the experiences of successful UPSC candidates like Pawan, you can gain valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in this highly competitive exam. We encourage you to watch the full video and use Pawan’s story as inspiration as you prepare for your UPSC journey.
3. Ravi Sihag (Rank 18, CSE 2021)
Ravi Sihag, a resident of Rajasthan, achieved a particular rank of 18 in the CSE 2021 and subsequently became an IAS officer. In an interview, he shared a range of valuable tips and insights that can help other aspirants secure their own success.
We highly recommend that you watch the full video to understand better Ravi’s journey and the strategies he employed to achieve success. By learning from the experiences and advice of those who have excelled in the UPSC exam, you can gain valuable insights and inspiration to fuel your preparation.
Ravi’s success highlights that with a combination of hard work, dedication, and effective preparation, it is possible to succeed in the UPSC exam. So, please take advantage of the opportunity to learn from successful candidates like Ravi and use their experiences and advice to guide your preparation and increase your chances of success.
5. Anand Kumar (Rank 206, CSE 2022)
Anand Kumar’s remarkable achievement of securing the 206th rank in the CSE 2022 and becoming an IAS officer is genuinely inspiring, particularly given his background in Hindi medium education.
To better understand Anand’s journey and the strategies he employed to achieve success, we highly recommend that you watch the full video. In this interview, Anand shares valuable insights into how he overcame the challenges he faced during the preparation process and provides tips that can be useful for other UPSC aspirants.
By learning from the experiences of successful candidates like Anand, you can gain valuable insights and inspiration to fuel your preparation. So, we encourage you to watch the full video and use Anand’s journey as a source of motivation as you work towards your own UPSC goals.
Conclusion
As we conclude this discussion, we aim to address your concerns regarding the difficulty of the UPSC exam for the average student. While undoubtedly challenging, with focused preparation and unwavering commitment, anyone can conquer this examination and attain the prestigious position of an IAS officer.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to emphasize that thorough research and proper guidance are imperative before embarking on your UPSC journey. Connecting with friends or colleagues who have successfully navigated the exam and currently serve in UPSC roles can offer invaluable insights from their experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is UPSC tough for average students?
Ans. Any regular student can pass the UPSC exam through hard work and dedication. It’s manageable, and you can succeed by studying the right way and getting help from mentors. With determination and effort, you can become an IAS officer.
Q. If I’m an average student, how will I crack the IAS?
Ans. Remember, you don’t have to be a top student to pass the UPSC exam. It has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Final Interview. With dedication and effort, anyone can succeed.
Q. How many years can it take for a below-average student to crack the UPSC exam?
Ans. Remember, you don’t have to be a top student to pass the UPSC exam. It has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Final Interview. With dedication and hard work, anyone can crack UPSC.
Q. Can an average student dream of UPSC?
Ans. Yes, it’s true – any average student can aspire to clear the UPSC exam. In recent years, there have been numerous instances of students with Hindi-medium backgrounds who have successfully cracked the exam.