Busting a few myths about the UPSC exams Updated: Updated: Question of strategy Question of strategy The UPSC civil services exam is considered one of the toughest exams to crack in India. More than 10 lakh candidates apply at the preliminary stage for 1,000 or so vacancies. Naturally, this has lead to a lot of myths about the exams. Here are a few common misconceptions as well as clarifications. Myth: You need to study 15-18 hours daily Reality: This is probably the biggest one. It is nearly impossible to sustain this level of preparation for a year-long cycle. The number of hours put in does not guarantee success. What is required is a proper strategy. Ensure you get enough sleep and work on your physical and mental health to be able to focus properly.