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Mains 2018 : What is the ratio of luck and hard work in cracking the UPSC?

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  • It is always 100:0 on luck:hardwork curve. Everything in the world is luck, the fact that you studied well is luck...a degree of randomness that you studied the right things. That you recall the correct things in the correct times in exam is also luck..all a matter of probability and randomness. That you are healthy during exams. That you reached hall in time. That your family is supporting you then..etc etc n number of variables.

    If you are capable enough to control the randomness, predict the probability margins and have damage risk reduction strategy up your sleeves, you are good to go. The world is built upon randomness in phenomena, so no point cribbing about luck. Control your luck, with some life-learning anyone can.
    You missed a very important "luck"- to get birth so that you can prepare.
    Darwin called this luck as survival of the fittest :mrgreen:
  • It is always 100:0 on luck:hardwork curve. Everything in the world is luck, the fact that you studied well is luck...a degree of randomness that you studied the right things. That you recall the correct things in the correct times in exam is also luck..all a matter of probability and randomness. That you are healthy during exams. That you reached hall in time. That your family is supporting you then..etc etc n number of variables.

    If you are capable enough to control the randomness, predict the probability margins and have damage risk reduction strategy up your sleeves, you are good to go. The world is built upon randomness in phenomena, so no point cribbing about luck. Control your luck, with some life-learning anyone can.
    You missed a very important "luck"- to get birth so that you can prepare.
    N number of variables I said. You can break down birth as in birth as a human and not an ant too xD
  • I often wonder why luck doesn't apply to the fundamental laws of the universe.
  • I often wonder why luck doesn't apply to the fundamental laws of the universe.
    But it does. Randomness is nature of the universe. You think it's luck because you have the 'observer' status that non-sentient things wouldn't have.
  • Suppose one has good right guidance, prepares in right way, does right things at right time..in such a scenario hard work : luck = 90:10
    +1 ..
    Tumhara mains hai is saal?
  • So now as the mains results are announced.

    I would like to ask the same question.Please pour yourself here. There was a beautiful similar thread on forum before a couple of years. Please share your stories or expectation versus the reality of this exam.
  • So now as the mains results are announced.

    I would like to ask the same question.Please pour yourself here. There was a beautiful similar thread on forum before a couple of years. Please share your stories or expectation versus the reality of this exam.
    To freshers- Avoid negativity and keep on fighting. Your dream is nearer than you think.
    To old timers- Be practical and deal it as an exam.

    Overall- Most freshers are mostly old timers, but this is the reality of this exam :smile:
  • after 2 attempts I feel Hard Work pays off , and the fact that i'm yet to get an interview call simply vindicates that i haven't really worked hard enough. I haven't found a single soul yet who'd say with conviction that he put 10 hours of quality time daily for at least year and half and still didn't taste success. Success here is not to be construed in narrow terms of getting IAS, what I mean is that once you have labored as per the requirements you'll definitely land something decent enough to be proud of.
    There are bound to be disagreements with this view of mine , but anyone who wants to dispute this should assure himself and ask his conscience whether he had written tests sincerely, studied 10 hours with a time table and strict deadlines, didn't have any conflicts or doubts in his brain regarding his effort; and if the answer is in affirmative to these qsns and you still didn't make it then you are an exception and exception aren't rules :lol:
  • So now as the mains results are announced.

    I would like to ask the same question.Please pour yourself here. There was a beautiful similar thread on forum before a couple of years. Please share your stories or expectation versus the reality of this exam.
    Its always 10:90. I am satisfied with what I did for 7 months and 2 months in 2017... Not so much with the 2.5 months.. But I don't really think this 1 year 1.5 year shit holds any water.

    A fresher might need to re revise laxmikanth and say bipan chanddra much more(well spectrums also a good book,but i don't follow it)...the same maynt hold for a oldie. Also oldies often have far better hold on optional and can attempt conceptual questions with far greater ease than a fresher ..a lot of peeps shout 1.5 years is enough, but I don't think those repeating 4 5 tyms haven't already put a cumulative effort much more than that.

    The luck factor always stays. Sometimes shit content with good presentation gets marks. Sometimes good content gets maximum marks. Its all about 1 perfect attempt, and understanding what the exam demands..

    Well some people are very lucky and some are very intelligent. Now these people can make in the list with much less effort than a lot other people.

    Understand your forte. And use it to your advantage by understanding the demands of the exam (this last aspect I failed mostly, as is evident from a complex and discursive essay)

    This exam is far more mental than most people think. Just take it as a football match. U can hit the woodwork 5 times and your opponent comes with a goal from one counter and there u lose the game...
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