Serious answer here.
I'm facing the exact same problem, the perennial 'kitne ghante padna hai'. Tried app blockers also but seems like my own brain refuses to focus after an hour. Keep telling myself 'motivation is secondary, focus on being discipliner' but even my efficiency levels drop if I study for too long.
My friend who is also preparing for UPSC claimed that she studied for 10-12 hrs. I have absolutely no clue how people do this. I've been a fairly meritocratic student throughout my life, went to two top tier colleges of India without having to study for long hours, but this exam is seriously making me doubt whether I'll ever finish the syllabus and revise in time. The hours debate may not be valid for any other exam but for UPSC I think it is.
If anyone knows the answer, please enlighten the rest of us. I'm trying to search for solid answers to this question for nearly 3 years now.
