Hello Aspirants,
For many of you, clearing UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination seem to be a big hurdle. But it isn’t. I do agree that it is not a cakewalk but it isn’t a nightmare unlike one’s conception. With optimum level of preparation in the right direction, one can easily clear UPSC CSE Prelims with pretty good score. This post is regarding the ideal approach an aspirant could focus so as to crack CSE Prelims easily.
“Studying about CSE is more important than Studying for CSE”
Studying about CSE
Many aspirants fail to clear just because they fall short of cognizing the sine quo non for CSE. Well before you start your Prelims preparation, it is important to understand the Grand Design of the exam. As like other exams, UPSC has a blueprint and it follows it. Let’s analyze them in brief.
Understanding the methodology of questions asked
Unlike the other competitive exams conducted by UPSC like CDS, which test the factual knowledge of aspirants, the Civil Services Exam is more conceptual in nature, where an aspirant with not much memorising capacity could clear it.
It is not necessary to study all the subjects in your syllabus for Prelims. It’s ok to leave any of the subjects unstudied, provided you have atleast basic hold over that subject and that subject shouldn’t be vital subjects like Polity or Economics! It’s always ok to skip Medieval Indian History or Art & Culture topics for Prelims, subject to the condition that other subjects be given more due importance.
Few aspirants ask whether current affairs need to be studied or not for prelims. Believe; one cannot clear Prelims by skipping current affairs. Almost 50-60 questions asked in Prelims have either direct/indirect linkage with current affairs.
In Economics, no need to memorize exact routine facts unless it is unique and very important. Instead you can learn the pattern involved in those facts. For example, it is not necessary to know the exact numbers of Fiscal deficit, CAD etc given in the Economic Survey, while knowing the pattern of increase/decrease in numbers is sufficient. Take an instance of the following question.
With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct? [CSP 2020]
1. India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.
2. India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers and machinery have decreased in recent years.
3. India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services.
4. India suffers from an overall trade/current account deficit.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
In the above question you can observe that, the pattern of change is merely tested and not the exact numbers!
Also, studying multiple newspapers is not mandatory, unless you study The Hindu (Recommended) thoroughly.
Don’t trust blindly on a coaching institute or its study materials. Also don’t restrict yourselves by solving an easy test series. The more Complicated your questions are, the more high are your chances of clearing Prelims!
Knowing What to Study
As mentioned earlier, UPSC follows a blueprint. There are certain areas where questions are asked in a definite way. Those questions are Sure Shot Questions, studying which an aspirant can attempt more questions correctly. Click here for the list of topics for Sure Shot Questions which are covered in a separate article.
International current Affairs questions will be mostly fact based and one liner questions. However, this doesn’t hold good for questions on international organizations and treaties. Compare previous year questions here to learn more.
Previous year question papers also play a significant role in CSE Preliminary Exam. There are several instances where previous year questions get repeated in Prelims. Have a look at few of those questions.
The Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries? [CSP 2017]
1. Jordan
2. Iraq
3. Lebanon
4. Syria
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea?[CSP 2015]
(a) Syria
(b) Jordan
(c) Lebanon
(d) Israel
The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesera are [CSP 2015]
(a) three main racial groups of the Indian Sub-continent
(b) the three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified
(c) the three main styles of Indian temple architecture
(d) the three main musical gharanas prevalent in India.
The Nagara, the Dravida, the Vesara are[CSP 1995]
(a) the three main styles of Indian temple architecture
(b) the three main musical gharanas prevalent in India
(c) the three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified
(d) the three main racial group of the Indian subcontinent.
Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet earth? [CSP 2012]
1. Volcanic action
2. Respiration
3. Photosynthesis
4. Decay of organic matter
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4
Consider the following: [CSP 1995]
1. Photosynthesis
2. Respiration
3. Decay of organic matter
4. Volcanic action
Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on Earth?
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2,3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of Buddha? [CSP 2015]
1. Avanti
2. Gandhara
3. Kosala
4. Magadha
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1,2 and 3
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1,3 and 4
(d) 3 and 4 only
Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? [CSP 2014]
1. Avanti
2. Gandhara
3. Kosala
4. Magadha
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4
Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two? [CSP 2013]
(a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
(b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
(c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
(d) There is no material difference between the two
Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called chaityas while the others viharas. What is the difference between the two? [CSP 1992]
(A) Chaitya is a place of worship while vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
(B) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave while vihara is the hall axial to it
(C) There is no material difference between the two
(D) Vihara is a place of worship while chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
Attempting Questions
Be it the All India Topper or whoever; no one knows the correct option for all the 100 questions. But by intelligent answering techniques, one can easily clear prelims by attending more number of questions correctly.
The prevalence of Negative marking is a main cause of concern for many. But there is a thumb rule that, by intelligently attempting questions, one can easily avoid getting into the risk of negative marking.
The generic strategies to follow:
- When you are not sure of the correct answer, attempt the question, only when there is 50-50 probability (i.e. you should be able to shortlist between any two options, eliminating other two)
- Avoid attempting risks in factual questions.
- Avoid risking in attempting questions for which you are completely unaware of.
- Ideally, try to attempt 75+ questions out of 100.
Answering Techniques
Questions asked in CSE Prelims can be classified under 3 categories.
(a) Questions for which you know the correct answer.
(b) Questions for which you partially know the answer, after eliminating one or two wrong options.
(c) Questions which you are completely unaware of the correct option and don’t even have idea about it.
Category (a) questions are definite questions as no one will dare to skip it!
As explained earlier, taking risks in category (c) questions should be avoided and it is recommended to skip those questions without attempting.
Now coming to the category (b) questions, we shall discuss them one by one.
Sweeping statements/ Extreme statements (Statements with keywords like only, always, never etc) in questions are most probably wrong.
With reference to the communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE(Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE(Voice Over Long Term Evolution)? [CSP 2019]
- LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as Advanced 3G.
- LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is Voice-only technology
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Here, the 2nd statement is extreme and sweeping in nature, hence it is wrong.
With reference to the ‘Gram Nyayalaya Act’, which one of the statements is/are correct?
- As per the act, Gram Nyayalayas can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases.
- The Act allows local social activists as mediators/reconciliators.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Here the 1st statement is extreme, so it is wrong.
More probabilistic statements (Statements with keywords like may be, can be, etc) in questions are most probably correct(especially in Science & Tech based questions).
Steel slag can be the material for which of the following ? [CSP 2020]
1. Construction of base road
2. Improvement of agricultural soil
3. Production of cement
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
This question has the keyword ‘can be’, which makes the more probablity of the statements being correct.
Generic statements (containing words like some, few, etc) are mostly correct
Consider the following statements: [CSP 2019]
1. Some species of turtles are herbivores.
2. Some species of fish are herbivores.
3. Some species of marine mammals are herbivores.
4. Some species of snakes are viviparous.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(e) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Here, all the statements are more generic, hence all the statements are correct.
Statements asked on applications/ uses of a particular technology are most probably correct.
In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used? [CSP 2018]
1. Mobile phone operations
2. Banking operations
3. Controlling the power grids
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Here, all the statemetns are correct.
In the context of wearable technology, which of the following tasks is/are accomplished by wearable devices?[CSP 2019]
1. Location identification of a person
2. Sleep monitoring of a person
3. Assisting the hearing impaired person
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
All the statements are correct for this question.
For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used?[CSP 2019]
1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location
2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location
3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
All the statements are correct for this question.
Statements which are in nature of criticizing Govt/Govt policies are most possibly wrong (Except questions from Economics )
Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India? [CSP 2018]
1. Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did.
2. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
3 Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our school, public places and major tourist
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a ) 1 and 2 only
( b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Here, the 1st and 2nd statements are in the form of criticizing or against the interests of the Govt. Hence they are wrong.
With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct? [CSP 2020]
1. India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.
2. India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers and machinery have decreased in recent years.
3. India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services.
4. India suffers from an overall trade/current account deficit.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c). 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
In this question, though the statements appear to be against good interests of the Govt(like poor economic credentials), for Economics questions, the strategy will not apply and statements should be judged based on facts and not merely based on logic.
Statements which appear to be ‘purposefully complicated unnecessarily’ are more probably wrong.
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply? [CSP 2017]
A) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
B) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.
C) It is endemic to a particular region of India.
D) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.
Here, the statement B is purposefully complicated unnecessarily and also a sweeping statement as the statement is absolute. Also statement C is a form of sweeping statement, which is not relevant to the question. Option D also becomes wrong automatically. Hence A is the correct option.
Unfamiliar statements asked in a highly familiar topic, mostly tend to be wrong.
In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique?
1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.
3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Here, the 2nd statement is wrong, as (i) it is a sweeping statement and it appears unfamiliar towards the concept of Bioremediation.
Wherever a question has two options, which are directly in opposite to one another, then there is more probability that any one of the two might be the correct answer.
An increase in the Bank Rate generally indicates that the [CSP 2013]
A) market rate of interest is likely to fall
B) Central Bank is no longer making loans to commercial banks
C) Central Bank is following an easy money policy
D) Central Bank is following a tight money policy
Here, options C and D are in direct opposite to each other. Hence, one of those two could be correct option. Here D is correct.
If the statement specifically mentions any numerical figure, then there is more probability that the statement might be wrong (especially in Science & Tech based questions).
With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements :
1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders.
3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) None
Here, statement 2 is wrong.
Applying common sense will help you to plot an answer correctly, even if you are unaware of the exact answer.
Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss? [CSP 2018]
1. Hard and waxy leaves
2. Tiny leaves
3. Thorns instead of leaves
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Here, just by thinking logically about the plants in desert, one can plot the correct option D.
Sometimes, more than 2 of the above strategies will apply for a same question. For Example,
With reference to ‘Astrosat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct? [CSP 2016]
- Other than the USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
- Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Here, the 1st statement is an extreme statement. Also it appears unfamiliar with the context of the question. Hence it might be wrong.
Also, the 2nd statement has 2 numerical figures and also it is a Sci & Tech based question, hence statement 2 also tend to be wrong.
“These strategies should not be mechanical and absolute that you apply for all the questions. Apply them intelligently as and when the question demands.“
General Tips
Unlike Main Exam, which is subjective and probabilistic in nature, Prelims is more accurate. Apart from the above exam specific tips, here are some general tips for an aspirant to follow.
- Start your full fledged Prelims preparation once the UPSC releases the CSE notification. The mains preparation shall be paused for sometime until the Preliminary Exam gets over.
- The ideal strategy is to complete studying subjects afresh within the last date of applying for the exam and do only revisions after that.
- Always solve tests parallel to your revision. Don’t assume that you would start solving tests after completing studying all subjects. That’s a wrong approach.
- Always enjoy the course of your Preparation. Study with love. Clear the exam with joy.
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
Paulo Coelho
As with GS Paper, CSAT should also be given sufficient emphasis, strategies for which shall be covered in another article. The guidelines mentioned above are neither fool proof nor replacement of conventional preparation. They are supposed to supplement your Prelims preparation aid an aspirant in clearing Prelims with good score.
Keeping all the above in mind, our UPSC CSE Prelims Test Series 2021 is launched. All the questions are set in such a manner that all the Sure Shot Questions and most probable questions are covered. Questions are set at advanced levels so as to give the aspirants conceptual clarity and exact UPSC question atmosphere.
All the very best!
Why wait? Click here to Join our Online Test Series! Clear UPSC CSE Prelims 2021!
Still having doubts? Contact us: help@upscmadeeasy.com
