Year 2013 GS Prelims Paper
- Paper is almost on the same lines as previous year. Importance of Ecology, Economy and Culture is increasing every year. Geography is almost constant but modern India has incurred losses.
- Question in Economy, Polity and History are basic and easy-medium difficulty questions.
- Science and Technology, Art and Culture & Geography questions are medium to difficult level. In addition, less ambiguous questions this time compared to last year. So average score should be more in this paper compared to last year but not too much.
- Direct current affairs is losing significance but even then half of the fundamental questions looks inspired by current happenings. Moreover, backgrounder of current affairs are becoming important.
- Coal scam is of no use but properties of Indian coal are important. Recommendation of Rangarajan Panel on Sugar decontrol are not important but use of sugar by product is important.
Suggestions:
- Read basic books properly. (more than 60% from basic books)
- Think, compare and contrast concepts.(Virus vs Bacteria as decomposer; Transmission of chikungunya vs Hepatitis B; )
- Familiarize yourself with keywords you encounter while reading basic books as well as current affairs(contour bunding, Demographic Dividend, disguised unemployment )
- Relate current affairs with basic topic keeping question in mind. Understand the significance of news.
- Do not take anything for granted. UPSC can change anytime. So prioritize studies but do not neglect any section/topic.