UPSC CSE Prelims 2021 GS Observation+ Deep Analysis

Year 2021 Prelims Paper 

1. This year the paper appeared to be on moderately tougher side. Many questions though framed on a single topic demanded in-depth knowledge from the students from different dimensions. Multiple statements were woven and asked in a single question. 
2. Static portions like Polity, Geography, Economics, etc. were on expected lines and were given due weightage. Questions in almost all the subjects ranged from easy to medium to difficult level. 
3. Although inspired from current affairs, there were few unconventional themes and general awareness questions. For example sports section appeared after a very long time; a question on dayabhaga and mitakshara inspired from women rights in property. 
4. Polity questions were a mix of both fundamental topics and current affairs. A few law related questions appeared for the first time like parole, judicial custody etc. Unlike previous years, Governance aspect was relatively given lesser weightage. 
5. In the History section, question from Ancient and Medieval India were given more weightage and their difficulty level was also high. Art & Culture was less emphasized. However, the modern history section was of moderate level difficulty overall. 
6. Environment and Geography: As a departure from traditional questions on species such as those related to IUCN status and habitat, this year emphasis has been laid on the behavioral traits such as defence mechanisms, feeding patterns (Autotrophics, filter feeder, detritivores), and symbiotic relationships of various species. 
7. Current affairs based questions continue to remain important in environment (Permaculture, common carbon metric, R2 Code of practices etc.). 
8. In Geography, continuing with the previous year trends, map-based questions remain important (Indus river, rivers from Eastern Ghats, saline lakes). Core geography questions were straightforward and sought to test the conceptual understanding of students (Black soil, Western vs eastern ocean sections). 
9. In Economics 80% questions sought to test from basic concepts like money multiplier, recession, inflation etc. Few questions from current affairs themes like urban cooperative banks and casual worker have also been explored. 
10. This year Basic Science and S&T have been emphasized to test the practical as well as conceptual understanding of the candidates. Amid the COVID pandemic, questions have been asked on virus, vaccines etc. The trend of asking questions on genetic engineering has continued from the last 2-3 previous years. 
11. Again Current Affairs based questions were not restricted to past one year news but gauged overall depth and comprehension of the topics. 
12. Overall, themes of the questions asked seemed relevant but required in-depth understanding and knowledge. Thus, we can say that UPSC expects the aspirants to even read the fine print and prepare topics holistically.