Class Notes 4 You

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...

Year 2012 GS Prelims Paper 2011 was an year in which UPSC asked very little from Current portion in Prelims, but 2012 has brought back Current into limelight=Never neglect Current portion and Newspapers. Increasing number of Questions from varied fields- For eg Culture questions also asked. Polity, History, Geography and Economy still rule the roost= Make these four portions as solid as possible for better scores. 

Year 2011 GS Prelims Paper   Lot of Questions could be answered by reading the basic material with a questioning mind. Newspaper reading wherever questioned required a very deep and conceptual understanding of the topic.  Questions from World Politics and India's Foreign relations were also seen which were previously absent.  Unpredictability is the beauty of UPSC Exam. Therefore the best strategy is to cover all sections of General Studies effectively.  Keep in Mind: There is no shortcut to success. All this points to the fact that a comprehensive preparation of Prelims and Mains is needed before the Prelims paper. One cannot neglect the traditional portion, but even the traditional portion has to be read with a questioning mind.