Tips & Planning for General Studies Paper-1

For facing Prelims Ganeral Studies Paper I, they need to be well aware and well help them in attempting a large number of questions. It involves both clarity about the basics as well as abreast of current affairs and contemporary developments. It includes areas like Indian National Movement, Indian Polity, Basic Economic Understanding, Current Affairs, Science and Technology, etc. While the dynamic part includes Current Affairs, GK has no proper definition and syllabus making it quite vast subject. Since the syllabus does not give much detail of the topics to be studied under each subject it is expected to gain knowledge of them that should be slightly below the graduation level but definitely above the high school  level.
There are about 100 questions to be answered in two hours, each question carries two marks. It means there is about 1.2 minute to answer each question. So speed and accuracy is essential to tackle this examination. While the correct answer will fetch 2 marks, a wrong answer a loss of 0.66 marks i.e. 1/3rd from the correct tally of score.

The 100 questions in Paper I can be grouped into three categories:

1. Multiple Choice Questions-Single response correct
2. Multiple Choice Questions-Multiple response correct
3.  Multiple Choice Questions-Matching type

The number of questions asked from different sections varies each time and there is no fixed rule for this. The nature of questions asked are generally on basic principles, their application, factual information and current affairs. Some questions are based on applied aspects of principles and factual information. It has been found that many of the questions overlap with more than one section of the syllabus.
The answer to the question requires analytical bend. So mere reading of NCERT high school text books is now insufficient for the preparation of the prelims and in depth reading is required to handle such question. The best way should be to adopt an integrated approach for preparation combining it with Mains, and one should make efforts to understand the principles and then strive to find their applications in daily life .
Considering the nature of the examination the tactics must be to focus on greater rather than intensive coverage. On is expected to know everything at the same time. However, only basics of each of the discipline are needed, so aspirants study basic concepts and facts as possible, avoiding the in depth preparations at Prelims stage.

Tips & strategies for GS/CSAT Paper 2

The Prelims Paper II (CSAT) assesses comprehension, abstract reasoning, analysis competency, problem solving ability, judgment and decision making ability of the candidates. Unlike paper 1 where quantity of questions is a major determinant for the static section, paper 2 cannot be tamed without solving dynamic questions that requires on the spot mental ability.
Paper-II Syllabus comprises of seven subjects and is in the nature of Aptitude Test.

• Comprehension.
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills,
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability,
• Decision making and problem solving,
•  General mental ability,
•  Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.),
• Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc.).

There are simple preparation tips to score well in the CSAT (Prelims)-PAPER II:

• Identify strong areas of comprehension and aptitude the aspirants have in.
• Solve these questions first to ensure that they get the answers right.
• Do not waste too much time if get stuck in a particular question.
• They should at least be 70% sure of the answer if do not want to lose too many marks in negative marking.
• Practice as many mock tests as possible to be aware of what kind of mistakes they make while solving different kind of problems or aptitude questions.
• Practice questions on Permutations & Combinations, Logical Reasoning and Probability.

Planning for Current Events

Current Affairs questions are asked from the core disciplines or say subjects, for example, science and technology, Polity, History, Geography, Economics, and environment. So we must give importance to current affairs from all perspectives, i.e. subjects, Prelim, Main and Personality Test.
These questions can be asked based on Government Initiatives/Policies, Policies of India which have international importance- Look East Policy, International Institutions- IMF, WB, UNSC, etc. International Agreements- Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), etc. Human Rights Issues, Social Sector Initiatives, Sustainable Development, etc.
To bring in more clarity on this aspect, we would illustrate ate with a few examples.

For example:
Current Events – Geography
Q.1   With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’ sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1.  IOD phenomenon is characterized by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino’ s impact on the monsoon.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. (a) 1 only
2. (b) 2 only
3. (c) Both 1 and 2 
4. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
5.     Solution: (b)

If you go through UPSC questions asked in previous years on Current Events and match the syllabus, you will find a correlation between core-subjects, such as History, Economics, Polity, Geography, Science and Tech or Environment and questions in GS Paper- I. The concept and facts asked in these questions are based on analytical aspect of contemporary issues and development in core-subjects appeared in daily newspapers. So, when you read newspaper, you should have all the core subjects in mind to note down the contemporary issues and development appearing in daily news.
Sources for Current Events:

Newspapers

• The Hindu Important for:
  1. Socio –economic and political issues,
  2. Editorials and Opinions: An analytical view and coverage on Government programmes and policies.
  3. Science and Technology: Thursday Edition for scientific developments.
  4. Environmental Issues: Issues and policies at notional and international level.
  5. Economy : Economic developments and policies.
• The Indian Express Important for:
  1. Articles on International Relations.
• Press Information Bureau Important for:
  1. Daily updates on Government Programmes and Policy.
  2. Articles on important personalities and their contribution.
• PRS Legislative Research Important for:
  1. Discussion on legislative bills and policies of government.
  2. Summary of acts and bills.
  3. A monthly Policy  Review.
• Institute for Defense Studies and Analysis (IDSA) Important For:
  1. India’s national security, internal security and relations.
  2. Opinion on International Relations, Defence relations and Governments approach for national and international diplomacy.
  3. Paper 3 (Main)- Internal and External Security.
• Yojana and Kurukshetra Important For:
  1. Articles on different topics- mainly on social and economic conditions of the country.
  2. Analysis of Government schemes and programmes.
  3. Social issues and policies affecting vulnerable sections.
  4. A very important and authentic source to generate opinion on government programmes and policies.
• Lok Sabha and  Rajya Sabha Debates Important For:
  1. Discussions on various socio-economic and political discourses.
  2. Opinions from experts.
  3. Live discussions for quality information.
  4.  Mains Exam.

History is divided into 3 segments- Ancient, Medieval and modern.
Trends of previous years questions

  Recent trends show that number of questions asked in history segment varies from 13 to 20. So, it is better to analyse previous segment-wise (Ancient, Medieval, Modern & Culture) and then plan which segment should be given weightage as per analysis. More weightage is given to Modern, then to Ancient and least to medieval history as per question pattern analysis.
Modern India Aspirants should focus on the followings:

1. Various revolts./movements/agitations (like 1857 revolt, tebhaga Peasant
Movement, Home Rule Movement, Quit India Movement, etc) based on:

• The Purpose of the movement.
• The Reasons of the movement.
• The Consequences of the movement.
•  The people who participated in this movement.
• Famous Personalities involved in the movement and their contribution.
•  The role of Press and Literature.

Example
Q.   Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran  Satyagraha ?
(a)  Active all- India participation of lawyers, students and women in the National Movement
(b) Active involvement of Dalit and Tribal communities of India in the National Movement
(c) Joining of peasant unrest to India’s National Movement
(d) Drastic decrease in the cultivation of plantation crops and commercial

Solution: (c)

Geography covers physical, Social and Economic Geography of India and the World.
You should make a Mind-Map of different topics given in the syllabus of Prelim and analyse the previous years questions asked. Your study should be based on the nature and number of questions asked from different segments year-wise.
Trends of previous years questions

As per the recent trend, atleast 15-20% weightage is given to Geography.

Questions asked in previous years exam are based on:
Q. “Momentum for Change : Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by
(a) The Intergovernmentai Panel on Climate Change
(b) The UNEP Secretariat
(c) The UNFCCC Secretariat
(d) The World Meteorological Organization
Solution: (c)

Indian Geography

• Physiography

India’s physiography can be divided into:

•  The Himalayas: The Greater Himalayas (Himadri), Lesser Himalayas (Himachal), Sub-Himalayas (Shivalik Range)
• Peninsular Plateau and Peninsular Mountains
•  The North Plains and the Coastal plains
• Indian Desert
• Islands

Important Segments:

• Characteristics – Example: Himalayas are young, weak, flexible
• How were they formed? Example: The peninsula block was formed by various vertical movements and block faulting
• Climate and Rainfall in these regions
• Vegetation or Type of Forests found
• Soil along the slopes
• Biodiversity in the region

Example
Q.  When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following:
1. Deep gorges
2. U-turn river courses
3. Parallel mountain ranges
4. Steep gradients causing land-sliding
Which of the above can be said to be the evidences for Himalayas being young fold mountains?
(a)   1 and 2 only                          (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c)  3 and 4 only                           (d) 1, 2, 3 and   4

Solution: (d)

Polity covers Constitution of India, Indian Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights, Issues, etc. First you prepare the Mind-Map of each Chapter given in the syllabus and then analyse the nature and number of questions asked in previous years HS Paper-I from Polity. If your study follows the trend analysis, your success is assured.
Trends of previous years questions

Q.   Consider the following statements:
1.  The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India (a)
2. The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court and no judgement can be made on it.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only                     (b)  2 only

(c)    Both 1 and 2         (d)  Neither  1 nor  2

Solution.  (a)

It covers Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
Questions asked in this segment are based on your conceptual understanding of macro-economics. So, conceptual clarity is the most important factor to understand any topic, policy, data, etc. in Economics.
Your analysis of previous years questions will help you to know about the nature and types of questions asked from the Economic segment. If you apply your analysis in you preparation, you feel confident in your strengths to crack the exam.
Trends of previous years questions

For Example:

1.  Current Affairs/Economics

Example
Q.  Consider the following statements
1. The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Review Committee Report has recommended a debt to GDP ratio of 60% for the general (combined) government by 2023, comprising 40% for the Central Government and 20% for the State Governments.
2. The Central Government has domestic liabilities of 21%  of GDP as compared to that of 49% of GDP of the State Governments.
3. As  per the Constitution of India, it is mandatory for a State to take the Central Government’s consent for raising any loan if the former owes any outstanding liabilities to the latter.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

1. 1 only                               (b)  2 and 3 only

(c)    1 and 3 only                  (d)  1, 2 and  3
Solution (C)

India is a country of diverse culture. So, it covers various cultural aspects from ancient, medieval to modern times. Indian comprises of Art, Paintings, Miniature, Architecture and Literature.
And make Mind-Map, Charts and tables of topics in chronological order to keep in memory.
Sources to prepare from:

• Class 11th NCERT (Old)- Textbook on fine arts-Specific book on Art and Culture
•  New NCERT- Class 12th –Themes in Indian History

Q. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism.
2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)  1 only                                (b) 2 only
(c)  Both 1 and 2                     (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution : (b)

Recent trends show that the UPSC is constantly importance to ‘Environment Section’. There can be various reasons for It from inclusion of Indian Forest Services (IFoS) to increasing worldwide environmental concern. Trends of previous years questions

Areas of Coverage
Analysis of Previous year questions shows the following topics coverage in CSAT Paper-I:
Issues related to Environmental Ecology, e.g. ecological terms like Ecotone, Ecological niche, ecosystem, effects of environmental deterioration, how it affects human being, food chain in the ecosystem.

• Pollution: Air, Water & Sound pollution; Acid rain, Photochemical smog, Green House Gases, Ozone hole, algal bloom.
• Bio-diversity includes different human races, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) – Red Data Book, Biodiversity, Hotspots.
• Conservation: Conservation of natural resources, National Parks, Wildlife Conservations, Wetlands, Biosphere Reserves, etc. – internationally recognized Wetlands and Biosphere Reserves of India.
• Sustainable Development: Renewable energy, Biotechnology (bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides), Biomass gasification.
• Ecologically sensitive areas: Western Ghats, Himalayas .
• Climate Change: Different measures taken to control climate change at national and international level (Kyoto Protocol, Montreal Protocol held at various climate change summits.
• Laws, Regulatory Bodies and Policies at national and international level: Environment Protection Act, Forest Right Act, National Biodiversity Authority, Protocols and Summits like Cartanega Protocol, Nagoya Protocol and Lima Conference, etc.
• Intergovernmental Organizations, treaties and Conventions related to climate change, biodiversity: Ramsar Convention, Montreux Record, The three Rio Conventions – Convention on Biological Diversity (CoB), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification – from the 1992 Earth Summit), UNEP,FAO<UNESCO, etc.

Sources for Study
NCERT book : geography from 6th and 12th and biology,12th(old and new)
ICSE book : class 10th and 11th
Newspaper: the Hindu
Magazine: Science Reporter
Example

Q.  Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activates ?
1.    Aral Sea                                 2.   Black Sea
3.    Lake Baikal 
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• 1  only                                  (b)   2  and 3

(c)     2  only                                 (d)   1  and 3
Solution (a) 

Prelim syllabus gives a wide coverage to Science and Technology. As per trend analysis of previous year questions asked recently, UPSC gives importance to dynamic-cum-analytical aspect of Science and Technology. The questions asked are based on basic scientific concept and facts related to latest development in research focused on issues, phenomena, their application, scope, merits, demerits, in day to day life of human beings, animals, plants, physical changes, etc. Nature of questions is based on static scientific laws and dynamic ones. Static nature of concepts and facts are covered in NCERT books-VI to XII, but dynamic nature of concepts and facts can be searched out in Newspapers, magazines, and on different sites of NET.
Trends of previous years questions

Examples
Q. Consider the following phenomena:
1. Light is affected by gravity.
2. The Universe is constantly expanding.
3. Matter warps its surrounding space-time.
Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media?

1. 1  and 2 only                      (b)   3 only

(c)    1 and 3  only                      (d)   1, 2 and 3

Solution (d)