🌟 Overview of UPSC Prelims
Paper 1 (General Studies):- 100 Questions | 200 Marks | Negative marking: -0.66 per wrong answer
- Qualifying for mains is based on this score.
Paper 2 (CSAT):
- 80 Questions | 200 Marks | Negative marking: -0.83 per wrong answer
- Qualifying nature: Only 33% (i.e., 66 marks) needed.
📘 Paper 1: General Studies – Strategy & Tips
📚 1. Syllabus-Wise Strategy:
a. History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern):
- Focus on Modern History (1857–1947): Most questions come from here.
- Recommended Book: Spectrum by Rajiv Ahir
- Use NCERTs (Class 6–12) for Ancient & Medieval.
b. Geography:
- NCERTs (Class 6–12) + GC Leong (selected chapters)
- Use an Atlas to understand maps and physical features.
- Focus on Indian rivers, monsoons, soil types, agriculture.
c. Polity:
- Read Laxmikanth thoroughly – revise 4–5 times.
- Focus on constitutional articles, Parliament, President, Judiciary, FRs, FDs, DPSPs.
- Solve MCQs for clarity on tricky areas like amendments, SC judgments.
d. Economy:
- Focus on basics: GDP, Inflation, Banking, Fiscal Policy, Budget, etc.
- Use Sriram’s Economy Notes or 11–12th NCERT + Mrunal.org videos.
- Understand current economic terms and their real-world application.
e. Environment & Ecology:
- Book: Shankar IAS Environment
- Topics: Biodiversity, Climate Change treaties, Pollution, National Parks.
- Match with current affairs.
f. Science & Technology:
- Focus on basics: ISRO missions, Nobel Prizes, Biotech, and Current affairs.
- No need for deep science background.
g. Current Affairs (1 year):
- Sources: Vision IAS/PT365 Monthly, Insights on India, PIB, The Hindu
- Focus on factual and analytical aspects (Govt schemes, reports, rankings).
🧠 2. Revision & Practice:
- Revise every subject 3–4 times. Use short notes for last-minute revisions.
- Solve at least 30–40 full-length mock tests before exam.
- Analyze mistakes – create an error log.
🧮 3. Elimination Techniques in MCQs:
- Options-based elimination: Rule out extremes like “always,” “never.”
- Use logic and knowledge together for confusing questions.
- Even if unsure, attempt 85+ questions using intelligent guessing.
🧭 4. Time Management in Paper 1:
- 100 questions in 2 hours → 1.2 minutes per question.
- Don’t get stuck on a difficult question for too long.
- Mark and come back later if unsure.
🧠 Paper 2: CSAT – Strategy & Tips
Even though CSAT is qualifying, don’t ignore it. Many toppers fail prelims due to CSAT.
📌 1. CSAT Syllabus Areas
a. Comprehension (40–50%):
- Practice 3–4 passages daily.
- Focus on understanding tone, inference, not just facts.
- Read editorials from The Hindu / Indian Express.
b. Logical Reasoning:
- Topics: Blood relations, direction sense, seating arrangement, syllogism, clocks & calendars.
- Use RS Aggarwal or CSAT Manual by TMH.
c. Basic Numeracy & Maths:
- Topics: Percentages, Ratios, Averages, Time & Work, SI/CI, Probability, Permutation & Combination.
- Clear Class 6–10 Maths basics.
- Use fast calculation tricks and approximation.
🧪 2. CSAT Practice Plan:
- Solve previous 5–10 years’ CSAT papers.
- Attempt 2–3 full-length mock CSAT papers weekly.
- Time yourself – aim for 70–75 marks to be safe.
⏱ 3. Time Allocation for CSAT:
- 80 Questions in 120 minutes → 1.5 minutes per question.
- Don’t spend too long on tough puzzles or comprehension.
- Prioritize scoring areas: Verbal or Quant depending on your strength.
📆 60-Day Prelims Preparation Plan
|
Day
Range |
Focus
Area |
|
Day 1–20 |
Finish GS
Subjects + Current Affairs |
Day 21–40 |
Practice GS Mock
Tests + Revise Syllabus |
Day 41–55 |
CSAT practice +
GS mocks + Error fixing |
Day 56–60 |
Rapid revision +
2 GS + 2 CSAT mocks |
🔑 Success Tips:
- Start with NCERTs and build up
- Make daily revision a habit
- Don't ignore CSAT or Environment
- Test yourself frequently under exam conditions
- Stay calm, confident, and consistent
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