How to Attempt each paper Some general instructions (which I | Shubham Kumar: Strategy and Notes for UPSC(CSE)

How to Attempt each paper

Some general instructions (which I followed might be different for each individual)

1) Attempting paper:

For GS1,2,3- This is how I used to attempt

Start with 15 marker. Complete it in 1hr 50min. (Sometime it used to take me 2hrs).

Attempt Q1 to Q4 in 30 minutes (7.5 minutes).

Select 2 questions between Q5 to Q10, where I have less knowledge for last 8-10 minutes.

Attempt the remaining 4 questions in 24 minutes. I used to be left with 8-10 minutes, where I used to attempt those 2 questions

For GS4: start with case studies (1hrs 40-45 minutes and then section A)

For Essay: 5-7 minutes to decide the topic. 15-20 minutes each for brainstorming each essay. 1 hr to 1 hr 10 minutes to write the essay. (Generally I used to write 11-12 pages essay)

2) Read questions when the examination paper is distributed around 1-2 minutes before. Start writing as soon as the examination starts. (Don’t waste time in completing the reading of remaining question paper). Also check the marks distribution for each question- UPSC might change the pattern like it did earlier from each question having 12.5 marks weightage to 10 marker and 15 marker questions

3) Write Small Intro and Try to write Context - in what context the question has been asked (just after
Intro). (Intro should be 3-5 lines)

4) Read Questions Twice- if possible underline key words. While writing subheading in answers, read the question again. UPSC rewards if you write answers according to demand of the question and not according to your knowledge

5) Value Addition- Think about facts/data/figures/graphs/committees/constitution/SC Judgements/ARC2/Niti Aayog etc for each question

Best Wishes !!