The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India. Aspirants often have numerous questions about the exam, its preparation strategies, and what it takes to crack it. This article aims to answer some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the UPSC exam.
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What is 80 20 rule in UPSC exam?
The 80-20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, is a concept that suggests that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. In the context of UPSC, this means that focusing on the most important topics that are frequently asked can yield better results. It’s about smart study rather than hard study. Identify the 20% of the syllabus that is likely to cover 80% of the questions and focus on mastering those areas. However, this doesn’t mean you should ignore the remaining 80% of the syllabus; it’s just a strategy to prioritize your study time effectively.
Can I crack UPSC in 90 days?
Cracking the UPSC exam in 90 days is a challenging feat and is generally not recommended for beginners. The UPSC syllabus is vast and requires a deep understanding of various subjects. However, if you are already well-prepared and need to revise and practice, a focused 90-day strategy could be beneficial. This would involve rigorous study hours, quick revision techniques, and a lot of practice tests. But for someone starting from scratch, 90 days is usually not sufficient.
Are 150 days enough for UPSC?
Similar to the 90-day question, 150 days might be a tight schedule for UPSC preparation, especially for beginners. However, with a well-planned strategy, disciplined routine, and focused study hours, it is possible to cover significant ground. Prioritize subjects and topics based on their weightage in the exam and your own strengths and weaknesses. Make sure to include time for revision and practice tests.
What is 753 rule in UPSC?
The 753 rule is a study strategy often recommended for UPSC aspirants. It stands for 7 hours of sleep, 5 hours of study, and 3 hours of leisure every day. The idea is to maintain a balanced lifestyle while preparing for the UPSC exam. Getting 7 hours of sleep ensures that you are well-rested and your brain functions optimally. The 5 hours of focused study is the core of your UPSC preparation, where you delve into the syllabus and solve practice questions. The 3 hours of leisure time can be used for physical exercise, relaxation, or pursuing a hobby. This helps in keeping stress at bay and maintains a healthy work-life balance.
What type of GK is asked in UPSC?
General Knowledge (GK) in the UPSC exam is not just about current affairs but also includes a wide range of topics like history, geography, economics, polity, science and technology, and more. The questions are designed to test the candidate’s overall awareness and understanding of subjects that are relevant to a future civil servant. The GK questions can be factual, conceptual, or analytical. They may require you to identify locations on a map, understand economic principles, or analyze political events.
What kind of GK is asked in UPSC?
The type of General Knowledge questions asked in UPSC exams can be categorized into three main types:
- Factual Questions: These are straightforward questions that test your memory and recall. For example, “Who was the first President of India?”
- Conceptual Questions: These questions test your understanding of a concept or topic. For example, “Explain the principle of checks and balances in the Indian Constitution.”
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Analytical Questions: These questions assess your ability to analyze or interpret information. For example, “Discuss the impact of globalization on Indian agriculture.”
Is 30 too late for UPSC?
The age limit for the UPSC exam varies depending on the category to which you belong. For general category candidates, the upper age limit is 32 years. Therefore, starting at 30 is not too late, but it does mean you have less time to clear the exam compared to someone who starts preparing at a younger age. However, age brings its own set of advantages like better focus, maturity, and life experiences that can be beneficial in both preparation and the interview stage.
Is 365 days enough for UPSC?
A year of dedicated preparation can be sufficient to crack the UPSC exam for some candidates, especially those who have a strong base in the subjects covered in the syllabus. However, the key to making the most out of 365 days lies in effective planning, disciplined study, and regular assessment. A well-structured study plan that covers all the subjects, leaves time for revision, and includes regular mock tests can make a one-year preparation fruitful.
Is daily 4 hours enough for UPSC?
Four hours of focused study every day may not be sufficient for most UPSC aspirants, given the vastness of the syllabus and the level of competition. Most successful candidates put in at least 6-8 hours of study each day during their preparation. However, the quality of study is more important than the quantity. If you can achieve highly productive and focused study sessions in 4 hours, it might work for you, but it’s generally advisable to aim for more study hours for comprehensive preparation.
Is 7 hours a day enough for UPSC?
Seven hours of dedicated study per day is generally considered a good amount of time for UPSC preparation. It allows you to cover the extensive syllabus in a detailed manner and leaves you with enough time for revision and practice tests. The key is to maintain consistency; sporadic bursts of long study hours followed by days of low activity can be counterproductive.
How much handwriting matters in UPSC?
Handwriting does not have a direct impact on your UPSC scores, but it does matter to some extent. Examiners have to check thousands of answer sheets, and legible handwriting makes their job easier, potentially earning you some goodwill. While you don’t need to have beautiful handwriting, it should be legible and neat so that the examiner can easily read and understand what you have written.
When did UPSC allow 6 attempts?
The UPSC increased the number of attempts for candidates belonging to the general category to 6 in the year 2014. Before this change, general category candidates were allowed only 4 attempts. The change was made to give candidates more opportunities to clear the exam.
Can I clear UPSC in 3 attempts?
Yes, many candidates have cleared the UPSC exam in their third attempt. Each attempt is a learning experience that provides insights into your strengths and weaknesses. With disciplined preparation and by learning from past mistakes, it is entirely possible to clear the exam in 3 attempts.
Can I qualify UPSC in 2 years?
Absolutely, two years is a reasonable time frame to prepare for and qualify the UPSC exam. The first year can be dedicated to understanding the syllabus, basic preparation, and completing the standard books. The second year can be more focused on revision, solving previous years’ question papers, and taking mock tests. With disciplined study, effective time management, and regular assessment, two years can be more than sufficient to not just qualify but also secure a good rank in the UPSC exam.
Who sets UPSC questions?
The UPSC question papers are set by a panel of experts chosen by the Union Public Service Commission. These experts are usually academicians, bureaucrats, or people with significant experience in the relevant subjects. The identity of these experts is kept confidential to maintain the integrity of the examination process.
How to read a newspaper for UPSC?
Reading a newspaper for UPSC preparation is different from casual reading. Focus on sections that are relevant to the UPSC syllabus like national and international news, economy, science and technology, and editorials. Make notes of important points, especially facts or figures that can be used in answer writing. Editorials can help in understanding different perspectives on current issues, which can be useful for the essay paper and the interview.
How many hours did Tina Dabi study?
Tina Dabi, the UPSC 2015 topper, reportedly studied for 8-10 hours a day. However, it’s essential to note that the number of hours can vary from person to person. What matters more is the quality and focus during the study hours rather than just the quantity.
Can I crack UPSC in 1 year without coaching?
Yes, it is possible to crack UPSC in one year without coaching, provided you have a well-structured study plan and access to the right resources. Many candidates have cleared the UPSC exams by self-study. The key is to understand the syllabus, choose the right study materials, and practice regularly with mock tests and previous years’ question papers.
Can we use two Colour pen in UPSC?
As per UPSC guidelines, candidates are advised to write their answers using a black or blue ballpoint pen. There is no provision for using two different colored pens in the answer sheet. It’s advisable to stick to one color (preferably black or blue) to maintain uniformity and readability in your answers.
Final Words
The UPSC exam is a challenging yet achievable goal. The key to success lies in understanding the requirements of the exam, effective planning, disciplined study, and regular assessment. While there are no one-size-fits-all answers to many of these UPSC FAQs, the general principles of focused study, time management, and consistent effort hold true for almost every aspirant. With the right approach and dedication, the UPSC exam is not just a mountain to climb but a journey to enjoy.