The Sample Paper

UPSC released a sample paper then revised with more questions. This sample paper is the only real source
to understand the kind of questions expected this year. In this section we analyse each and every question
in the sample paper.

Paper-I GS
Question 1
It is based on the Simon Commision and its recommendations. The Learning Objective(LO) is History of
India and Indian National Movement. The question requires a through knowledge of the Simon
Commision’s recommendations etc. It is along the patterns of previous years.

We can expect similar questions about other commisions and reports.

Question 2
It is based on the rainfall data of a geographic region. This question was asked in CS prelims in 2010. So, it
is along the patterns of previous years. The LO is India and World Geography

Question 3
It is based on jatropha and other plants used to make bio-diesel. This question was asked in CS prelims in
2010. So, it is along the patterns of previous years. The LO is Environment, Bio-diversity and Climate
change.

Question 4
It is based on Potato and Microwave. This question was asked in CS Prelims in 2010. So, it is along the
patterns of previous years. The LO is General Science.

Question 5
It is based on Banks and Financial Inclusion. This question was asked in CS Prelims in 2010. So, it is along
the patterns of Previous years. The LO is Economic and Social Development.

Question 6
It is based on Fiscal Stimulus. This question was asked in CS Prelims in 2010. So, it is along the patterns of
Previous years. The LO is Economic and Social Development.
Question 7
It is based on Pollution and Carbon Monoxide. The question is understanding and application based. The
effect of pollution on environment as well humans needs to fully understood. How certain pollutants affect
the humans needs to be known.
Although UPSC has asked similar questions in the past, the focus has shifted from general science based
direct questions to application based environment questions. The LO of environment and climate change is
very important for this year. Be aware of all the major pollutants and how they affect us.
Carbon monoxide, Sulphur dioxide, Acid rain, Smog etc should be well understood.
Question 8
It is based on global warming. The question requires real understanding of the concept of global and the
challenges. The question asks what limits India’s fight against global warming. It is certainly not a direct
question. The difficulty in application based question is you need to know the concept in depth and just a
superficial knowledge won’t help.
It requires which methods are being used, why a certain method is preferred over others etc. This question
again signifies the importance of the LO of Environment and Climate change.
Question 9
It is based on the Constiution and Polity. The question asks about the National Social Assistance Program.
The question focusses on what the student understands from fundamental rights, fundamental duties and
directive principles of state policy. The question tests whether the student is able to fully and clearly
distinguish between the three and understands when each of the three come into picture.
It requires not just the knowledge of the law but how and when it is applied. The focus is again on
application and not just mere articles of the constitution. The LO is Indian Polity and Governance.
Question 10
It is based on the Constitution and Polity. The question asks about the Lok Adalats. The question focusses
on the understanding of the Constitution of India. The question is more direct and needs teh student to
know the jurisdiction of the Lok Adalats.
The LO is Indian Polity and Governance.
Question 11
It is based on deflation. The question focusses on the economic term in news. The question requires proper
understanding of general economic terms in news. Similar terms may be expected this year. Some of the
terms more popular these days are Quantitative Easing, Fiscal Responsibility, MicroFinance Bill, Malegam
Commitee, etc.
The LO is Economic and Social Development. The student is expected to be well aware of various aspects
of the Budget and the Economic Survey.
Paper-II CSAT
Questions 1-3 are based on Comprehension. The passage is on Indian contemporary issue and not very
difficult to comprehend. The questions however are inferential where the ability to decipher the hidden
meaning comes to the fore. With enough practice and extensive reading, scoring on these questions
shouldn’t pose too much trouble to a serious candidate.
Question 4 is based on Critical Reasoning – arriving at the conclusion. This is one area which requires
ample practice on all the differnet question types – syllogisms, assumptions, implicit statements ,
inferences, stregthening-weakening, analogous to the argument etc.
Question 5 is a Data Sufficiency question, based on arrangement of people. Data sufficiency questions
These questions can be a part of any of the following sections:
General Mental Ability
Basic Numeracy
Data Interpretation
Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
It is necessary to understand here that solving the question and reaching a solution is not expected. The
candidate only needs to judge whether the given data is sufficient or not. These type of questions are
tricky questions and a novice could easily mark a wrong answer even for a very easy question. A lot of
practice is recommended for these questions.
Question 6, which is a basic question on indices, indicates that the CSAT paper will have questions on
Arithmetic. Arithmetic though is easy appears to be tough simply because it is taught at the school level
and candidates are generally not in touch with the topics it covers. Again, practice plays a very important
role here.
Question 7 is a simple question on percentages disguised as a question based on pie charts. The question
is complete even without the pie charts. The pie charts are just a distractor – a student not comfortable
with different types of charts that are covered under Data Interpretation might needlessly end up not
attempting this question at all.
In general, sound understanding of fundamentals and familiarity with question types that aptitude exams
generally test will be of prime importance for a candidate who wishes to do well.
Q 8 is a cross-over of Critical Reasoning and Comprehension with a dash of Vocabulary sprinkled on it.
Practice on reasoning based questions coupled with an ability to eliminate the incorrect options will come
to the fore. These questions are deceptive and will require enough attention and respect to sail through.
The latest addition to the UPSC sample questions list were Questions 9 and 10. They are a a combination
of Decison Making and Problem solving questions with a hint of communicaiton inserted. One’s ability to
take mature and timely decisions with a balanced approach focussing on the best outcomes is tested here.
Enough practice with Decision making & Problem Solving as well as Interpersonal skills and communicaiton
should help one get a good grip on these question types