After the change of pattern and the introduction of CSAT for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary examination, many candidates find it hard to create a successful strategy to crack the exam. Here are the top mantras, which will help you prepare for the next Preliminary exam in 2012.
English Language
Though the importance of English language has increased, the candidates who are weak in English should not lose heart. In case of GS Paper I 2011, all the questions were asked both in English and Hindi languages. In GS Paper II (CSAT), around 10 questions were asked in 2011 in only English language. Even Hindi medium candidates had to answer these questions in English language. However, if you see the composition of marks, only 25 marks out of 200 were on English language. Plus, the level of questions was general. Thus, the mantra by jagranjosh.com is: if you are weak in English and find it difficult to attempt the English language questions, you may either leave these questions OR may attempt only those questions which you find easy on the basis of your past preparation.
Aptitude Test
For the questions on aptitude test, the difficulty level is judged by the fact if you have a mathematics background or not. However, most of the time it’s the phobia of mathematics rather than the actual difficulty of questions, which makes the candidates skip the questions. In fact, the level of questions asked is school standard. We all studied mathematics at least till our 10th standard. No special preparation or studies are required for the mathematics questions asked in CSAT. Thus, the mantra by jagranjosh.com is: prepare those portions of mathematics in which you are confident. In the examination hall, set a time limit to solve the mathematics questions. Don’t waste more time than necessary on solving mathematics questions even if you find them easy. And remember in mathematics, there is only one rule: practice makes one perfect.
Decision Making
For candidates preparing for UPSC Civil Services exam, decision making is considered one of the main qualities. In actual administrative scenarios, quick and effective decision making is considered an essential requirement of a civil servant. This is the reason UPSC has incorporated this portion in the CSAT. Thus, the mantra by jagranjosh.com is: such decision making questions can not be 100% prepared while studying for the exam. You may read and decide on your own, which factors are most important for making quick and effective administrative and other social life decisions. After such background preparation on decision making, you must read the questions and options available in the exam hall, and using your knowledge and intuition must attempt these questions. Remember, in answering such questions, common sense must play the maximum role. |