Dear PaGaLGuY Readers,

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the Civil Services preliminary examination 2015 on August 23rd. About 4.65 lakh aspirants appeared for the preliminary examination this year, an increase from last year’s 4.51 lakh aspirants. In this article, let us look at the analysis of this exam, the likely cutoff of the exam and the answer keys to the two papers.

General Studies Paper I Analysis: 

One of the most significant changes observed in Paper I this year was that a number of questions were based on current events of national and international importance (international summits, regional groupings, international agreements and their outcome, etc.). Further, this year’s questions were less analytical – and therefore, less tricky/difficult – last year’s questions. This year’s questions were largely based on facts/static details of various subjects. As was expected, General Science along with Environment, Bio-diversity and Ecology comprised about 20% of the paper (more or less similar to last year’s pattern). In addition, this year’s paper saw an increase in the number of questions in the sections of Economics & Budget and Indian Polity and Governance.  Geography and History sections had about the same weight as that in 2014. Another observation was that the number of questions on art, architecture, religion and culture in History have reduced. 

The breakup of this paper is as follows:

General Studies Paper I                                             No. of questions

1. Current Affairs and General Knowledge                             14            

2. Indian Polity                                                                          13            

3. Geography                                                                            15            

4. Economic and Social Development + Schemes                23   

5. History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern, Indian                        13

National Movement and Constitution of India)                            

6. General Science                                                                   09          

7. Environment, bio-diversity, climate change                        13          

Cutoff

Overall, GS Paper – I this year was slightly easier than last year’s paper. Do note that the GS Paper – II is only a qualifying paper this year (marks scored in this paper would not be counted towards the cutoffs for eligibility to appear for Mains). Accordingly, the expected cutoffs this year are as follows:

Category         Cutoffs (+/- 5 marks) out of 200 marks

General                 105

OBC                      100

SC                          92-93

ST                           85

General Studies Paper II Analysis:

This year’s General Studies Paper II (or CSAT) was not significantly different from last year’s paper. However, the paper was lengthy, with an increase in the reading comprehension passage-based questions. In all, the paper had 23 passages, including 19 passages that were followed by only one question each. Also, questions on decision making and interpersonal skills were absent this year (similar to last year). The numerical/ mathematical ability and analytical/ critical ability sections contributed roughly the same number of questions as they did last year. Further, these questions were comparatively easy. Overall, though the paper was lengthy, it was easier than last year’s paper. 

General Studies Paper II                                             No. of questions

1. Reading Comprehension                                                     30

2. Logical Reasoning                                                               06          

3. Numerical ability and Data Interpretation                          32          

4. Analytical or Critical Ability                                                 12          

5. Decision Making and Interpersonal skills                         00

The answer keys of the two papers can be seen below.

To discuss the UPSC Civil services exam and to get answers to your queries, visit:

https://testing.pagalguy.com/discussions/upsc-civil-services-25048334

ALL THE BEST!!

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