Paper Observation - UPSC Prelims GS - 2022

The UPSC examination this year was perceived as relatively more challenging compared to previous years. The questions, although centered around single topics, required a deep understanding of the subject matter from the candidates. The exam featured a novel approach in the formulation of options for pair-type questions, restricting the students' ability to solve questions through the process of elimination.

In a departure from previous years, UPSC integrated fundamental subjects with current affairs and significant issues that had been in the news, making the paper more pertinent and heavily influenced by current events. Static portions such as Environment, Economics, and Science & Technology were given appropriate weightage. However, there was a decrease in the number of questions from Modern History, while Geography and International Relations saw an increase compared to previous years. The questions across nearly all subjects ranged in difficulty from easy to medium to difficult.

The International Relations section highlighted the importance of regularly reading newspapers and staying updated with Current Affairs magazines. The questions primarily focused on understanding conflicts and crises in African and Middle Eastern countries, as well as testing the candidates' knowledge of various UN mechanisms that frequently appeared in the news.

Polity questions were a combination of fundamental topics and current affairs. Unlike previous years, conceptual questions were not asked, and most questions could be answered by studying standard sources. Governance aspects, such as the Tea Board and Coal Controller's Organization, were given more emphasis this year.

In the History section, Ancient and Medieval India were given more weightage, and the questions were of a higher difficulty level. Art & Culture questions were directly linked to current affairs, such as Ramanujacharya and Somnath Temple. However, in a deviation from the usual trend, UPSC gave less weightage to Modern Indian History, although the questions were easier compared to the previous year.

Geography this year was dominated by map-based questions, both national and international. Economic geography continues to be an essential topic due to the government's focus on infrastructure (e.g., Solar park question) and mineral resources development (e.g., question on monazite). Basic fundamental questions, such as those related to summer solstice and clouds, were also included.

Questions related to Environment and Climate Change were a good mix of international initiatives (EP100, Polar Code, Climate Action Tracker), species in the news (Golden Mahseer, Ant-Fungi mutualism), and pollution-related topics (Acid rain, WHO Air Quality Guidelines, Polyethylene Terephthalate). Terms frequently seen in the news (Greenwashing, Miyawaki) remain popular with the paper setters. Agriculture, an often underrated subject, continues to maintain a strong presence (System of rice intensification, Crop source of methane, nitrogen-fixing plants). Some unconventional questions testing fundamental understanding were also included (Wetlands as kidneys, Indian laws on wildlife protection).

In Economics, the trend from the previous year continued, with questions emphasizing the testing of candidates' fundamental understanding of concepts like Inflation, Bonds, Monetary Policy Instruments, NEER, etc., with a focus on their practical application. A few questions from current affairs themes, such as Indirect transfers and foreign e-commerce firms, were also explored. However, unlike the trends followed by UPSC in previous years, questions on the Indian economy, agriculture, and schemes were not seen.

Science & Technology (including Basic Science) questions were generally of moderate difficulty level. Among the easier questions were those on 'qubit', 'vaccines', and 'T cells'. In terms of coverage, questions featured from almost every expected section, such as space technology, computer science and information technology (as many as three questions), cosmology, biology, and biotechnology.

Question Panel

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