Paper Observations

The UPSC examination this year was more challenging compared to previous years, with questions ranging from medium to difficult levels across all subjects. Very few questions were considered easy. Many questions, although focused on a single topic, required a deep understanding of multiple related facts.

UPSC introduced a new trend in the framing of options, limiting the students' ability to solve questions through elimination techniques. This approach was slightly evident last year but was more prominent in this year's paper. Additionally, assertion-reason type questions were presented in a twisted manner.

As in previous years, UPSC linked fundamental subjects with current affairs and important issues that were in the news, making the paper more relevant and dominated by current events. Static portions such as Environment, Economics, and Science & Technology were given appropriate weightage. Modern History saw a decrease in the number of questions, while Geography and International Relations saw an increase compared to previous years.

The International Relations section emphasized the importance of regularly reading newspapers and following current affairs magazines. Questions mainly focused on understanding conflicts and crises in African and Middle Eastern countries.

In Polity, UPSC continued to ask questions based on political philosophy, such as constitutionalism and the principles used in judicial review. The Governance section included questions from diverse current affairs topics like the Prisons Act 1894, old-yet-important acts like the Official Secrets Act, and standard topics like constitutional and non-constitutional bodies.

The History section gave more weightage to Ancient, Medieval, and Art & Culture over Modern Indian History, making the overall section more difficult to attempt.

Geography was dominated by map-based questions, both national and international. Economic geography remained essential, with questions on infrastructure development and mineral resources. Basic fundamental questions on Earth's atmosphere, Indian physiography, and drainage were also part of this year's paper.

The Environment & Ecology section largely followed previous years' themes, focusing on pollution, climate change, and species. Behavioral aspects of species and new technologies were given equal importance. To prepare effectively for such questions, students should cultivate an inquisitive mind and learn about unique behaviors through additional sources like documentaries.

The Economy section mainly focused on Economic and Human Geography, ports, MSME, SHG, smaller farmer large field, MSP, and trade. Few conceptual questions were asked, but they were limited in number.

The Science & Technology section continued the same thematic pattern as previous years, covering astrophysics, space, missile technology, navigation systems, operational technology, and new discoveries. However, the in-depth coverage of facts made this section moderately difficult to difficult.

Suggestions for students:

Focus on intentional and observational acquisition of knowledge rather than superficial studying, regardless of the different patterns adopted by UPSC.
Read newspapers and prepare current affairs comprehensively, as even static questions are inspired by current events.
General awareness themes like sports and national days should not be completely ignored but should be covered from a current affairs perspective.
Standard textbooks and holistic coverage remain the key to success in almost all the patterns adopted by UPSC.

Question Panel

Section-1