Navigating the UPSC CSE Prelims Exam: The Role of Luck and Knowledge

Do you aspire to become a civil servant in India through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE)? The journey is rigorous, with the prelims being a critical barrier. In this article, we will explore the 2022 UPSC CSE Prelims examination, the role of luck in the CSAT paper, and the strategies for success. We also share personal experiences and insights from a seasoned aspirant to provide a comprehensive guide for future candidates.

The UPSC CSE Prelims Examination: An Overview

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a challenging but rewarding journey for aspiring civil servants in India. The prelims, conducted on June 5, 2022, and organized by the Union Public Service Commission, consist of two papers - General Studies I and General Studies II, commonly known as the CSAT. These papers evaluate the aspirants on their general knowledge and understanding of current affairs, history, geography, polity, environment, and economics for General Studies I, while CSAT focuses on comprehension, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude.

Examination Patterns for 2022

In 2022, the General Studies I paper encompassed a wide range of subjects, including current affairs, history, geography, polity, environment, and economics. The CSAT paper, however, raised a significant debate among aspirants regarding its emphasis on factual recall rather than analytical reasoning. For instance, the CSAT often included straightforward factual questions, leading many to question the true purpose of this section.

Many candidates found the CSAT paper challenging, especially in terms of straightforward, factual questions. This emphasis has been a topic of discussion, with some arguing that it has turned the exam into a game of luck. Let's delve into this critique and examine a real-life example that underscores the argument.

The Case for 'Luck' in CSAT

A aspirant shared their experience with the 2022 UPSC CSE Prelims, stating: "Even though I cleared it for the third time, I failed in the main."

Another aspirant declared, "I cracked it but let me explain how this exam has become a game of luck rather than knowledge with my personal experience."

This personal insight highlights a critical concern. The aspirant emphasized, "Many people had issues with this paper, and I too had the same question - what does UPSC want from aspirants? I do not understand why it is asking so many factual questions."

One of the principal concerns is the shift towards rote learning and factual recall. For instance, consider a scenario where the correct answers for a question are only two out of four possible statements. Suppose both the aspirant and another candidate, referred to as MR ABC, marked the correct and incorrect statements. As a result, both would score the same marks, regardless of their knowledge or lack thereof.

This example illustrates that the CSAT section has become a game of luck, where a person with incorrect information can still mark the correct answers if they are lucky. This is a troubling development, as it highlights the inequality in the evaluation process. Even those who would have scored lower had this section not been included had to rely on this luck to clear the preliminary hurdle.

Personal Experience and Analysis

Reflecting on personal experience, the aspirant states, "There were 10 questions I got right and it brought my score within the range of 116-126. That's substantial but not entirely due to my knowledge but luck. In fact, I would have cleared without these 10 questions too, but what about those who were scoring around 70 and reached 90?"

The aspirant further elaborates, "This pattern has widened the scope of luck. It is a game that calls for acing the luck of the draw."

Conclusion and Recommendations

The UPSC CSE Prelims examination remains a pivotal step towards a career in civil services. However, the increasing emphasis on factual recall in the CSAT paper has raised concerns among aspirants. While preparation and knowledge are crucial, the luck factor can significantly impact success.

If you are sincerely determined to crack this exam, it is essential to focus on factual recall, such as names of authors, ports, rivers, tributaries of rivers, glaciers, kings' contributions, governors, and viceroys. Proper planning and preparation are key. Additionally, there are resources available online, such as UpscPulse on Telegram, that provide free guidance and support.

For any further assistance, feel free to reach out to me on Quora Chat.

Thank you for reading.

Image Source: SS