Important Announcement: In the month of February, we will be covering UPSC Mains GS questions of 2019. The timetable will be shared in the new post. This will give you real time experience of attempting GS questions of UPSC Mains.
Reviews will be provided in a week. (In the order of submission- First come first serve basis). In case the answer is submitted late the review period may get extended to two weeks.
*In case your answer is not reviewed in a week, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. If Parth Sir’s tag is available then tag him.
For the philosophy of AWE and payment, check here: Click2Join
Before we jump into the finer details of our crash course for IAS Prelims 2020, let’s take you to a quick re-cap on the changing trends of the IAS Prelims from 2015 to date.
There was a time when aspirants were coaxed to prepare for IAS Mains and let Prelims be taken care of as a by-product of that preparation. This is not that time.
There was a time when in-service officers aspiring to improve their ranks and get the coveted IAS, IPS, IFS used to fine-tune their optional and interview strategies and cruise through the IAS Prelims with a month’s worth preparation. This is not that time either.
Here’s how IAS Prelims evolved over the last 4-5 years:
IAS Prelims 2015
Equal emphasis on traditional and current affairs based questions. a combination of logical understanding and factual clarity.
Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic? a) Khangchendzonga National park b) Nandadevi National Park c) Neora Valley National Park d) Namdapha National park
With reference to art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest? a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri
IAS Prelims 2016:
Heavily based on CA and mostly one-liners: a major digressed from the earlier pattern
The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as a) G20 b) ASEAN c) SCO d) SAARC
Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State Butterfly’? a) Arunachal Pradesh b) Himachal Pradesh c) Karnataka d) Maharashtra
IAS Prelims 2017:
Paper was difficult in terms of understanding and clarity in concepts. Polity more based on conceptual clarity, questions were little twisted
Which one of the following statements is correct? a) Rights are claims of the State against the citizens. b) Rights are privileges which are incorporated in the Constitution of a State. c) Rights are claims of the citizens against the State. d) Rights are privileges of a few citizens against the many.
Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme’ is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to a) Certifying the skills acquired by construction workers through traditional channels. b) Enrolling the persons in Universities for distance learning programmes. c) Reserving some skilled jobs to rural and urban poor in some public sector undertakings. d) Certifying the skills acquired by trainees under the National Skill Development Programme.
IAS Prelims 2018:
The questions based on the broader perspective of any topic; Current affairs were very indirect; History questions required logic rather than just facts; Polity questions were more analytical
The staple commodities of export by the English East India Company from Bengal in the middle of the 18th century were: a) Raw cotton, oil-seeds and opium b) Sugar, salt, zinc and lead. c) Copper, silver, gold, spices and tea d) Cotton, silk, saltpeter and opium
Which one of the following reflects the most appropriate relationship between law and liberty? a) If there are more laws, there is less liberty. b) If there are no laws, there is no liberty. c) If there is liberty, laws have to be made by the people. d) If laws are changed too often, liberty is in danger.
IAS Prelims 2019:
More common sense (Tikdam) based questions in CA and Polity; in-depth analysis to be done in Science and Technology and this is a stark departure from how easy S&T used to be!
In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements:
1) The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions. 2) H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions. 3) Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses. 4) H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
44. Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night? (a) Clouds absorb the radiation released from the Earth’s surface. (b) Clouds reflect back the Earth’s radiation. (c) The Earth’s surface would have low temperature on cloudy nights. (d) Clouds deflect the blowing wind to ground level.
We have been following this space very closely and we were among the first ones who called out the pitfall of over reliance on traditional sources for IAS Prelims. We have been advocating smart study and calculated risks via our score boosting techniques (Tikdams/ तिकड़म) right from 2016.
31st May 2020 is the D-day for all civil service aspirants.
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
This quote by Abraham Lincoln clearly sums up how one should prepare for that day. So before entering the battlefield alone should have enough practice. Our Prime Prelims Test series which shall enrich you to acquaint yourself with the pattern of CSE-2020, assess your abilities, rectify your mistakes and make you confident to appear on the examination day.
Our Prime Prelims Test Series follows the same approach as that adopted by UPSC. Our team of experts is quite enriched with the UPSC pattern and focal point of the questions and hence creates more chances for the aspirants to crack civil service examination by appearing our Test Series.
The key philosophy of our prelims TS is Evidence-based question making: The 3600 questions you face in our mocks have their relevance established in UPSC’s trend analysis. We focus on themes that are important as per UPSC so that we maximize your chances of questions overlap with the actual UPSC Prelims.
Nothing speaks more than the facts itself rather than a mere jargon. Here is a list of 5 sample questions from the upcoming test which will help you in identifying the standards and approach we follow. (you can skip this if you want to attempt these directly in the test).
Noone but only you can assess how it will help you in being the top percentile of aspirants. You have to practice ruthlessly and civils Daily provides you with a platform to hone your skills.
Q1. There is a fall in boiling points of water and other liquids at hills, because:
a. of high pressure at mountainous regions, the liquid experiences less downward force pushing down on it from above.
b. Boiling point of water changes with altitude because atmospheric pressure changes with altitude.
c. Boiling point of water changes with altitude because of temperature inversion.
d. At mountainous regions, water molecules have a tough time escaping off the surface when the air pressure above them is less.
Q2. Big data is a term that describes the large volume of data – both structured and unstructured. Which of the following are applications of Big data?
1. Better understanding and targeting customers by companies.
2. Tracking and analyzing the supply chain delivery routes.
3. Used in healthcare to find new cures for cancer.
4. Security and law and order management.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 3 and 4 only
c. 1, 3 and 4 only
d. All of them
Q3. In recent times, there is a rise in the exploration works of the shale gas. Which of the following statements are correct regarding ‘Shale Gas’?
1. It is predominantly Methane trapped in Shale rock formations.
2. The source of formation of shale gas is somewhere else and it travels through the permeable shale rocks and gets trapped in the pores.
3. Hydraulic Fracturing is the technique used for extraction of Shale gas.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. All of them
Q4. Which of the following statements are correct regarding different generations of biofuels?
1. First-generation biofuels are made from feedstocks that can also be consumed as human food.
2. Second-generation fuels are produced from sustainable feedstock but these feedstocks are not normally used for human consumption.
3. Third generation fuels are obtained from algae.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. All of them
Q5. With regards to the Nitrogen Cycle, the conversion of ammonia into nitrates takes place in which of these process?
A Special session on “UPSC Interview- Tips and Tricks” will be conducted by Shri V.P. Singh (IRPS).
Date: 31st Jan 2020
Time: 05:00 p.m to 07:00 pm. (entry closes at 4.45 p.m.)
Venue: Civilsdaily IAS center 1 LGF, Apsara Arcade, Karol Bagh, New Delhi
Here, besides the dos and donts, nuances like interview etiquette, handling uncomfortable situations, etc. will be discussed. Post the session, aspirants can interact with sir and clarify all their interview and DAF-related doubts.
Sir’s inputs have a proven track record of increasing marks of students. His ability to stress-test candidates in mocks remains unparalleled.
AWE Program is gaining popularity and seeing a lot of participation.
We request all students to renew their subscription for the upcoming months. Let’s keep the momentum going.
The accuracy and fairness of exams can be impacted by some candidate’s fear or anxiety around the exam process. Taking a test in Civilsdaily’s Daily Answer Writing Enhancement (AWE) Program doesn’t just measure how much you know, it helps reinforce the learning and make it more likely that you can retrieve the same information later.
It’s a fact that taking an AWE test can actually be more beneficial to learning than spending the same amount of time studying. Answer writing practise through Civilsdaily’s Daily AWE program can reduce test anxiety and helps you ace the GS Mains answer writing. And what is a better way to practice for UPSC Mains Examinations than attempting the UPSC Mains Questions asked in the actual examinations?The more you are accustomed to sitting for a period of time, answering real examination questions, and pacing yourself, the more comfortable you will feel when you actually sit down to take the real UPSC Mains examinations yourself.
Therefore, in the month of February, we would be taking up the questions of UPSC Civil Services Mains, 2019.It will give you the proper experience of the level of questions asked in the examinations. At the same time, you will understand the expected demands of the questions and judge yourself better with the outcome in your answers.
There will be a break in the AWE program after February for Prelims Preparations. The program will reconvene in the month of June. The details of study plans for the month of June will be shared in the last week of May.
Important Announcement: In the month of February, we will be covering UPSC Mains GS questions of 2019. The timetable will be shared in the new post. This will give you real time experience of attempting GS questions of UPSC Mains.
Reviews will be provided in a week. (In the order of submission- First come first serve basis). In case the answer is submitted late the review period may get extended to two weeks.
*In case your answer is not reviewed in a week, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. If Parth Sir’s tag is available then tag him.
For the philosophy of AWE and payment, check here: Click2Join
The mains results have been announced and we congratulate all those who have advanced to the next level. At the same time, this is also a moment of sadness for those who worked so hard and weren’t able to make it. If you have gotten this far, then you have it in you to make it. Don’t let anybody tell you that you cannot clear the exam – not even yourself.
Folks, the level of the competition is immense. It is nothing like how it used to be 3-4 years back. Students with really good writing skills are now appearing for the exams. We are seeing such innovative answers from first-timers that it amazes us. This has raised the general level of competition and hence your preparation needs to be at a whole new level.
We understand what it feels like to get this close to clearing the exam but eventually not making it. For many, this feeling would be worse than the feeling of not clearing prelims. Don’t be shattered by failures, don’t let them slow you down. Team Civilsdaily will ensure that your LBSNAA dream is fulfilled.
31st May 2020 is the D-day for all civil service aspirants.
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
This quote by Abraham Lincoln clearly sums up how one should prepare for that day. So before entering the battlefield alone should have enough practice. Our Prime Prelims Test series which shall enrich you to acquaint yourself with the pattern of CSE-2020, assess your abilities, rectify your mistakes and make you confident to appear on the examination day.
Our Prime Prelims Test Series follows the same approach as that adopted by UPSC. Our team of experts is quite enriched with the UPSC pattern and focal point of the questions and hence creates more chances for the aspirants to crack civil service examination by appearing our Test Series.
The key philosophy of our prelims TS is Evidence-based question making: The 3600 questions you face in our mocks have their relevance established in UPSC’s trend analysis. We focus on themes that are important as per UPSC so that we maximize your chances of questions overlap with the actual UPSC Prelims.
This Ancient and Medieval History test contains questions from the following themes:
Nothing speaks more than the facts itself rather than a mere jargon. Here is a list of 5 sample questions from the upcoming test which will help you in identifying the standards and approach we follow. (you can skip this if you want to attempt these directly in the test).
Noone but only you can assess how it will help you in being the top percentile of aspirants. You have to practice ruthlessly and civils Daily provides you with a platform to hone your skills.
Q.1) Which of the following is the most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’?
a. Mobile wallets will not be necessary for online payments.
b. Digital currency will totally replace the physical currency in about two decades.
c. FDI inflows will drastically increase.
d. Direct transfer of subsidies to poor people will become very effective.
Q.2) Identify the correct statement(s) about the Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs):
ETFs are listed and traded on stock exchanges like shares.
ETF share prices fluctuate throughout the day.
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both of them
d. Neither of them
Q.3) In which of the following countries, the Indus River and its tributaries flow?
India
China
Afghanistan
Pakistan
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1, 2 and 4 only
b. 1 and 4 only
c. 1, 3 and 4 only
d. All of them
Q.4) Identify the correct statement(s) about the ‘ Fit India Programme’:
It aims to motivate every Indian to incorporate simple, easy ways of staying fit.
It is part of the Khelo India Scheme.
Choose the correct answer from the code given below:
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both of them
d. Neither of them
Q.5) A rapid increase in the rate of inflation is sometimes attributed to the “base effect”. What is “base effect”?
a. It is the impact of drastic deficiency in supply due to failure of crops
b. It is the impact of the surge in demand due to rapid economic growth
c. It is the impact of the price levels of the previous year on the calculation of inflation rate.
Reviews will be provided in a week. (In the order of submission- First come first serve basis). In case the answer is submitted late the review period may get extended to two weeks.
*In case your answer is not reviewed in a week, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. If Parth Sir’s tag is available then tag him.
For the philosophy of AWE and payment, check here: Click2Join
Out of ~2000 students selected for Interviews, ~400 were enrolled in our programs, over 1100 used our app and current affairs on a regular basis. Another 200 have used us sparingly.
We have launched the Decimate Prelims Program. We are putting in our best effort to help all our students get a competitive edge.
It is time to get serious with your preparation and we have got your back.
After numerous conversations with so many aspirants, we have started understanding your problems better and standardizing solutions for the same.
These are being incorporated into our Samanvaya program. It is these practices that will make the program more effective.
At the core of Samanvaya lies the fact that each one of you will have a unique journey while preparing for the exam. Some will get through on the first attempt without much effort while others will take both more time and more effort. We want to understand you better to help you optimize your journey so you can focus on the right things and not waste time on the wrong ones. We are asking you to tap into the valuable experiences of mentors who underwent the same grind and realize the pitfalls and understand the shortcuts to make it.
Samanvaya program involves the following –
1. Identifying your weaknesses
Over 80% of students who claimed to have revised NCERTs were unable to answer basic questions. Many were not comfortable with at least 1 GS subject and Optional. Many struggled with ‘What went wrong’ after 2-3 years of hard work.
Our mentors will help you assess your preparedness and suggest accurate strategies.
2. Strategy and study plan discussions
Over 90% of students couldn’t stick to a plan. Study plans and strategies are iterative in nature and we want to help you with that. Many are unable to perform in tests despite preparing hard. This could be due to a variety of factors – lack of adequate prep, jitters in the exam hall, inadequate revision, lack of practice of test series or just a bad day at work. Tell us what you think went wrong and we’ll figure out a way to get you over the line next time.
3. Helping you understand the exam better
Which books to read, different approaches, etc. Over 60% of students we talked to did not find NCERTs relevant and saw no point in being thorough with them.
4. Lack of motivation
We have all had those days when it’s been hard to motivate ourselves to hit the books and just study. It happens to the best of us sometimes and for some of us, it happens more frequently. And it is understandable, Civil Service preparation is a long and often lonely process. Every aspirant, from toppers to those who have quit have been overwhelmed by this process at some point.
Samanvaya Code of Conduct
Be honest with your mentors about your preparation levels and stage.
Follow their advice and participate in tests and assignments that they set for you
Stay active in the telegram groups, ask doubts, don’t hold yourself back.
Don’t expect spoonfeeding. You have to drive the initiative.
