Spot trigger words like “not,” “incorrect,” “most appropriate,” “best described,” or “primary reason.”
Example: Q: Which of the following is not a feature of the Indian Constitution?
→ Focus on the word “not” to eliminate options that are features.
2. Use Elimination (Vanraaj Strategy)
Step 1: Eliminate obviously wrong options.
Step 2: Compare the remaining options using UPSC-specific logic.
Example: Q: The “Himalayan Yew” is critically endangered due to:
a) Urbanization
b) Overharvesting for Taxol (anti-cancer drug)
c) Climate change
d) Invasive species
→ Eliminate (a) & (d). Between (b) & (c), UPSC often prioritizes direct human activities over broader issues like climate change.
3. Tackle “Assertion-Reason” Questions
Trick:
First, check if the Assertion (A) is true. If false, the answer is D.
If A is true, check if the Reason (R) explains A correctly.
Example: A: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
R: The NGT handles cases related to environmental protection.
→ A is false (NGT was established via NGT Act, 2010) → Answer: D.
4. Handle “Match the Following”
Trick: Start with the most certain pair to break the grid.
Example: Match:
Karewas – Jammu & Kashmir
Laterite Soil – Odisha
Black Soil – Maharashtra
→ If you’re sure about “Black Soil – Maharashtra,” eliminate impossible combinations.
5. Use the “Most Appropriate” Rule
UPSC often asks for the best/most appropriate answer. Choose the option that directly aligns with the question’s demand.
Example: Q: The primary objective of the PM-KISAN scheme is to:
a) Provide crop insurance
b) Provide income support to farmers
c) Promote organic farming
→ Even if other options are related to agriculture, (b) is the exact objective.
6. Numerical and Data-Based Questions
Trick: Use approximations and unit analysis to save time.
Example: Q: India’s coastline length is approximately:
a) 5,000 km
b) 7,500 km
c) 10,000 km
→ Memorize key numbers (India’s coastline: ~7,500 km).
7. Use Current Affairs Context
UPSC often links static topics to recent events.
Example: Q: The “Great Indian Bustard” is often in the news due to:
a) Habitat loss
b) Collisions with power lines
c) Poaching
→ Recent SC judgments on power lines in Rajasthan → Answer: (b).
8. Avoid Extreme Words
Options with words like “always,” “never,” “only,” or “all” are often incorrect in UPSC.
Example: Q: The Himalayas act as a climatic barrier for India. This is only because of their altitude.
→ “Only” makes this statement false (other factors like latitude matter too).
9. Use Mnemonics for Lists
Example: Remember tributaries of Ganga: YAMuna, GOMti, Son, Gandak → YAM + GOM + S + G.
10. Prioritize High-Weightage Topics
Focus on recurring themes: Environment, Polity, Economy, and Geography.
Example:
Environment: Ramsar sites, IUCN categories, Acts like EPA 1986.
Polity: Fundamental Rights vs DPSP, Constitutional Bodies.
11. Negative Marking Management
Rule: If unsure, avoid guessing between 50-50 options. Only attempt if you can eliminate at least 2 options.
Math: If penalty is 1/3, only guess if you’re >33% sure.
12. Analyze Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
UPSC often repeats themes. Example:
2021: Questions on “La Nina” and “Urban Heat Islands.”
2023: Focus on “Green Hydrogen” and “PM Gati Shakti.”
13. Handle “Which of the following is/are correct?”
Trick: Use the “2-Statement Rule”:
If two statements are correct, the answer is likely (c) Both.
If one is doubtful, pick (a) or (b).
14. Use Maps and Diagrams Mentally
For geography questions, visualize maps.
Example: Q: Which state does not share a border with Myanmar?
→ Mentally map NE states: Arunachal, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram. Answer: Meghalaya.
15. Stay Calm and Read All Options
UPSC often places traps in the last option.
Example: Q: The “Blue Revolution” is related to:
a) Agriculture
b) Dairy
c) Fisheries
d) Water conservation
→ Don’t rush; (c) is correct.
Final Tips
Revise NCERTs: 6th–12th Geography, History, and Polity for basics.
