Questions To Attempt In UPSC Mains

They say the UPSC Mains is like a marathon, but what if you don't know how many laps you need to run?

Many aspirants believe that cracking the UPSC Mains is about the sheer volume of study. But here's busting the myth for you: It’s not just about studying hard but studying smart. One of the smartest strategies is understanding the number of questions you’ll face.

So, how many questions are there in UPSC Mains? We're about to break it down for you!

Introduction to UPSC Mains Question-Attempting Strategy

Aced the UPSC Prelims? Congrats! Now you're prepared to tackle the UPSC Mains, where your writing skills take center stage. Before you dive into crafting phenomenal essays and insightful answers, a crucial question might be lingering: how many questions are there in UPSC Mains?

But first, let's break down what the UPSC Mains is all about. 

UPSC Mains is your chance to showcase your knowledge beyond basic facts. Here, you'll write essays, answer questions on various General Studies topics, and dive deep into a subject of your choice (optional subject). This stage assesses your analytical skills and in-depth understanding of subjects.

Here's a quick look at the UPSC Mains structure:

There are 9 papers in total which includes 4 General Studies papers, 1 Essay paper, 2 Optional subject papers, and 2 Language papers.

Also watch: Perfect Strategy for Mains Answer Writing | A Complete Guide | SuperKalam

Now that you have a handle on the structure, let's delve into how the marks are distributed and what the exam pattern looks like.

Analyzing UPSC Mains Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

The UPSC Mains throws a lot at you, but don't worry, we'll break it down! How many questions are there in UPSC Mains per paper? 

Well, you usually see 20 questions (subject to variations) in each paper of the UPSC Mains, and 3 hours are allotted to complete them.

Nine papers with a total of 1750 marks, are divided into two categories: compulsory and qualifying. The compulsory papers test your knowledge of various subjects like Essays, General Studies, and your chosen optional subject. Here's where you'll showcase your in-depth understanding!

Summary of Mark Distribution for the 7 Compulsory papers:

• Essay (1 paper): 250 marks
• General Studies I: 250 marks
• General Studies II: 250 marks
• General Studies III: 250 marks
• General Studies IV: 250 marks
• Optional Papers (2 papers, from a list of 25 subjects): 250 marks each

Also read: Steps for Essay Writing in Civil Service Mains Exam 

2 Language Papers (Qualifying):

There are two language papers in the UPSC Mains exam, but they are both qualifying papers, meaning their marks are not included in the final merit ranking. You only need to secure a minimum qualifying mark (usually 25%) to pass them.

Here's a breakdown of the language papers (300 marks each)

• English (Qualifying)
• Any Regional Language (Qualifying) which is listed in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution

While these papers don't contribute directly to your final score, you need to pass them to qualify for the UPSC Interview stage.

You might also like: Tips to Clear UPSC Exam in First Attempt 

Mastering the exam pattern is only half the battle — let's talk about how you can maximize your attempts!

The Strategy of Attempting Maximum Questions in UPSC

Now that you know how many questions are there in UPSC Mains, you might be wondering: should you aim to answer all of them?

The answer is a strategic YES! Here's why:

Maximize Your Score: Each paper carries 250 marks (except the language papers carrying 300 marks each and essay papers carrying 125 marks each), and typically there are no negative marks. Answering all questions allows you to showcase your knowledge across the entire syllabus, maximizing your potential score.

Equal Marks, Equal Time: Since each question carries (more or less) the same weightage, aiming for all 20 questions encourages a balanced approach to time management. This ensures you don't spend too much time on a single question, potentially neglecting others.

Chance to Showcase Syllabus Proficiency:  Even if you can't write an in-depth answer for every question, you at least attempt to address them. This increases the chances of covering crucial areas that might be randomly tested. Even a brief, well-structured answer demonstrating some knowledge can fetch you more marks than leaving a question completely blank.

UPSC Papers got you worried? 

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To implement this strategy effectively, let's get into managing your time and ensuring you complete all questions on time.

Time Management and Question Completion

With so much to answer, time management becomes a crucial skill. Here's how to conquer the clock and ensure you attempt all questions effectively.

The 7-Minute Mantra:

While there's no hard and fast rule, experts recommend spending roughly seven minutes per question in the UPSC Mains. This ensures you have enough time to:

• Understand the question requirements.
• Plan your answer structure using the 7-5-3 Rule (explained next!).
• Write a well-organized and relevant answer.

The 7-5-3 Rule:

Since each question in a UPSC Mains paper carries the same weightage, it's wise to allocate your time accordingly. Don't get bogged down on a single question.

The famous 7-5-3 Rule can be your answer-writing BFF. Here's the breakdown:

• 7 Minutes: Aim to answer each question in 7 minutes for efficient time management.

• 5 Points: Identify 5 key points that comprehensively address the question. Use bullet points for clarity.

• 3 Dimensions: Elaborate on each point using 3 angles:

• SEP Analysis: Consider the social, economic, and political implications of your point. How does it impact different sections of society?
• Pros and Cons: Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of your point. Are there any potential drawbacks or limitations?
• What/Why/How: Break down the concept further. What are the causes or factors leading to this point? Why is it important? How does it function or manifest in the real world?

Timeboxing for Exam Success:

Think of the entire exam as a box, and each hour as a compartment within it. Set realistic hourly targets for yourself, ensuring you complete a specific number of questions within each time frame. This approach prevents you from getting stuck on a single question and jeopardizes completing the entire paper.

Improving Accuracy and Speed in Answers

Cracking UPSC Mains requires both accuracy and speed, especially when facing around 20 questions per paper. 

Here's how to conquer both:

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1. Know Your Syllabus Inside-Out: A strong foundation is key. A deep understanding of the UPSC syllabus ensures you can approach every question with confidence and provide relevant, accurate answers.

2. Practice Makes Perfect: Sharpen your skills with regular answer writing practice specifically for the UPSC Mains format. Here are some tips:

• Focus on past years' question papers: Get familiar with the UPSC's question style and approach.
• Set time limits: Simulate exam conditions by answering practice questions under timed constraints.
• Evaluate and improve: Review your practice answers, identify areas for improvement, and refine your approach.

3. Structure is Your Friend: Don't just write – structure your answers for clarity and impact. Use bullet points, headings, and short paragraphs to guide the examiner through your thought process.

4. Stay On Point: Stay focused on the question! Avoid irrelevant information, and tailor your answer to address the specific points raised.

5. Conciseness is Key: The UPSC values clear, concise communication. Avoid unnecessary jargon or long-winded explanations. Get straight to the point and elaborate effectively within the time limit.

Stuck on perfecting your UPSC Mains essays? 

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So, we've tackled how to boost your writing skills for the Mains. Now, let's wrap it all up:

Conclusion

Remember that UPSC Mains, it's like riding a seesaw: you gotta balance quality writing with answering all questions!

Here's the truth: while quality is crucial, you can't afford to leave questions unanswered. Skipping questions can hurt your score. So, knowing how many questions are there in UPSC Mains helps you plan your time. It ensures that you don't miss out on any UPSC questions.

SuperKalam suggests a strategic approach—answer all questions, even briefly, to show the examiner you understand the topic.

Having trouble balancing quality and coverage? SuperKalam can help! We create personalized UPSC strategies to boost your score. Master the art of answering all questions effectively with the perfect mentor by your side. 

Also read: 1 Year Plan for UPSC Preparation and Study