UPSC Prelims 2014 Analysis

Subject-Wise MCQ Distribution

Economy (12 Questions): Covered economic growth indicators, fiscal policy, and banking. Questions were evenly split between static concepts and current affairs, requiring a strong grasp of government schemes and financial policies.
Environment & Ecology (28 Questions): A major section, focusing on biodiversity, conservation policies, and climate change. Many questions demanded an interdisciplinary approach, linking geography, science, and governance.
Indian Polity (10 Questions): Tested constitutional provisions, governance structures, and legal frameworks. Several questions required conceptual clarity over rote memorization.
Modern History (5 Questions): Covered the freedom struggle, key personalities, and national movements. A mix of match the following and direct factual questions were asked.
Science & Technology (11 Questions): Included topics on biotechnology, space technology, and applied sciences. Many questions required linking current affairs with static concepts, testing awareness of recent advancements.
Art & Culture (15 Questions): Had a higher-than-usual weightage, emphasizing Buddhism, tribal culture, architecture, and performing arts. Required a detailed understanding of cultural heritage and traditions.
International Relations (4 Questions): Covered global organizations, treaties, and India’s diplomatic engagements. Most questions were current affairs-driven, requiring knowledge of recent geopolitical developments.
Medieval History (1 Question): Only one question appeared, focusing on administration in medieval India.
Geography (Indian Geography: 8, Physical Geography: 1, World Geography: 3): A balanced mix, with emphasis on Indian geography and geophysical phenomena. Many questions included maps, requiring location-based knowledge.

**Subject-Wise MCQ Distribution in UPSC Prelims 2014**

Difficulty Analysis

Medium Questions (49 Questions): The largest category, demanding a blend of factual knowledge and analytical reasoning. Found in Economy, Polity, and Science & Technology.
Hard Questions (26 Questions): Required deep conceptual understanding, often framed in multi-statement formats. Common in Environment, Science & Technology, and International Relations.
Easy Questions (25 Questions): Mostly from History and Polity, with straightforward factual recall. Provided scoring opportunities for well-prepared candidates.

Variations in Question Framing

Multi-Statement Questions (64%) – Dominant in Polity, Economy, and Environment. Required careful reading, logical deduction, and elimination skills. Many were tricky due to wordplay, making conceptual clarity crucial.
Direct Questions (36%) – Focused on factual recall, primarily in History and Geography. These were easier to answer for candidates with strong static knowledge.

Current Affairs vs. Static Questions

Current Affairs-Driven Questions (40%) – Strong presence in Economy, Science & Technology, and Environment. Required awareness of government schemes, international developments, and technological advances.
Static Knowledge-Based Questions (60%) – Covered fundamental concepts, particularly in Polity, History, and Geography. This highlights that despite the increasing weightage of current affairs, core syllabus topics remain crucial.

Key Learnings for Future Preparation

Focus on Conceptual Clarity: The paper emphasized analytical thinking, especially in Polity, Economy, and Environment. A strong foundation is essential.
Balanced Subject Preparation: No single subject dominated. Candidates must cover all subjects equally to adapt to changing trends.
Master Elimination Techniques: Many multi-statement questions required logical reasoning. Practicing structured MCQs improves accuracy.
Static Knowledge is Crucial: While current affairs had a presence, subjects like Polity, History, and Geography remained dominant.
Practice & Revision Matters: Regular mock tests, PYQs, and revisions are essential for improving speed and accuracy.

UPSC Prelims 2014 emphasized conceptual clarity, with a strong focus on Economy, Environment, and Polity. Multi-statement questions dominated, requiring elimination techniques. A balanced mix of static and current affairs highlighted the need for comprehensive preparation.

Subject-Wise Answer Key

All (100)Science & Technology (11)Environment & Ecology (27)Economy (13)Indian Polity (10)Art & Culture (15)Geography (12)Modern History (5)International Relations (4)Social Issues & Schemes (1)Medieval History (1)Ancient History (1)

QUESTION 1

EasyIndian PolityPrelims 2014

The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in

A. the President of India

B. the Parliament

C. the Chief Justice of India

D. the Law Commission

Answer: B

Explanation

According to article 124(1), There shall be a Supreme Court of India consisting of a Chief Justice of India and, until Parliament by law prescribes a larger number, of not more than thirty-three other Judges. Thus, the Constitution vests the authority to increase the number of Judges in the Parliament.

QUESTION 2

EasyIndian PolityPrelims 2014

In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the

A. The preamble to the Constitution

B. Directive Principles of State Policy DPSP

C. Fundamental Duties

D. Ninth Schedule

Answer: B

Explanation

Directive Principles of State Policy Article 51. Promotion of international peace and security.

The State shall endeavour to -

promote international peace and security;
maintain just and honourable relations between nations;
foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organised peoples with one another;
encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.

QUESTION 3

EasyIndian PolityPrelims 2014

Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection?

A. Second Schedule

B. Fifth Schedule

C. Eighth Schedule

D. Tenth Schedule

Answer: D

Explanation

The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection.

The Tenth Schedule, also known as the Anti-Defection Law, was added to the Constitution through the 52nd Amendment Act in 1985. It lays down the process by which legislators may be disqualified on the grounds of defection from the political party they were elected under.

QUESTION 4

HardIndian PolityPrelims 2014

Consider the following statements: A Constitutional Government is one which -

Places effective restrictions on individual liberty in the interest of State Authority
Places effective restrictions on the Authority of the State in the interest of individual liberty

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation

A core principle of a constitutional government is limited government. This means the government's power is not absolute and is restricted by a constitution.

The Constitution protects individual rights and liberties from the government's overreach. Thus, statement one is incorrect and statement two is correct.

QUESTION 5

MediumIndian PolityPrelims 2014

Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat?

Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings
Secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees
Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A. 1 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 2 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation

Allocation of financial resources is done by the finance ministry, in line with the budget priorities.Hence statement three is incorrect. Rest two statements are correct and self-explanatory.

QUESTION 6

MediumIndian PolityPrelims 2014

Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India:

There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India.
A Motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation

The Constitution does not mention No-Confidence Motion. Rather, Rule 198 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Lok Sabha specifies the procedure for moving a no-confidence motion.

A no-confidence motion can be moved by any member of the House. It can be moved only in the Lok Sabha and not Rajya Sabha.

The member has to give a written notice of the motion before 10 am which will be read out by the Speaker in the House.

A minimum of 50 members have to accept the motion and accordingly, the Speaker will announce the date for discussion of the motion.

QUESTION 7

EasyIndian PolityPrelims 2014

Consider the following statements:

The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministers of the said business.
All executive actions of the Government of India shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the Prime Minister.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation

According to Article 77 of the Constitution of India, The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministers of the said business. Hence statement one is correct.

Article 53 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Executive power of the Union. The executive power of the Union shall be vested in the President ( and not the Prime Minister) and shall be exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with the Constitution. Hence statement two is incorrect.

QUESTION 8

EasyIndian PolityPrelims 2014

The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its

A. advisory jurisdiction

B. appellate jurisdiction.

C. original jurisdiction

D. writ jurisdiction

Answer: C

Explanation

Article 131 of the Constitution of India provides for the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to settle the disputes between the different units of the Indian Federation such as between the Centre and one or more states and, between the states.

QUESTION 9

EasyIndian PolityPrelims 2014

Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?

A. The Committee on Public Accounts

B. The Committee on Estimates

C. The Committee on Public Undertakings

D. The Committee on Petitions

Answer: B

Explanation

The Committee on Estimates is the largest committee in the Indian Parliament with 30 members. All members are drawn from the Lok Sabha (lower house). This committee scrutinizes the functioning of government ministries and departments regarding their expenditure and utilization of funds.

Other Parliamentary Committee Sizes in India

Department-Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) These 24 committees, each focusing on a specific ministry or department, have 31 members (21 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha).

Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) This committee has 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha) and is responsible for scrutinizing government accounts and ensuring proper financial management.

Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) Similar to the PAC, COPU focuses on the performance of public sector undertakings with 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha).

Committee on Petitions This committee addresses petitions from citizens regarding grievances against the government and has 15 members (all from Lok Sabha).

QUESTION 10

MediumIndian PolityPrelims 2014

Which of the following are discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State?

Sending a report to the President of India for imposing President's rule
Appointing the Ministers
Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India
Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1 and 3 only.

C. 2, 3 and 4 only.

D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

Explanation

The Governor is the Constitutional head of the State. State Governor has constitutional discretion in the following cases

Correct

Reservation of a Bill for the Consideration of the President.
Recommendation for the imposition of the President's Rule in the State.

Incorrect

The govenror does not appoint ministers directly. They are appointed on the recommendations of the Chief Minister
The governor does not make rules for condut of business in the state government. He seeks information from the Chief Minister about the administrative and legislative matters of the state but does not make rules for the business of the government.

Therefore, only option 1 and 3 are correct.

Subject-Wise MCQ Distribution

Difficulty Analysis

Variations in Question Framing

Current Affairs vs. Static Questions

Key Learnings for Future Preparation

Subject-Wise Answer Key

UPSC Prelims 2014 Analysis

Subject-Wise MCQ Distribution

Difficulty Analysis

Variations in Question Framing

Current Affairs vs. Static Questions

Key Learnings for Future Preparation

Subject-Wise Answer Key

QUESTION 1

QUESTION 2

QUESTION 3

QUESTION 4

QUESTION 5

QUESTION 6

QUESTION 7

QUESTION 8

QUESTION 9

QUESTION 10

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UPSC Prelims GS Paper I Answer Key