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UPSC Prelims 2017 Analysis

Subject wise MCQ distribution

  • Polity and Governance: Thhighest weightage in the exam, with questions focusing on core constitutional concepts like democracy and rights, highlighting a return to traditional themes. Many followed the assertion-reasoning format, testing analytical abilities.
  • Economy: Heavily current affairs-based, covering topics such as GST, Monetary Policy Committee, and post-1991 reforms. Conceptual clarity was crucial for elimination-based questions.

  • Geography and Environment: Required conceptual clarity and linkages with current affairs, such as the Indian Ocean Dipole. Many questions incorporated maps for better understanding.

  • History: Weightage remained consistent, but factual knowledge was essential, especially for match the following and multi-statement questions.

  • Science & Technology: Mostly news-based, testing awareness of recent developments in biotechnology, AI, and space technology.

  • Government Schemes & Initiatives:prominent focus area, covering policies related to education, health, and nutrition. Many questions were framed using the elimination technique.

Prelims 2017
Subject-Wise Weightage in UPSC Prelims 2017

Difficulty analysis

  • Easy: Some Polity and Economy questions were straightforward for those who had covered NCERT and standard sources.
  • Moderate: Many required linking static and dynamic aspects, such as governance and current affairs.
  • Difficult: Environment, Geography, and factual History questions were particularly challenging.
  • Tricky: Questions on conventions and alliances where India is not a member, along with misleadingly framed government initiative questions, posed difficulties.
Prelims 2017
Difficulty-Level Distribution in UPSC Prelims 2017

Variations in Question framing

  • Direct Questions: 42 direct questions, emphasizing understanding over rote memorization.
  • Multi-Statement Based Questions: A significant 58 multi-statement questions, requiring a mix of static and current affairs knowledge. These took longer to solve but allowed option elimination.
  • Application-Oriented Questions: Required candidates to link current events with static concepts, testing analytical abilities.
  • Elimination-Based Questions: Many options were closely framed, making elimination techniques challenging.
  • Deceptively Worded Questions: Designed to test deep knowledge, especially in areas like the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund.
Prelims 2017
Variations of Questions in UPSC Prelims 2017

Key learning for Future Preparation

  • Strengthen Static Concepts: Read NCERTs and standard books thoroughly for a solid foundation.
  • Follow a Reliable Newspaper: Sources like The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and PRS are essential for current affairs integration.
  • Regularly Revise Government Schemes: Many questions are framed around policies from the India Year Book.
  • Adopt a Balanced Approach: Expect a mix of analytical and factual questions; both require preparation.
  • Use the Elimination Technique Wisely: Read questions carefully and systematically eliminate options to maximize accuracy.
  • Avoid Over-Attempting: The tricky nature of the paper means reckless attempts can lead to penalties through negative marking.
  • Strengthen Core Subjects: Excelling in Polity or History can help maximize scores in difficult papers.
  • Solve Previous Year Papers: Recurring themes like the Trade Disputes Act and Liberalization highlight the importance of PYQs.
UPSC Prelims 2017 emphasized Polity, Economy, and Environment, with a mix of conceptual and current affairs-based questions. Multi-statement and elimination techniques were crucial for accuracy. A strong foundation in core subjects and current affairs was essential for success.

QUESTION 1

HardMedieval HistoryPrelims 2017

Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom?

A. Kakinada

B. Motupalli

C. Machilipatnam Masulipatnam

D. Nelluru

Answer: B

Explanation

Historical records and literary references point towards Motupalli being a significant trading centre for the Kakatiya dynasty. The famous traveller Marco Polo might have even visited this port during his travels.

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