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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

EasySocial Issues & SchemesPrelims 2017

What is the aim of the programme ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’?

A. Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and government’s education system and local communities.

B. Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies.

C. Strengthening India’s scientific research institutions in order to make India a scientific and technological power.

D. Developing human capital by allocating special funds for health care and education of rural and urban poor, and organizing skill development programmes and vocational training for them.

Answer: B

Explanation

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is inspired by the vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging knowledge institutions to help build the architecture of an Inclusive India .

The Mission of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is to enable higher educational institutions to work with the people of rural India in identifying development challenges and evolving appropriate solutions for accelerating sustainable growth. It also aims to create a virtuous cycle between society and an inclusive academic system by providing knowledge and practices for emerging professions and to upgrade the capabilities of both the public and the private sectors in responding to the development needs of rural India.


QUESTION 2

MediumSocial Issues & SchemesPrelims 2017

What is the purpose of ‘Vidyanjali Yojana’?

  1. To enable the famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India.
  2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community.
  3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

A. 2 only

B. 3 only

C. 1 and 2 only

D. 2 and 3 only

Answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is 2 only

Incorrect Vidyanjali Yojana is not focused on attracting foreign universities to set up campuses in India.

Correct This is the primary objective of Vidyanjali Yojana. It aims to improve government schools by leveraging resources and expertise from the private sector (retired professionals, NGOs) and the community (volunteers).

Incorrect While the initiative might indirectly lead to improved infrastructure due to volunteer efforts, its primary focus is not on monetary contributions for infrastructure development.


QUESTION 3

MediumSocial Issues & SchemesPrelims 2017

Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’:

  1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India.
  2. National Career Service has been launched in a Mission Mode to improve the employment opportunities to uneducated youth of the country. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Explanation

The National Career Service is not an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India. It is actually implemented by the Directorate General of Employment, Ministry of Labour & Employment. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.

The National Career Service has indeed been launched in a Mission Mode, but it is not specifically targeted at improving the employment opportunities for uneducated youth of the country. It is a comprehensive platform providing a wide array of employment and career related services to all citizens of India, aiming to bridge the gap between jobseekers and employers, candidates seeking training and career guidance, and agencies providing training and career counselling. Therefore, statement 2 is also incorrect.

So, the correct answer is (d) Neither 1 nor 2


QUESTION 4

MediumSocial Issues & SchemesPrelims 2017

With reference to ‘National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)’, which of the statements given below is/are correct?

  1. Under NSQF, a learner can acquire the certification for competency only through formal learning.
  2. An outcome expected from the implementation of NSQF is the mobility between vocational and general education. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation

Incorrect Learners can acquire competency certification through various learning methods under NSQF, not just formal learning. This includes

  • Formal learning (schools, colleges, training institutions)
  • Non-formal learning (workshops, skill development programs)
  • Informal learning (on-the-job experience, self-learning)

Correct One of the key objectives of NSQF is to promote mobility between vocational and general education. The framework establishes a common standard for skills, making it easier for individuals with vocational qualifications to pursue further education or vice versa. This can create a more flexible and inclusive education system.

Therefore, the correct answer is 2 only.


QUESTION 5

MediumSocial Issues & SchemesPrelims 2017

‘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 the rural and urban poor in some public sector undertakings.

D. Certifying the skills acquired by trainees under the National Skill Development Programme.

Answer: A

Explanation

The Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme (RPL) is often mentioned in the news with reference to skill development initiatives in India.

Target Audience RPL focuses on individuals who possess skills and knowledge gained through work experience, informal training, or other non-formal learning avenues. These skills might not be formally documented through traditional educational certificates. Process and Benefits RPL provides a process for assessing the existing skills and knowledge of individuals. If their skills match the requirements of a specific job role or qualification, they can receive a formal certification without necessarily undergoing the entire formal training program.

RPL under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)


QUESTION 6

HardSocial Issues & SchemesPrelims 2017

Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’?

  1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
  2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.
  3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
  4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1, 2 and 3 only

C. 1, 2 and 4 only

D. 3 and 4 only

Answer: A

Explanation

The National Nutrition Mission, also known as Poshan Abhiyaan, has several objectives.

  • The first objective is to create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
  • The second objective is to reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women. These two objectives are clearly stated in the mission's goals.

However, the promotion of the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice, and the promotion of the consumption of poultry eggs are not explicitly stated as objectives of the mission.

Therefore, the correct answer is (a) 1 and 2 only.


QUESTION 7

MediumSocial Issues & SchemesPrelims 2017

Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)?

A. Resident Indian citizens only

B. Persons of age from 21 to 55 only

C. All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments

D. All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April 2004

Answer: C

Explanation

The Central Government introduced the National Pension System (NPS) with effect from January 1, 2004 (except for armed forces). Subsequently, various State Governments adopted this architecture and implemented NPS with effect from different dates.

Eligibility to join

  • Any citizen of India, whether resident or non-resident, subject to the following conditions.
  • Individuals who are aged between 18 60 years, including NRIs.
  • After attaining 60 years of age, you will not be permitted to make further contributions to the NPS accounts

QUESTION 8

EasySocial Issues & SchemesPrelims 2017

Which of the following gives the ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking to the countries of the world?

A. World Economic Forum

B. UN Human Rights Council

C. UN Women

D. World Health Organization

Answer: A

Explanation

The Global Gender Gap Index is an annual report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF). It benchmarks progress towards gender parity by measuring the gap between women and men across four dimensions

  • Economic Participation and Opportunity
  • Educational Attainment
  • Health and Survival
  • Political Empowerment
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