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UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Mains Exam – 2023 General Knowledge Paper (Paper II): Download PDF

PWOnlyIAS November 24, 2023 06:33 4182 0

Prepare for IFS Mains Exam General Knowledge Paper II. Access key topics, study tips, and resources to boost your performance.

UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Mains Exam – 2023 General Knowledge Paper (Paper II): Download PDF

UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Mains Exam General Knowledge Paper (Paper II)

The UPSC IFS Mains examination has six papers in total; no paper here is qualifying. This mains exam starts with General English Paper and General Knowledge Paper also known as Paper I and Paper II. The General Knowledge (Paper II) covers various topics related to the environment, ecology, biodiversity, climate change, current affairs, and general awareness. The questions in this paper are structured to assess and evaluate the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of historical culture, contemporary issues, social issues, economic and scientific developments, and their ability to analyze and critically evaluate information.

Download IFS 2023 General Knowledge Mains Paper

 

General Knowledge in IFS Exam is not General Studies, so you need to have an idea of a lot of topics. A fair amount of Depth in the topic would do the trick. Those preparing for civil services need not to prepare anything extra as they have already prepared for 4 papers of mains stage. But those people preparing solely for this exam should try to understand the syllabus first and then start their preparations.

Also Read UPSC IFS Mains Paper I Analysis

 

UPSC IFS Mains Exam General Knowledge Paper (Paper II) Brief Overview

UPSC IFS Mains General Knowledge Paper also known as Paper II is the second paper of IFS mains examination. It carries a total of 300 marks and the total time allocated is 3 hours. As of now this Paper II is scheduled for the second shift after the Paper I exam. Candidates should obtain a minimum of 5% marks in this paper to qualify for the IFS Mains Examination and marks above minimum qualifying marks will be considered for evaluation. The medium of this paper is English, no translation is given in any language. 

UPSC IFS Mains Exam General Knowledge Previous Year Question Papers

UPSC IFS Paper I from 2015 to 2022 are readily available for candidates seeking to enhance their preparation. We provide access to the UPSC English Compulsory question papers in PDF format, an invaluable resource for your preparation. We can also check more previous UPSC English Language Compulsory Papers on the official website of UPSC.

Year UPSC IFS Mains Exam Question Paper II
2022 Download
2021 Download
2020 Download
2019 Download
2018 Download
2017 Download
2016 Download
2015 Download

 

Read Also- UPSC IFS Mains Booklist

 

UPSC IFS Mains Exam Paper II Passing Marks

As per UPSC guidelines, it should be noted that the marks secured in this paper are considered for evaluation, unlike the UPSC IAS Paper, which is a qualifying paper. Scoring well in this paper will not only clear the cutoff but will also determine your rank in the final selection. It should also be acknowledge that aspirants should obtain a minimum of 5% marks in each paper to qualify for the IFS Mains Examination. 

UPSC IFS Mains Exam General Knowledge Paper Pattern and Syllabus

  • Syllabus
    • Current events of national and international importance
    • History of India and Indian National Movement
    • Indian and World Geography- Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
    • Indian Polity and Governance- Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
    • Economic and Social Development- Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
    • General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization.
  • General Science
    • The UPSC IFS Mains Exam General Knowledge Paper 2 is crucial for assessing general knowledge, analytical thinking, and environmental awareness of candidates. It also tests the approach to identify and address ecological issues. This paper also integrates with multiple disciplines including geography, science, and technology, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the IFS role. Emphasizing on sustainable development goals, the paper is structured to test the ability of candidates to create a balance between environmental conservation and socio-economic development. 
    • Moreover it evaluates communication skills through written responses, essential for officers in roles involving policy formulation and stakeholder communication. 
    • Paper 2 also includes the current affairs questions which ensures that candidates are aware about relevant national and international events, aligning with the diverse responsibilities of IFS officers in managing forests, wildlife, and the environment. Ultimately, the paper serves as a comprehensive tool to gauge candidates’ readiness for the complex challenges and responsibilities associated with the IFS position.

By looking at the analysis with the help of previous year question papers it can be seen that each segment of the Paper II can be categorised into various specific subjects.

UPSC IFS Mains Paper II Instructions

While attempting Paper II keep in mind the following instructions which are specified in the question paper and can help candidates to score good marks in paper. 

  • Answer All Questions- Don’t skip any questions; try to answer them all.
  • Know the Marks- Each question or part has a certain number of marks mentioned. Look at this to understand the importance of questions.
  • Answer in Order-  Answer the questions in the order they appear. Don’t jump around; go one by one.
  • Strike off Blank Spaces- If you leave a page or part of a page blank, draw a line through it. This way, it’s clear you didn’t forget to answer; you meant to leave it empty.
  • Use English- As per the guidelines of UPSC all papers including the Optional Paper of UPSC IFS Mains exam are to be answered in english no other language other than english will be considered. Stick to this rule throughout your paper.

UPSC IFS Mains Exam General Knowledge Paper Analysis

Analyzing the trends and patterns of the UPSC IFS Mains General Knowledge Paper II can provide valuable insights for aspirants. Understanding the recurring themes, the prominence of specific literary movements, and the types of questions asked can help candidates tailor their preparation effectively. If we analyze the Previous Year Papers of Paper 1 we can conclude that the question paper can be categorized into 5 segments:

  • Indian History and its culture- 50 Marks
  • Geography and and Climate- 50 Marks
  • Environment & Ecology- 50 Marks
  • Polity, Governance and Social justice- 50 Marks
  • Economic Development- 50 Marks
  • Science and technology- 50 Marks

 IFS Mains Exam

By analysing the past year papers it can be deciphered that most of the topics in the above segment are being are asked relevant to current affairs, events, or news. Try to align these segments with current news and events. As per the previous trends of the question paper of mains examination each segment of the of the question paper will have four questions and structured as:

  • Question 1– 15 Marks
  • Question 2- 15 Marks
  • Question 3- 10 Marks
  • Question 4- 10 Marks

Please note that this categorization is based on the recent trends observed in the question paper from the previous year. Candidates can allocate time to each segment of the question paper based on the importance and difficulty level of the questions. A rough time allocation can be created by analyzing the trends of past year papers; each section can be allocated equal time according to the format of question papers.

UPSC IFS Mains Exam General Knowledge Paper Answering Approach

As per UPSC IFS Mains Exam General Knowledge appreciates answers that demonstrate a nuanced understanding, critical analysis, and a well-structured presentation. Consistent practice, feedback from mentors or peers, and a focus on continuous improvement will contribute to refining your answer-writing skills.

Introduction:

  • Seta context by providing a brief context to the question. What is the issue or topic at hand?
  • In essay-type questions, state your main argument or thesis.

Background Information

  • Offer relevant background information, setting the stage for a comprehensive answer.
  • If the question involves historical aspects, provide a concise historical context.

Main Body

  • Use paragraphs for each distinct idea or sub-question.
  • Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence.

Content Elaboration

  • Elaborate on each point with supporting details, examples, or evidence.
  • Use facts, statistics, or relevant case studies to bolster your arguments.

Logical Flow

  • Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs.
  • Use transition sentences to guide the reader through your argument.

Critical Analysis

  • Critically analyze each point, assessing its strengths and weaknesses.
  • Provide your viewpoint or synthesis of the information.

Conclusion:

  • Summarize the key points discussed in the main body.
  • In essay-type questions, restate your thesis or main argument.
  • Offer a concluding thought or suggest implications.
  • Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.

Neat Presentation:

  • Ensure neat and legible handwriting.
  • Use bullet points or numbering where applicable to enhance readability.

Stick to the Word Limit:

  • Adhere to any word limits specified for the question.
  • Prioritize the most crucial information if faced with constraints.

Need for analysing the General Knowledge Previous Year Paper

  • Analysing the  previous year papers of the UPSC IFS Mains Paper II paper can be immensely beneficial. It allows you to assess your progress and identify areas that require more focus in your preparation.
  • Previous Years Question Papers help you refine your language skills and become more proficient in answering questions. Along with that, going through the previous year papers of UPSC IFS Mains GK Paper helps you grasp the basics and understand how to approach questions effectively. It provides valuable experience in tackling questions in the actual exam, ultimately enhancing your chances of success.

UPSC IFS Mains Exam GK Paper Tips

Preparing for UPSC IFS (Indian Forest Service) Mains Paper 2 requires a strategic approach. Here are some tips shared to help candidates to excel in this paper:

  • Understanding of the Syllabus:
    • Make fully aware yourself with the official UPSC IFS Mains Paper 2 syllabus. This will help you identify the key topics and allocate your time and resources effectively.
  • Current Affairs Awareness:
    • Stay updated and aware about the current affairs, especially related to the environment, ecology, and biodiversity. 
    • Making a habit of reading newspapers, magazines, and online sources can be valuable for staying informed.
  • Environmental Issues
    • Focus  on environmental issues, conservation efforts, and sustainable development practices and understanding key concepts related to ecology, climate change, and biodiversity conservation.
  • Previous Year Papers
    • Analyse and practice previous year question papers to understand the pattern, types of questions asked, and the weightage given to different topics. This can provide insights into the exam’s expectations.
  • Create a balance of Topics
    • Ensure a balanced preparation across all relevant topics, including environmental science, geography, current affairs, and general awareness. Don’t neglect any section as questions can come from various domains.
  • Practice Answer Writing
    • Practice answering questions within the stipulated time. This helps in developing time management skills and enhances your ability to present information coherently.
  • Use Diagrams, Maps and flowcharts:
    • Where applicable, use diagrams and maps to illustrate your answers. This not only enhances the visual appeal of your response but also demonstrates a deeper understanding of the topic.
  • Revise Regularly
    • Regular revision is crucial. Create a revision schedule and stick to it. This helps reinforce concepts and ensures that you retain information for the exam day.
  • Make yourself calm and focused
    • During the exam, stay calm and focused. Read questions carefully and ensure that your answers directly address what is being asked. Manage your time wisely.
  • Language Proficiency:
    • As the paper is to be answered in the English language only so it is needed to be answered in English, ensure a good command of the language. Practice writing essays, short answers, and precise responses.
  • Consulting the Standard Reference Material
    • Refer to standard textbooks and reference materials recommended for the IFS exam. Ensure that your sources are reliable and cover the entire syllabus.

UPSC IFS Mains Paper II Paper Books

  • History-Culture (Only One Combination)
    • Tamilnadu Class 11-12 history books +Spectrum
    • Old NCERT + Spectrum
    • Practice Previous year Questions
  • Geography / Environment
    • For Theory: (NIOS + NCERTs)
    • For Current: newspapers
  • Polity
    • Laxmikanth for theory + Hindu / Indian express for current affair/PRS legislative
  • Economy
    • Budget, Survey, Schemes
    • Mrunal.org/economy, original survey and budget documents (selective reading). 
    • Emphasis should be on the current economy and general awareness about current issues.
  • International Issues
    • For Theory
      • NIOS Political science or IGNOU PDFs.
    • For Current
      • Newspaper + Mrunal.org/diplomacy
  • Science-Tech
    • Theory/contemporary
      • Selected google search like Nanotech, AI, cryo-tech + current from newspapers.
Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

IFS mains exam FAQs

UPSC IFS mains exam analysis help them get a clear picture of the exam, which would ultimately help them perform better in the aforementioned exam.

No, both are different papers you have to prepare both papers separately.
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