MOCK TEST:ELIMINATION STRATEGY

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is responsible for recruiting people for various administrative posts such as Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Services (IPS), Indian Foreign Services (IFS) and other services as well. Civil Services Examination (CSE) is deemed to be one of the most difficult exams in the world.

Candidates aspiring to join Indian Administrative Service are advised to score well in the exam in order to get their preferred post. CSE examination requires a candidate to be clear with the requirements of the post and the diversity which comes hand-in-hand with the post.

Success in the UPSC test can lead to a variety of professional prospects. It is a difficult yet rewarding experience. Candidates that pass the exam are regarded as some of the best and brightest minds in the nation. It is a test of academic knowledge as well as mental and emotional fortitude.

SIGNIFICANCE OF ELIMINATION IN UPSC PRELIMS

It takes more than knowledge to succeed in the UPSC Prelims. Elimination methods by themselves are insufficient to pass this exam. To pass the UPSC Prelims starting in 2014, one needs to have both. It is usually preferable to consider about raising 20–30 marks with your present knowledge using elimination tactics as the UPSC Prelims is the hardest exam out of the Interview and Mains with over 9.5 lakh hopefuls getting disqualified.

Why do most candidates have different scores even though they use the same syllabus, the same study materials, and similar syllabus? Some people can complete all of the Modern History questions in the Spectrum book by simply reading it; yet, for others, even after reading the identical book, this is what they encounter in tests.

1) Prelims score 0–40: They must first concentrate on their understanding before learning answering strategies.

2) Prelims 50–70: They demonstrate adequate knowledge and adequate replying strategies. But in order to pass the preliminary exams, students must perform better than average. They must therefore concentrate on studying the subjects in which they performed poorly in their mock exams.

3) Prelims score 80–100: Good knowledge, but they need to work on their replying strategies. They don’t have to learn elimination techniques, but doing so will ensure their success if they want to succeed at the same time.

4) Prelims score 120+: Excellent knowledge and thorough understanding of all response strategies.

HOW TO ELIMINATE OPTIONS IN EXAM

• Using extreme words in the options, such as all, any, only, totally, etc. Please note that this is not a set rule. Statements that use such words are typically false. (Note: There are some exclusions. However, I generally found them to be wrong.)

• Fact manipulation includes inflating numbers (UPSC does this) and altering units (for instance, from dollars to rupees). or switching the information presented in two statements. An illustration would be the state and federal funding split for a certain programme.

• Changing a ministry’s or any other organization’s name:-We frequently have a tendency to infer a ministry, agency, or body’s name based on the type of job they conduct. Please refrain from guessing information in the UPSC Prelims, such as agency names.

• Demands for General Studies a fundamental knowledge of the course material, not a PhD. Avoid overanalyzing the solutions. The close proximity of the alternatives usually causes confusion and may result in low marks.

• Boards, commissions, tribunals, and authorities are primarily statutory bodies.

• Most statements that indicate possibilities are true. The majority of questions using the phrases mostly, some, can, and may are true.

• If the parent organization’s name appears in an MCQ-statement, it is unquestionably incorrect. And if it contains two or three statements, the rest are always true.

• In most circumstances, an MCQ-statement may be incorrect if it contains the name of a specific date or number.

• When you have a gut feeling that you are on the correct track,

• pick the numbers with the highest frequency. Where they exist, indicate that option.

You will gain a 60% increase in accuracy. However, repeated use could also lower accuracy. Use it only when all other possibilities have been considered and you have no gut feeling about any one choice.

ELIMINATION TECHNIQUE TO SCORE WELL IN UPSC

Elimination technique is a helpful tool for UPSC aspirants to score well in the exam. This technique involves systematically eliminating the options that are clearly incorrect, thereby increasing the chances of selecting the correct answer. Here are a few examples of how the elimination technique can be used to solve UPSC questions:

Example 1:

Question: Which of the following countries does not share a border with China?

1. A) India
2. B) Mongolia
3. C) Vietnam
4. D) South Korea

Elimination steps:

Option A, India, shares a border with China, so it can be eliminated.

Option B, Mongolia, does not share a border with China, so it can be retained.

Option C, Vietnam, shares a border with China, so it can be eliminated.

Option D, South Korea, does not share a border with China, so it can be eliminated.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B, Mongolia.

Example 2:

Question: Which of the following is not a primary air pollutant?

1. A) Carbon monoxide
2. B) Nitrogen dioxide
3. C) Sulfur dioxide
4. D) Ozone

Elimination steps:

Option A, Carbon monoxide, is a primary air pollutant, so it can be eliminated.

Option B, Nitrogen dioxide, is a primary air pollutant, so it can be eliminated.

Option C, Sulfur dioxide, is a primary air pollutant, so it can be eliminated.

Option D, Ozone, is not a primary air pollutant, so it can be retained.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D, Ozone.

Example 3:

Question: Which of the following is not a feature of a federal system of government?

1. A) Division of powers between the central and state governments
2. B) Written constitution
3. C) Supremacy of the central government
4. D) Independent judiciary

Elimination steps:

Option A, Division of powers between the central and state governments, is a feature of a federal system, so it can be eliminated.

Option B, Written constitution, is a feature of a federal system, so it can be eliminated.

Option C, Supremacy of the central government, is not a feature of a federal system, so it can be retained.

Option D, Independent judiciary, is a feature of a federal system, so it can be eliminated.

Therefore, the correct answer is option C, Supremacy of the central government.

By using the elimination technique, aspirants can narrow down the options and arrive at the correct answer more efficiently. However, it is important to note that this technique should be used alongside an understanding of the subject matter and not solely relied upon.

CONCLUSION

Candidates for the UPSC might increase their chances of performing well in the preliminary examination by using the elimination approach. To find the right response, the obvious wrong possibilities must be systematically eliminated. This method reduces the likelihood of making a mistake and saves time, both of which are important in a competitive exam like the UPSC.

It’s crucial to remember that the elimination method should be applied in conjunction with full knowledge of the topic. Candidates must make sure they understand the ideas and material covered in the test; they should only utilise the elimination procedure as a supplemental tool. UPSC hopefuls might improve their prospects by combining topic knowledge and the elimination method of passing the test and realising their goal of entering the civil service and helping the country.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Ques 1. What is elimination technique in UPSC?

Ans. When attempting multiple-choice questions, UPSC hopefuls employ the elimination strategy to improve their chances of finding the right response. Particularly in a competitive exam like the UPSC, where time management is essential. Elimination method can save waiting time and increase response accuracy.

Ques 2. What is the best strategy to clear UPSC?

Ans. Being successful in clearing the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) is a difficult endeavour that demands a smart strategy and constant commitment. Here are some pointers for creating a winning UPSC strategy:

• Understand the exam pattern and syllabus
• Create a study plan
• Focus on current affairs
• Practice writing
• Seek guidance
• Stay motivated and consistent

Ques 3. Is clearing UPSC really tough?

Ans. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination is regarded as a difficult and difficult undertaking to pass. The exam has three stages: the preliminary examination, the main examination, and the personality test (interview). Its purpose is to assess the candidates’ knowledge, aptitude, and personality.

Ques 4. How many tests are enough for prelims?

Ans. For UPSC Prelims preparation, different candidates need different amounts of exams. Before taking the actual exam, the majority of coaching centres and experts advise taking at least 30 to 40 full-length practise examinations.

Ques 5. What is the last rank for IAS?

Ans. Depending on the number of openings and the performance of applicants in the UPSC Civil Services Exam, the final rank for IAS (Indian Administrative Service) changes every year. The last rank for the IAS is typically between 700 and 800 for the General category and between 1000 and 1200 for the Reserved categories.

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