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UPSC IFS Mains English Paper (Paper I) 2023: Download PDF

PWOnlyIAS November 24, 2023 06:04 3198 0

Master the IFS Mains English Paper with essential tips, strategies, and resources to enhance your preparation and performance.

UPSC IFS Mains English Paper (Paper I) 2023: Download PDF

UPSC IFS Mains English Paper (Paper I)

UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Mains English Paper also known as Paper I is the first paper of IFS mains examination. It carries a total of 300 marks and the total time allocated is 3 hours. 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.

Download IFS 2023 English Mains Paper

 

UPSC IFS Mains English 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 IFS English Question papers in PDF format, an invaluable resource for your preparation. 

Year UPSC IFS Mains English Paper I
2022 Download PDF
2021 Download PDF
2020 Download PDF
2019 Download PDF
2018 Download PDF
2017 Download PDF
2016 Download PDF
2015 Download PDF

 

UPSC IFS Mains English Paper Analysis

Analyzing the trends and patterns of the English Paper I 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 sections:

  1. Reading Comprehension
  2. Letter to the Editor
  3. Report Writing
  4. Precis Writing
  5. Essay
  6. Grammar and Basic Vocabulary

Read Also- UPSC IFS Mains General Knowledge Paper (Paper II)

 

UPSC IFS Mains Paper-I 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 English Paper (Paper I) Pattern and Syllabus

The basic objective of the UPSC Compulsory English Paper is to analyse a candidate’s ability to comprehend serious descriptive prose and express their ideas with clarity and correctness. To better understand the pattern of this paper, let’s delve into its components:

Pattern of Questions and Marks

  • Reading Comprehension- 50 Marks
  • Letter to the Editor- 25 Marks
  • Report Writing- 25 Marks
  • Precis Writing- 50 Marks
  • Essay- 100 Marks
  • Grammar and Basic Vocabulary- 50

IFS Mains

Looking at the marks distribution and analyzing the question papers you can allot specific time to each section. There is a categorisation of marks which can help you to assign time to each section of paper.

Section  Expected Allotted time
Reading Comprehension 30 min
Letter to the Editor 20 min
Report Writing 20 min
Precis  30 min
Essay 60 min
Grammar and Vocabulary 20 min

 

IFS Mains

Reading Comprehension (RC)

Scoring well in this section relies on carefully reading and comprehending the passage to grasp its essence, theme, and the author’s perspective. It is advisable to highlight key points during the initial reading. After reading the questions thoroughly, revisit the passage, as it will contain direct cues to answer the questions. When answering, express your thoughts clearly and concisely.

Essay

UPSC provides four general topics, from which candidates are required to choose one for their response. The aim of this essay is not to evaluate in-depth knowledge of the chosen topic but rather to assess the candidate’s ability to express thoughts, emotions, and opinions in English at a fundamental level. The word limit for this essay is 800-1000 words, and candidates need not prepare exclusively for it, as the preparation for the General Studies (GS) and Essay papers should suffice. Regularly reading newspapers can help improve language and writing skills.

Organize your essay into three parts:

  • Introduction
  • Body
  • Conclusion

This structure provides organization to your essay, so brainstorm on it before starting to write.

Precis Writing

This is often considered the most challenging part of the paper because condensing a 1000-word essay into just one-third without losing its essence poses a significant challenge. Given the task’s complexity, it also requires more time. Therefore, efficiently condensing the provided passage within the specified time frame is the challenge.

Read the passage carefully and comprehend the given passage, understand its core ideas. Prepare a rough draft containing all essential points, which can later be adapted to fit into the provided boxes. When filling in the boxes, be judicious and avoid using too many boxes for articles (a, an, the) and prepositions (on, at, in, on). Always remember precis writing is all about staying to the central idea of the given passage and being mindful of time constraints.

Grammar and Basic Vocabulary:

This section comprises various one-mark questions that encompass tasks such as:

  • Correcting sentences
  • Supplying missing words
  • Using the correct verb forms
  • Providing Antonyms/Synonyms
  • Rewriting sentences as directed
  • Creating sentences as directed
  • Filling in the blanks
  • Crafting sentences using phrases

Need for analysing the English Previous Year Paper

  • Analysing the previous year’s papers of the UPSC English Compulsory 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 UPSC English Paper I Previous Year Papers 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 English Paper Tips

Preparing for the UPSC English Compulsory Paper requires a structured approach and diligent practice. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively:

  • Understand the Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly understanding the syllabus for the English Compulsory Paper. It typically covers essay writing, precis writing, comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and translation.
  • Grammar and Vocabulary: Brush up on your English grammar and vocabulary. Pay special attention to common grammatical errors and enhance your vocabulary through reading and word lists.
  • Reading Practice: Regularly read English newspapers, magazines, and quality literature. This will improve your comprehension skills and expose you to diverse writing styles.
  • Writing Practice: Practice essay writing on a wide range of topics. Work on improving your ability to express your thoughts clearly and coherently. Seek feedback from mentors or teachers to refine your writing skills.
  • Comprehension Skills: Practice reading comprehension passages and answering questions related to them. Work on your ability to extract key information and understand the context.
  • Translation Practice: Practice translating English passages into another language or vice versa. This is an important component of the paper.
  • Previous Years Papers: Review previous years’ question papers to understand the type of questions asked and the level of difficulty. This will help you tailor your preparation.
  • Time Management: Practice writing essays and completing exercises within the allocated time frame. Time management is crucial during the actual exam.

UPSC IFS Mains English Paper I Books

When it comes to preparing for the UPSC English Compulsory Paper, it’s important to focus on building your overall English language skills, including reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and writing. Here are some recommended books and resources that can help you in your preparation:

  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
    • This book is a valuable resource for improving your vocabulary, which is essential for all sections of the paper.
  • High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin
    • A classic grammar book that can help you strengthen your grammar skills.
  • A Mirror of Common Errors by Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh:
    • This book is excellent for understanding common errors in English grammar and how to correct them.
  • Essential English Grammar by Raymond Murphy
    • Another excellent grammar book that is easy to understand and provides practical exercises.
  • Reading Comprehension Passages by Martin Cohen
    • This book contains a collection of reading comprehension passages and questions that can help you practice this section.
  • Essay Writing for Civil Services Examination by Showick Thorpe and Edgar Thorpe
    • This book provides guidance on essay writing techniques and offers a range of sample essays on various topics.
  • Descriptive English by S.P. Bakshi and Richa Sharma
    • This book is designed specifically for competitive exams and covers various aspects of descriptive English, including essays, precis writing, and letter writing.
  • Previous Years’ Question Papers
    • Refer to previous years’ question papers of the UPSC English Compulsory Paper to understand the pattern and types of questions asked.
  • Newspapers and Magazines
    • Regularly read newspapers like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and magazines like The Economist to improve your reading and comprehension skills. These sources also help you stay updated on current affairs, which can be beneficial for essay writing.
  • Online Resources
    • Explore online resources and websites that offer English language quizzes, grammar exercises, and vocabulary-building tools. Websites like Grammarly and Merriam-Webster can be helpful.
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 FAQs

No, it is not qualifying marks scored in Paper-I are evaluated during the result.

Time allotted to Paper I is 3 hours

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

No, not necessarily; both papers fall on two different schedules.
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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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