UPSC IFS Botany Question Paper: Analysis of Botany Optional Paper and Exam Strategy

PWOnlyIAS November 28, 2023 06:13 4195 0

Exploring the UPSC IFS Mains with Botany as your optional subject. Discover its significance, success rates, paper trends, and strategic benefits. Receive book recommendations for efficient preparation to boost your chances of success.

UPSC IFS Botany Question Paper: Analysis of Botany Optional Paper and Exam Strategy

UPSC IFS Mains Exam: Optimal Scoring with Strategic Optional Subjects

The UPSC IFS mains consist of a total of six papers with a total of 1400 marks. The IFS Mains examination includes two papers: one on English and one on General Knowledge. The remaining four papers (Paper I, Paper II, Paper III and Paper IV) cover optional subjects that candidates have chosen during the application form filling process. Since Paper I and Paper II have a maximum of 300 marks each, the remaining 800 marks depend on the optional subjects. It becomes crucial to choose the right optional subject and employ the right strategy so that candidates can score as much as possible. First, we will explore the importance and weightage of optionals, and then we will analyze the Botany Question Paper as an optional subject.

 

Download IFS 2023 Botany Optional Paper-01
Download IFS 2023 Botany Optional Paper-02

 

Importance of Optional Subject: The Critical Role of Optional Subjects in UPSC IFS Mains

In UPSC IFS mains examination candidates have to choose two optional subjects from the list specified in the notification unlike UPSC IAS mains exam in which candidate has to choose only one optional subject. In IFS exam optional subjects have very high scoring potential because after Paper I and Paper II which consist of  600 marks optional have 800 marks so here optional plays a decisive role in determining your selection as well as to achieve a good rank.

Botany Question Paper

It is evident that in the entire selection process, the optional subject plays a crucial role in preparing for the UPSC IFS exam, as it accounts for almost 48% of the total marks. This substantial portion contributes significantly to the overall evaluation of the entire exam.

Botany Question Paper

Upon further magnification, we can conclude that in the IFS mains examination, the optional section carries almost 58% of the total mains marks. Therefore, scoring well in the optional section, along with Paper I and Paper II, will result in higher overall marks in the exam.

UPSC IFS Optional Paper Format: Strategies for Success

  • Optional Subjects (Papers III, IV, V and VI): Choosing Optional Subjects for Papers III-VI
    • Candidates have the flexibility to choose optional subjects based on their preferences and expertise. 
    • These selections play an important role in Papers III,IV,V and VI shaping the content and focus of these segments.
    • Understanding each paper and how optional subjects fit in helps you get ready for the UPSC IFS Mains Exam.
    • Total number of questions in the question papers of optional subjects will be eight. 
    • Every question alloted equal marks. Each paper will be divided into two parts, Part A and Part B, each part containing four questions
    • Out of eight questions, five questions are to be attempted. One question in each part will be compulsory. Candidates will be required to answer three more questions out of the remaining six questions, taking at least one question from each Part. 
    • In this way, at least two questions will be attempted from each Part i.e. one compulsory question plus one more.

UPSC IFS Mains Botany Optional Paper: Botany Optional Papers I & II Guide

In the UPSC IFS Mains exam, Botany Question Paper  subject consists of two papers, specifically Paper I and Paper II. Each of these papers carries a weightage of 200 marks, summing up to a total of 400 marks for this optional subject. Among the various optional subjects offered by UPSC in IFS, Botany Question Paper is one of the 14 optional subjects available to candidates.

Botany Syllabus
Paper I Microbiology and Plant Pathology: Viruses, bacteria, and plasmids-structure and reproduction. General account of infection, Phytoimmunology. Applications of microbiology in agriculture, industry, medicine and pollution control in air, soil and water. Important plant diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, fungi and nematodes. Mode of infection and dissemination. Molecular basis of infection and disease resistance/ defence. Physiology of parasitism and control measures. Fungal toxins.

Cryptogams: Algae, Fungi, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes-structure and reproduction from evolutonary viewpoint. Distribution of Cryptogams in India and their economic potential. 

Phanerogams: Gymnosperms: Concept of Progymonosperms. Classification and distribution of Gymnosperms. Salient features of Cycadales, Coniferrals and Gnetales, their structures and reproduction. General account of Cycadofilicales, Bennettitales and Cordaitales. Angiosperms: Systematics, anatomy, embryology, palynology and phylogeny. Comparative account of various systems of Angiosperm Classiification. Study of angiospermic families-Magnoliaceae, Ranunculaceae, Brassicaceae (Cruciferae), Rosaceae, Leguminosae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceaie, Dipterocarpaceae, Apiaceae (Umbelliferae), Asclepiadaceae, Verbenaceae, Solanaceae, Rubiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Asteraceae (Composite), Poaceae (Gramineae), Arecaceae (Palmae), Liliaceae, Musaceae, Orchidaceae. Stomata and their types. Anomalous secondary growth, Anatomy of C 3 and C 4 plants. Development of male and female gametophytes, pollination, fertilization. Endospermits development and function. Patterns of embryo development. Polyembryony, apoxmix, Applications of palynology.

Plant Utility and Exploitation: Origin of cultivated plants, Vavilov’s centres of origin. Plants as sources for food, fodder, fibres, spices, beverages, drugs, narcotics, insecticides, timber, gums, resins and dyes. Latex, cellulose Starch and their products. Perfumery. Importance of Ethnobotany in Indian context. Energy plantation. Botanical Gardens and Herbaria. 

Morphogenesis: Totipotency, polarity, symmetry and differentiation. Cell, tissue, organ and protoplast culture. Somatic hybrids and Cybrids.  

Paper II Cell Biology: Techniques of Cell Biology. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells – structural and ultra structural details. Structure and function of extra cellular matrix or ECM (cell wall) and membranes cell adhesion, membrane transport and vesicular transport. Structure and function of cell organelles (chloroplasts, mitochondria, ER, ribosome’s, embosoms, lissome, peroxisomes, hydrogeno-some). Nucleus, nucleolus, nuclear pore complex. Chromatin and nucleosome. Cell signalling and cell receptors. Signal transduction (G-1 proteins, etc.). Mitosis and meisdosis; molecular basis of cell cycle. Numerical and structural variations in chromosomes and their significance. Study of polygene, lamp brush and B-chromosomes-structure, behaviour and significance.

Genetics, Molecular Biology and Evolution: Development of genetics, and gene versus allele concepts (Pseudo alleles). Quantitative genetics and multiple factors. Linkage and crossing over-methods of gene mapping including molecular maps (idea of mapping function). Sex chromosomes and sex linked inheritance, sex determination and molecular basis of sex differentiation. Mutation (biochemical and molecular basis). Cytoplasmic inheritance and cytoplasmic genes (including genetics of male sterility). Prions and prion hypothesis. Structure and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins. Genetic code and regulation of gene expression. Multigene families. Organic evolution-evidences, mechanism and theories. Role of RNA in origin and evolution.

Plant Breeding, Biotechnology and Biostatistics: Methods of plant breedingintroduction, selection and hybridization (pedigree, backcross, mass selection, bulk method). Male sterility and heterosis breeding. Use of apomixes in plant breeding. Micro propagation and genetic engineering-methods of transfer of genes and transgenic crops; development and use of molecular markers in plant breeding. Standard deviation and coefficient of variation (CV). Tests of significance (Z-test, t-test and chi-square tests). Probability and distributions (normal, binomial and Poisson distributions). Correlation and regression.

Physiology and Biochemistry: Water relations, Mineral nutrition and ion transport, mineral deficiencies. Photosynthesis-photochemical reactions, photophosphorylation and carbon pathways including C pathway (photorespiration), C, C and CAM pathways. Respiration (anaerobic and aerobic, including fermentationelectron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation. Chemiosmotic theory and ATP synthesis. Nitrogen fixation and nitrogen metabolism. Enzymes, coenzymes,

 

UPSC IFS Botany Optional Papers 2018-2022: Download PDFs for Effective Preparation

UPSC Botany Question Paper from 2018 to 2022 are readily available for aspirants seeking to enhance their preparation. We provided access to the UPSC IFS Botany Question Paper in PDF format, an invaluable resource for your preparation.

Year  Paper 
UPSC IFS Botany Question Paper  2018 Paper I

Paper II

UPSC IFS Botany Question Paper 2019 Paper I

Paper II

UPSC IFS Botany Question Paper 2020 Paper I

Paper II

UPSC IFS Botany Question Paper 2021 Paper I

Paper II

UPSC IFS Botany Question Paper 2022 Paper I

Paper II

 

UPSC IFS Mains Botany Exam 2023 Overview: Optimize Success with Botany Optional paper

Candidates appearing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) IFS examination must make a thoughtful choice when selecting their optional subject, as it holds substantial weightage in the evaluation process. With a total of 800 marks allotted, the optional subject constitutes approximately 48% of the combined marks for both the written exam and the personality test. 

Botany Optional Success Rates in IFS Exam: A Comprehensive View

The table below offers a comprehensive overview of the success rate achieved by candidates who opted for Botany Question Paper as their optional.

Year Number of Candidates
Appeared in Interview Recommended Passing (%)
2015 31 13 41.9
2016 27 16 59.3
2017 16 7 43.8
2018 18 10 55.6
2019 11 5 45.5
2020 4 2 50

Botany Question Paper

  • Shift towards In-Depth Knowledge: Environment and Diversity
    • Recent question papers may test candidates’ depth of knowledge in various topics like environmental management, diversity conservation etc.
  • Influence of Previous Year Papers: Learn from Past Papers for Higher Scores
    • Many questions are indirectly related to topics previously asked in the preceding years. Therefore, solving questions from previous years will undoubtedly help candidates score well.
  • Current Affairs Impact on Optional Papers: Impact on Optional Paper Questions
    • In recent years, questions have been posed with relevance to current affairs topics. 
  • Back to the Basics Approach: Botany Question Paper Fundamental Advantage
    • In past Botany optional papers, questions haven’t been excessively difficult or beyond the syllabus. Candidates can score well if they have a command over the syllabus and a clear understanding of the subject’s basic fundamentals.

Pros of opting Botany as an optional Subject: A Strategic Choice for Exam Success

  • Relevance to the IFS Exam: Botany is highly relevant to the Indian Forest Service exam, as it covers various aspects of plant science, taxonomy, and ecology. This can give you an edge in understanding the ecological systems and plant life, which are crucial for a career in forestry.
  • Overlap with General Studies: Like Botany, Botany Question Paper Also has areas that overlap with the General Studies paper. This can facilitate integrated preparation and make it easier to revise common topics.
  • Scoring Potential: Botany is generally considered a scoring optional subject. The questions are often straightforward, and if you have a good understanding of the subject, you can secure a decent score.
  • Availability of Study Material: Botany is a relatively popular optional subject, and as a result, there is a good amount of study material available. This can be helpful for candidates in terms of resource availability.
  • Interest and Background: If you have a background in biological sciences or a genuine interest in plants, studying the Botany Question Paper can be enjoyable and may contribute to better motivation during the preparation.

Cons of opting as an Optional Subject: Syllabus, Complexity, and Career

  • Vast Syllabus: The syllabus for Botany is extensive and covers a wide range of topics. Managing to cover the entire syllabus thoroughly can be challenging, especially if you have time constraints.
  • Less Objective Nature: Compared to other subjects, Botany might be considered more descriptive and less objective. Answering questions may require a deeper understanding of concepts and the ability to articulate your knowledge effectively.
  • Limited Career Scope: While Botany is highly relevant for the IFS exam, it may have a more limited career scope compared to some other optional subjects. This could be a consideration if you’re thinking about long-term career prospects beyond the exam.
  • Perceived Difficulty for Non-Biology Backgrounds: Candidates without a background in biological sciences may find Botany challenging, as it requires a solid understanding of biological concepts.
  • Dynamic Nature of Plant Taxonomy: Plant taxonomy, a part of the Botany syllabus, is dynamic and subject to changes. Staying updated with the latest classifications and nomenclature can be demanding.

Please note that before selecting botany as your optional subject, carefully weigh these disadvantages against the advantages and consider your own background, interests, and the time you can dedicate to preparation.

Booklist for Botany Optional: Comprehensive Resources for Success

  • NCERT- Plant Biology and General Biology related chapters in NCERT Biology chapters for Std. XI and XII
  • Wiley’s Textbook of Botany for NEET and other Medical Entrance Examinations
  • Cryptogams: A Text Book of Botany by Singh, Pandey and Jain
  • Gymnosperms by S. P. Bhatnagar, Alok Moitra
  • Angiosperm Systematics and Families: Plant Systematics by Gurucharan Singh
  • Plant Anatomy by Dr. B. P. Pandey
  • The Embryology of Angiosperms by Sant Saran Bhojwani and S. P. Bhatnagar
  • Karp’s Cell Biology by Karp Gerald
  • Concepts of Genetics by Klug and Cummings
  • Plant Breeding: Principles and Methods by B D Singh
  • Biotechnology: Expanding Horizons by B D Singh
  • Fundamentals of Biostatistics by Veer Bala Rastogi
  • Plant Physiology and Development by Eduardo Zeiger, Lincoln Taiz
  • Ecology and Environment by Dr. P D Sharma + Resources from Newspapers, Magazines, and Web Resources
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

 

Botany Question Paper FAQs

No, both subjects have different syllabus.

There are two papers of Botany each paper divided into two parts.

Yes you can choose both subjects.
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