UPSC Prelims Exam Calculator Usage Rules, Know the Criteria!

PWOnlyIAS May 03, 2024 10:49 2044 0

UPSC Prelims Exam Calculator Usage Rules for GS Paper I and CSAT are important for UPSC candidates. Know all the UPSC Prelims Exam Calculator Usage Rules.

UPSC Prelims Exam Calculator Usage Rules, Know the Criteria!

UPSC Prelims Exam Calculator Usage Rules: As the UPSC CSE Prelims 2024 approaches, which is to be held on 16th June, 2024, the candidates should be aware of the UPSC Prelims Exam Calculator Usage rules, for both GS Paper I and GS Paper II (CSAT). 

UPSC does not allow the usage of calculators in the UPSC CSE Prelims exam. UPSC Prelims Exam Calculator Usage Rules simply says that any kind of Calculator usage is not allowed in the UPSC Prelims Exam. However, the use of Calculator is allowed in some sections of UPSC Mains Exam.

 

Let us have a look at the UPSC Prelims Exam Calculator Usage Rules and guidelines for GS Paper I and GS Paper II (CSAT)

UPSC Prelims Exam Calculator Usage Rules for GS Paper I

In the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Preliminary stage for the General Studies (GS) Paper I, candidates are not permitted to use calculators. The UPSC strictly prohibits the use of any electronic devices, including calculators, during the exam. 

Below are some other important points regarding the UPSC Prelims Exam Calculator Usage Rules for GS Paper I:

  • No Calculator Usage in UPSC Prelims: Candidates are explicitly informed that calculators or any other electronic devices are not allowed inside the examination hall.
  • The UPSC Prelims GS Paper I has questions from General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Polity, History, Geography, ENvironment, etc. These are all theoretical subjects and do not require the use of Calculator anyways.

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UPSC Prelims Exam Calculator Usage Rules for CSAT

The usage of a calculator is strictly prohibited in the UPSC Civil Services Examination Prelims, for the General Studies Paper II, also known as the CSAT. This paper evaluates candidates’ comprehension, interpersonal skills, communication, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, problem-solving, basic numeracy, and data interpretation skills.

Below are some other important points regarding the UPSC Prelims Exam Calculator Usage Rules for CSAT:

  • Candidates are expected to solve numerical problems and interpret data without the aid of a calculator. 
  • The questions in the CSAT paper are designed to test candidates’ ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, along with the capacity to analyse and interpret data presented in various formats, including tables, graphs, and charts.
  • Therefore, candidates preparing for the UPSC Prelims should focus on improving their mental maths skills and practising solving numerical problems manually.

How to prepare for UPSC CSAT without Calculator?

UPSC Prelims Exam Calculator Usage Rules clearly states that no calculators of any kind are allowed in the UPSC Prelims exam, including the UPSC CSAT Exam. Preparing for the UPSC GS Paper II (CSAT) without a calculator can be challenging but definitely manageable with the right approach. 

Below are some tips to help  improve your preparation:

  • Master Mental Math: Practice mental maths techniques such as multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction without using a calculator. There are various tricks and shortcuts available online that can help you perform calculations quickly in your head.
  • Learn and Practice Shortcuts: Familiarise yourself with shortcut techniques for calculations. For example, learn to quickly estimate square roots, cube roots, percentages, and fractions. 
  • Focus on Conceptual Understanding: Instead of relying solely on rote memorization or calculator-dependent methods, focus on understanding the underlying concepts behind mathematical operations. This will help you approach problems more strategically and efficiently.
  • Solve Practice Questions: Practice solving CSAT-style questions without using a calculator. Start with simpler and non complex problems and gradually progress to hard and more complex ones. This will help build your confidence and improve the speed and accuracy.

UPSC Mains Calculator Usage Rules

According to the UPSC Prelims Exam Calculator Usage Rules, calculators are not allowed in the UPSC CSE Prelims Exam. However, In the UPSC CSE Mains, the use of a non-programmable calculator is allowed, but only for the optional subject of Mathematics. For other papers, including General Studies and Essay, the use of calculators or any electronic devices is not permitted. Candidates should perform all calculations manually.

Below are some other important points regarding the UPSC Mains Calculator Usage Rules:

  • Only non-programmable, basic calculators are allowed. Programmable calculators, calculators with built-in formulas or equations, or calculators with text retrieval capabilities are not allowed. 
  • Before the exam starts, invigilators may check your calculator to ensure compliance with rules and regulations. Make sure the calculator meets the specified criteria in the UPSC Mains Calculator Usage Rules. 
  • The use of calculators is permitted only during certain sections or parts of the exam. The calculator will not be permitted in any Objective type papers.

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UPSC Prelims Exam Calculator Usage Rules FAQs

No, calculators are not allowed in the UPSC prelims. Candidates must rely on their mental ability for calculations during the examination, which are only required in GS Paper II (CSAT).

No, the use of calculators is generally not permitted in the IAS exam. In UPSC IAS Prelims is strictly prohibited, but in IAS Mains, it is allowed for the students who give Mathematics optional Paper.

In UPSC Prelims, no calculator is allowed, but for UPSC Mains Maths Optional Paper, the use of non-programmable calculators is only allowed.

No, even in the CSAT exam, students are not allowed to use calculators of any kind. They will have to rely on their own mathematical abilities to solve the maths problems.
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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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