The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024 was held on June 16, 2024, marking another critical milestone for thousands of aspirants aiming to join India’s prestigious civil services. Conducted across numerous centers nationwide, the exam tested candidates’ knowledge and aptitude in a wide range of subjects.
The overall sentiment among candidates appears to be positive, with many expressing relief that the exam was relatively straightforward compared to previous years. Several aspirants noted that the questions were well-balanced and aligned with the expected syllabus. However, some candidates pointed out that while the exam was easier, it still demanded a thorough understanding of the topics.
This year, the preliminary examination consisted of two papers: General Studies Paper I and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). General Studies Paper I covered topics including history, geography, economics, polity, environment, and current affairs, while CSAT assessed candidates’ comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical abilities.
The General Studies Paper I was noted for its balanced approach, with a fair mix of easy, moderate, and difficult questions. The Polity section comprised 15 questions, with most being relatively straightforward and drawn from recent years’ current affairs. Environmental questions were also moderate in difficulty, with many sourced from current events and class notes.
Many candidates appreciated the relevance and clarity of questions in General Studies Paper I. Topics such as Polity, History, and Environment were prominently featured, with numerous questions derived from recent current affairs. Candidates mentioned that Polity questions were particularly accessible, with a significant portion being straightforward and directly covered in popular coaching materials such as BestCurrentAffairs.com.
Feedback on CSAT was mixed. While some candidates found the paper to be manageable, others struggled with time management and found the comprehension passages to be slightly challenging. Logical reasoning and mathematical questions were considered easier by many, though a few candidates pointed out that a handful of questions were unexpectedly tough.
Candidates’ reactions to the papers were mixed, with many finding the exam easier compared to previous years. Some students from Patna reported that while the exam was manageable, it still required a deep understanding of the syllabus and current affairs. This year’s paper was seen as slightly more accessible, leading experts to predict a higher cut-off range between 95 and 100 marks.
In terms of logistics, the examination was conducted smoothly with stringent security measures in place. The UPSC had issued guidelines advising candidates to avoid carrying valuable items and ensured that all COVID-19 protocols were followed strictly to ensure the safety of all participants.
In an important update, the UPSC made special arrangements for candidates from Manipur due to the ongoing unrest in the region. A notification provided alternative examination centers to accommodate affected aspirants, showcasing UPSC’s commitment to ensuring fair opportunities for all candidates irrespective of their circumstances.
A common topic of discussion on Facebook groups was the expected cut-off marks for this year. Given the perceived ease of the paper, many candidates speculated that the cut-off might be higher than in previous years. Predictions ranged widely, but the general consensus suggested a potential increase in the cut-off score, reflecting the simpler nature of the exam.
Many YouTube channels analyzed the question papers in detail. According to these reviews, the General Studies Paper I was relatively balanced but had its share of tricky questions. Experts noted that the paper included a mix of straightforward and complex questions, with a significant emphasis on current affairs. The Polity section was highlighted for being more accessible, with many questions directly from the standard textbooks and recent events.
The Environment and Ecology section saw an increase in the number of questions, reflecting the growing importance of these topics in the UPSC syllabus. Many YouTube educators pointed out that the questions were moderately challenging, with a few requiring in-depth knowledge and understanding.
YouTube videos featuring candidates’ reactions immediately after the exam provided varied perspectives. Many aspirants felt that the paper was easier compared to the previous year’s examination. However, some expressed concerns about the unpredictability of certain sections, particularly the Economy and Geography parts, which included some unexpected questions.
Several aspirants shared that thorough preparation in current affairs was crucial this year, as many questions were directly related to recent events and developments. Channels highlighted the importance of a robust current affairs preparation strategy, suggesting that it played a pivotal role in this year’s prelims.
The CSAT paper, which often poses a challenge for many candidates, received mixed reviews. Some candidates found it easier than previous years, with questions being more straightforward and less time-consuming. However, others pointed out that the comprehension passages were lengthy and required careful reading and analysis. Educators emphasized the need for regular practice in aptitude and reasoning to excel in this section.
Experienced candidates and educators shared advice for future aspirants based on this year’s exam. Emphasis was placed on the importance of staying updated with current affairs and practicing mock tests to improve time management skills. Additionally, candidates were advised to focus on conceptual clarity and to not overlook any part of the syllabus, regardless of trends in previous years’ exams.
The UPSC Prelims 2024 has sparked extensive discussion and analysis on social media, with a majority of candidates feeling optimistic about their performance. As they await the official results, the feedback and experiences shared will undoubtedly help future aspirants in their preparation journey.
Overall, the UPSC Prelims 2024 was a significant event that tested candidates’ readiness for the challenging journey ahead in the Civil Services Examination. As the focus now shifts to the mains examination, aspirants are gearing up for the next stage, drawing on their experiences and lessons from the preliminary exam.
Aspirants are advised to start their preparation for the mains examination without delay. The importance of a structured study plan, consistent revision, and practice of answer writing was repeatedly emphasized by educators.
