How to practice previous year UPSC question paper for prelims?

Practising Previous Year Question papers is an essential part of UPSC IAS Prelims Exam Preparation. The Previous years question paper are the most authentic source of information, for UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains exam. Aspirants cannot neglect the Previous year UPSC question paper and sample paper as they help to figure out the nature, trend, patterns of the question being asked by UPSC. For example, in the UPSC Prelims Exam, the past couple of year question papers show a sensible move from the concepts to the facts. Practising the previous year UPSC questions, guarantee that we are in synchronous with the question papers pattern too.

How to practice these Previous year UPSC questions especially for Preliminary Exam? Do you randomly guess the answer and then check the answer? Or Do you simply read the question and then check the answer? Or do you contemplate over the question, come to an answer and then check it? 

Here we are giving some ideas about how to practice Previous year UPSC question paper exclusively for Prelims.

Tips to Practice UPSC Question Paper for Prelims 2023

Get questions

Aspirants can collect the Previous year UPSC question paper from different sources. To ease the process we are providing Previous Year UPSC question paper here. Click here to get Previous year UPSC question paper.

Think over the question

Once you receive the question paper, start answering from the first page. Pick out the question and read the question thoroughly. Aspirants should try to dissect the answer from different perspectives and angles. This analyzation is extremely basic as it aids in arranging the data in your memory. When you spent time over a question trying to recall information from your memory, it gets appropriately organized.

Jotting down what you have learned

To write is an essential way to retain your memory. Making short notes are the vital part of UPSC IAS exam as it helps in the last minute preparation. Aspirants should keep a book for this. They must jot down the question along with answer and explanation.

For instance:

Consider the following question asked by UPSC in the Preliminary Exam 2016.

What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?

1. Introduction of communalism into Indian politics by Lord Minto
2. Extremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government
3. Foundation of Muslim League
4. Aurobindo Ghosh’s inability to be elected as the president of the Indian National Congress.

Read the question thoroughly and try to dissect the question in many ways like:

When was Surat split?

What is Surat Split?

What is the impact of Surat split?

What are the major reasons for Surat Split?

Extremist and moderates?

Aspirants should think over the question. These type of analysis will help you to eliminate the wrong options and you can reach a conclusion.

The answer to this question is B.  The Surat Split was a defining moment in the historical backdrop of Nationalist Movement in India. The major reason for the Surat split in the Indian National Congress was the lack of faith which Extremists had in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government.

Analyse, the given options:

To analyze the option, aspirants must have a thorough conceptual clarity about the subject or topic. One who has a clear idea about the Surat Split can answer this question in the first read itself.

Option A: Introduction of communalism into Indian politics by Lord Minto: Introduction communalism was done via Morley-Minto Reforms. This occurred in 1909 that clearly means,  after Surat Split.

Option C:  The Muslim League was formed in 1907, during Surat Split. But this has no connection with the split among  Indian National Congress.

Option D: The extremists wanted either Tilak or Lajpat Rai to be president. But Rashbehari Ghose was announced as president. So this also can be eliminated.

Let’s see, what we learned:

• Surat split 1907- At Surat
• Indian National Congress- politics related
• Major reasons- Extremist and Moderates

In this manner, the aspirants can jot down the important point acquired from Practicing the UPSC Previous year question paper. When you answer one question, you come across a good deal of information related to that. This method will help you to enhance the analyzing skill which is essential for an IAS aspirant.

Along with practising the UPSC question, aspirants should revise them regularly. The short notes which one will be preparing during preparation should be revision-friendly.  The regular revision will store the information in your memory in a composed way. You can easily retain the same during the exam.