UPSC Mains 2024: Colour of pen, how to attempt answers – writing tips checklist you need to know

We spoke with some prominent UPSC coaches to understand how the aspirants can avoid these mistakes while attempting CSE Mains. Here is what you need to avoid:

Answer writing tips

Usually, aspirants write exceptional good answers in the first few questions but due to time management issues, they fail to do so in later parts. “Many sincere candidates tend to overemphasize in the first few questions. So try to avoid this mistake, as marks are awarded for every question one attempts. Therefore, attempting the entire paper is important,” said Jatin Verma from JV’s IAS Academy.

Another UPSC coach Mudit Gupta shares that many students focus too much on making diagrams or flowcharts in the answers which should not be the case. “There are certain answers where flowcharts and diagrams have to be made but candidates have to understand the need of the question and then act accordingly,” he said, adding that the importance of grammar and a balanced approach in answer writing cannot be overlooked.

He also advised that candidates should focus more on starting and conclusion of the answer. “If there is a question on India-China relations and a candidate writes that both the countries are friends or enemies and are not in conducive terms, then such a start will not leave an impression on the examiner,” said Gupta.

Taking example from the above situation, he suggested candidates to reframe it in a better way like India and China have a mutual trust deficient because of outstanding border issues at LAC since 1962. “Language, introduction, body, and conclusion, are extremely important,” said Gupta.

Write in a predefined space

Another important rule that students forget is to write answers within the predefined space. Candidates need to note that instead of a separate question paper and answer book, a consolidated question paper-and-answer book (QCAB), having space below each part or subpart of a question, will be provided to the candidates for writing the answers. They need to write the answers strictly within the predefined space.

It is in the middle space where candidates have to write. Answers beyond the page and space limit will not be evaluated. (Screenshot from upsc.gov.in)

Any attempt outside the predefined space shall not be evaluated. Marks may be deducted as a penalty for violating any of the instructions contained in the QCAB.

Compulsory optional questions

In optional papers, many candidates focus first on other questions and keep compulsory questions for later runs. In this process, they miss out on time, and quality, which the Commission expects from a candidate. Jatin advised the aspirants to focus and manage their time accordingly so that they don’t end up losing 20 marks.

Verma also added that students should read the questions very carefully as candidates sometimes write answers that are not regard the question and end up losing marks.

Read instructions carefully

Students must read the instructions written on the booklet carefully, especially the candidates who are appearing for the first time, said Verma.

“Although the Commission does not change or modify the instructions or format, UPSC is not bound to not change it. So, candidates should not think that instructions would be the same as the last years but they should read the instructions thoroughly,” said Pranay Aggarwal, a UPSC mentor from IAS Gurukul.

Aggarwal also added that CSE Main candidate must check the number of pages in the booklet before attempting questions. “In case, the pages are missing, candidates should ask the invigilator to give a fresh booklet,” he said.

Other important rules

• Aspirants may ensure that all the details such as name, photograph, and the QR code on their e-admit card, are correct. In case of any discrepancy(ies), they have to contact the Commission in this regard.
• CSE aspirants have to bring the e-admit card (hard copy) along with the (original) photo identity card, whose number should be mentioned in the e-admit card, in each session to secure admission to the examination hall.
• It is important for students to remember that entry into the examination venue shall be closed 30 minutes before the scheduled commencement of the examination. No candidate shall be allowed to enter the examination venue after the closure of the entry.
• A candidate, whose photograph on his/her e-admit card is not clear or the photograph is without his/her name and date of the photograph, will have to bring a photo identity card along with two passport-size photographs (with his/her name and date of photograph), one for each session for appearing in the Examination with an undertaking
• “If you appear at a center or sub-center or in an optional subject or Indian language (if applicable), other than the one indicated by the Commission in your e-admit card, your answer scripts will not be evaluated and your candidature will be liable to be cancelled.” read the website.
• If the aspirant has changed his or her name by following the legal process, they are advised to carry the government-issued identity card or original gazette notification of the changed name in each session of the UPSC CSE Mains examination. Along with that such students will be asked to submit an undertaking at the time of the examination.