How to prepare for the UPPSC PCS Prelims 2020 Exam?

The Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services, also known PSC [Pre] 2020 has now been scheduled on October 11th 2020 as per the latest notification of Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission [UPPSC]. 

 

UPPSC PCS 2020 exam will be held along with the Assistant Conservator of Forest and Range Forest Officer Services Examination. There are three stages for candidates to clear, namely, Preliminary Exam [Objective], Mains [Descriptive], and Personality Test [Interview]. These few extra weeks before the exam must be utilized to maximum to sail through the three stages smoothly. 

 

In this article, we shall focus on what is the most favored UPPSC Prelims preparation strategy as well as how you can make the most of online UP PCS preparation.

UPPSC PCS Prelims 2020 Preparation Strategy: UPPSC Syllabus & Exam Pattern

At the Prelims stage, applicants shall attempt two papers with each paper carrying 200 marks and running for 2 hours. Where Paper I comprise of 150 questions and Paper-II has 100 questions. The following table will help you in your online UP PCS 2020 exam preparation.

 

Paper I General Studies Paper-II General Studies II [Qualifying]
1. Indian History [incl. Indian National Movement]

2. India & World Geography;

3. Significant National & International Events;

4. Indian Polity & Governance [Constitution, Political System, Public Policy, etc.];

5. Economic & Social Development, Poverty, Sustainable Development, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives;

6. General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Climate Change & Biodiversity

7. General Science

 1. Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability

2. Decision Making & Problem Solving

3. General Mental Ability

4. Interpersonal Skills [Communication Skills]

5. Comprehension

6. Elementary Mathematics at Class X level [Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics]

7. General English Class X level [Comprehension, Direct & Indirect Speech, Active & Passive Voice, Vocabulary, Punctuation & Spellings, Parts of Speech, Transformation of Sentences, Idioms & Phrases]

8. General Hindi [Class X level]

 

UPPSC PCS Prelims 2020 Preparation Strategy 2020: General Studies I

The following points present a full-fledged online UPPCS preparation guideline which you can follow to cover the UPPSC Syllabus efficiently and effectively.

Indian History & Indian National Movement
  • Class XI & XII NCERT Textbooks are considered the best books for UP PCS Prelims – History.
  • Understand the social and economic causes of movements such as the Khilafat Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement along with the reasons for its success/failure.
  • Know the reactions of major leaders of a particular movement.
  • Important Commissions, Meetings, Pacts, and Conferences.
  • Make chronological notes, read extensively on any topic, and try to see the pattern involved.
Indian & World Geography
  • NCERT Textbooks [Class IX to XII] along with GC Leong’s Certificate Physical and Human Geography as a reference book
  • The atmosphere, resources, wildlife, transport & communication, recurrent and seasonal wind and ocean currents, common and major natural disasters, etc.
  • Try to connect the topics to current events you may know. In other words, the more familiar you are, the more vividly you will remember.
  • Make heavy use of mnemonics to remember mountain ranges, nation & capital, etc.
Significant National & International Events
  • Newspapers [Both English & Hindi] and some of the best current affairs magazine for UP PCS Modules can be said to be a highly effective UP PCS preparation material combination.
  • Keep making notes so that you refer to it later.
Indian Polity & Governance [Constitution, Political System, Public Policy, etc.]
  • NCERT Textbooks [Class VIII to Class XII] along with Laxmikant’s Indian Polity
  • Emphasize on the history & philosophy of the Constitution, landmark amendments and judgments, Fundamental Rights & Duties, Federal System, Emergency Provisions, Citizenship, Panchayat Raj, etc.
  • Economic and Political Weekly [EPW] is said to be the best current affairs magazine for UP PCS – Indian Polity.
Economic & Social Development, Poverty, Sustainable Development, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives
  • NCERT Economics Textbooks [Class IX to Class XII]. ‘Indian Economy’ by Ramesh Singh and ‘Indian Economy’ by Datt and Sundaram are also considered high-quality UP PCS preparation material.
  • Go through highlights of major government documents like the Indian Economic Survey.
General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Climate Change & Biodiversity
  • Shankar IAS Academy’s ‘Environment’ is one of the best books for UP PCS Prelims Environment related questions.
  • Be abreast of the dynamic portion such as recent environmental issues, mitigation measures against climate change as well as relevant national & international bodies, major conventions, etc.
  • Newspaper editorials of The Hindu and The Indian Express as well as topics in best current affairs magazine for UP PCS come in handy.
General Science
  • Basic understanding of laws of physics, biological and human phenomena and chemistry-related concepts.
  • Keep an eye on the prominent developments in the scientific world via the best current affairs magazine for UP PCS like The Science Reporter, etc.

 

UPPSC Prelims Preparation Strategy 2020: General Studies II

Unlike paper I, there isn’t a specific outline of the topics to be asked in Paper II. However, as per the information mentioned in the UPPSC Syllabus, we shall delineate some of the best tips for your Paper-II online UPPCS preparation.

 

  • For Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability, Decision Making & Problem Solving, General Mental Ability: In this section, the ability to logically analyse a given question and react with reasoning is thoroughly tested. Besides practicing on previous year’s questions papers, try to be already familiar with diverse kinds of questions through topic-wise tests. Further, you may also be asked with preliminary decision-making theory as well.
  • The best books for UP PCS Prelims always mention working on a question through a strategy or system. Analyze the elements of the question, connect them, make use of the elimination technique. Also, try to not look at choices before you have read the given entire question and instructions.

 

  • For Interpersonal Skills [Communication Skills]: A relatively novel section, it tests the candidate’s hold over general communication theory, types of communication, the process of communication, common communication techniques, and other major terminologies. Refer to trusted communication UP PCS preparation material.

 

  • Elementary Mathematics at Class X level [Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics]: The NCERT Mathematics textbooks Class IX & X are considered to be the best UP PCS preparation material. Internalize the basic arithmetic concepts and learn the logic behind the formulae.

 

  • General English [Class X level]: Develop a strong base of English grammar through the best books for UP PCS Prelims English like Wren & Martin. Read editorials and gradually boost your vocabulary and idioms familiarity. 

 

  • General Hindi [Class X level]: The sub-topics for Hindi UPPSC Syllabus are similar to that in English including Hindi alphabets, tenses, sentences, one-word substitution, synonyms, antonyms, etc. Practice mock tests regularly for a solid understanding.