Examination Strategy and the Role of Current Affairs in UPSC Prelims 2016

Imagine examining the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Prelims 2016 as an opportunity to challenge the notion of a predictable examination format. Itrsquo;s important to recognize that the commission has fluctuating standards and strategies, with a primary objective of remaining unpredictable. The 2016 Prelims saw a significant departure, introducing factual questions on diverse topics like butterfly, banana, electric car, and movie ‘The Man Who Knew Infinity’.

UPSC as an Unpredictable Institution

The UPSC operates under a unique challenge: to maintain the unpredictability of its examinations amidst a plethora of study material and test series. By slightly adjusting the nature of questions each year, the commission ensures that every examination retains its unforeseeable character. This unpredictability is crucial, as it maintains the integrity and fairness of the selection process.

Just because factual questions were asked in 2016 does not imply a lowering of standards. The Prelims is an eliminatory exam, while the Mains is for selection. Additionally, the weightage to current affairs has increased, pushing candidates to stay updated constantly. Therefore, the examrsquo;s standard cannot be simply attributed to a shift towards factual questions.

Current Affairs and Analytical Skills

While I fully support the UPSCrsquo;s initiative to incorporate more questions on current affairs, the 2016 Prelims left me questioning the nature of the administrators the commission is looking for. The examination featured very few analytical questions regarding current affairs, leading one to wonder how factual questions can effectively evaluate a candidate's capability.

The question about the discovery of the orange banana, for instance, highlights the concern. An IAS/IPS/IRS/IFS aspirant should demonstrate knowledge of the broader implications and applicability rather than just the discovery location. For the Andaman example, a more appropriate question would have been to assess the potential impact of the discovery on the region.

Focus on Functionality of Schemes

The questions on schemes, such as SWAYAM, GARIMA, and INDRADHANUSH, also fell short in my eyes. Instead of asking which schemes do what, the examination should focus on the functionality of these schemes. For instance, asking about the coverage and impact of Indradhanush instead of the disease it covers would have been more beneficial. Similarly, questions on SWAYAM and GARIMA should have focused on their core objectives and functions.

While certain questions may be memory-based, especially in subjects like Modern, Ancient, and Medieval history, it was unforeseen for such questions to dominate the current affairs section. Despite my correct answers, the questions in this section did not meet my expectations regarding the standard of evaluation.

Conclusion and Suggestions

Given the increased focus on current affairs, the UPSC should consider evaluating candidates based on their ability to analyze and apply knowledge rather than mere factual recall. This can be achieved by designing more comprehensive and application-oriented questions that test a candidate's understanding of the broader context.

In summary, while the UPSC has legitimate reasons to remain unpredictable and test a range of analytical and factual knowledge, the 2016 Prelims raises questions about the balance between these two elements. Future examinations should strive for a more balanced approach to ensure true evaluation of candidates.