UPSC prelims 2018: Initial analysis of the paper

UPSC paper analysis: A number of students who appeared in the UPSC prelims exam from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh found the first paper (general studies) a bit tough.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Sunday conducted the civil services preliminary examination across the country. A large number of candidates appeared for the examination to fill approximately 782 vacancies.

UPSC paper analysis: A student going through the general studies question paper after appearing in UPSC civil services preliminary examination first paper at school of excellence in Bhopal on Sunday. (Mujeeb Faruqui/HT Photo)

A number of students who appeared in the UPSC prelims exam from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh found the first paper (general studies) a bit tough.

Abhishek Tiwari from Chhatarpur in Bundelkhand region said, “Usually the first paper is not so tough in UPSC’s prelims examination but this year proved to be an exception.”

Ashita Saini from Bhopal said, “There was much focus on history related questions in the first paper which was quite unusual. There was a change in the pattern too.”

Premnath Sherke said, “The questions were ok but asked in a roundabout manner particularly in the section related to environmental science in the first paper.”

Bhopal student Shivani Sharma who claims to have cleared UPSC civil services (mains) examination last year said, “The CSAT paper was different this year. English section was Ok but maths was a bit difficult. Aptitude test was easier to tackle last year.”

Tarul Singh also from Bhopal said, “My first paper was good but had difficulty in comprehending the second paper questions particularly relating to mathematics.”

The civil services examination is conducted by the UPSC annually in three stages - preliminary, main and interview - to select officers for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others.