Is it compulsory to attempt every question in UPSC MAINS Examination?
If a person is in the UPSC Mains civil services examination, knowledge, analytical ability, clarity of thought, and time management skills are examined in this phase of the test. Every paper in General Studies consists of 20 questions that are answered in 3 hours. The optional papers have 8 questions each. Among the aspirants, one half of the question will always be:
Is it compulsory to attempt every question in UPSC MAINS?
“Do we have to answer every question in UPSC Mains?”
To put it very straightforwardly, you are not bound to answer all questions. However, it is always wise to attempt as many questions as possible, preferably all of them, provided you answer them with minimal quality and relevance. However, the strategy behind it should be smart, and Plutus IAS, which is among the well-established coaching institutes for UPSC, emphasises balance very much in answer writing rather than blindly attempting all questions.
The Main Evaluation Process
Marks are awarded by the UPSC examiner based on:
– Relevance to the question asked
– Structure and clarity
– Quality of content
– Examples, data, and analysis
– Time-bound articulation
Do note that there is no negative marking in Mains, unlike that in Prelims. Therefore, this should not be taken to mean one should attempt every question in the Mains with irrelevant matter or vague content. The bottom line is that quality outweighs quantity, but the best formula, of course, is a mixture of both.
Why Attempting More Questions is Beneficial
1. Attaining the Highest Score Possible
Each set of GS papers carries 250 marks. Not attempting 3–4 questions puts at stake 30–50 marks in potential. Even with 3–4 marks per answer, maybe those extra 12–16 marks can tip the scales in determining your final rank.
2. Gaining Competitive Advantage
UPSC is fiercely competitive. A single mark can change your career, your service, or even decide on your selection. The Plutus IAS mentors always advise their students to practice time-bound answer writing to ensure that attempting all questions is feasible and strategic.
When Should Not Answering a Question Be the Wise Option?
There are several instances when it is better to leave a question unattempted:
- You do not know anything about the topic.
- You cannot even come up with a rough skeleton.
- You may end up writing something irresistibly irrelevant.
Filling space with nonsense could irritate the evaluator, thereby compromising the overall impression of your entire copy. It is better to have 19 good answers than 20 with one absurd or blank filler.
Plutus IAS Recommendations
Plutus IAS recommends Mains Answer Writing Test Series, Daily Answer Writing, and Mentorship sessions. Based on its years of experience, here are some further recommendations:
- Start your answer writing a little early, at least 6 to 8 months before the Mains examination.
- Get comfortable with writing 20 decent answers in 3 hours.
- Using a flexible format of Introduction-Body-Conclusion is a must, even if you are unfamiliar with the topic.
Answer even when you only know a portion of it, using your utmost logical reasoning, common sense, and examples from current affairs.
Practice writing answers once a week, under test conditions.
Plutus IAS test series simulates the standards of UPSC and provides personalised feedback to help students improve in terms of quality and speed so that they can answer all 20 questions properly.
Conclusion
It is not inactive for the UPSC Mains examinee to attempt each question. It is, however, strongly suggested while keeping in view the answers must maintain a minimum amount of relevance and structure. The institute does not expect perfect answers from candidates; instead, they seek balanced attempts, clarity, and intent.
Going through all questions will evidence confidence, preparation, and consistency of the aspirant that shall cast useful impression on the Examination
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