UPSC MCQ for IAS Prelims Question Answer

You've spent countless hours poring over textbooks, making notes, and attending coaching classes. But when it comes to the UPSC Prelims, it all boils down to one thing: UPSC Exam MCQs.

‍

Yes, those seemingly simple multiple-choice questions can be the difference between making it to the next stage and bidding adieu to your IAS dreams. It's not just about knowing the facts; it's about knowing the right facts. They're the ultimate knowledge filter.

‍

In this blog, we will cover how the UPSC Exam MCQs is your key to your civil services career. You'll get tips and strategies to ace the Prelims!

Introduction to UPSC MCQs for IAS Prelims

MCQs in Prelims are your first impression. A good one can open doors; a bad one, well, you know. The exam tests your knowledge across a vast syllabus. It’s like a fast-paced quiz where every second counts.

Structure of Prelims UPSC Exam

The Prelims consists of two papers; General Studies I and CSAT (General Studies II). 

‍

Here's the detailed structure of the UPSC Prelims;

‍

Now, let’s dive into the heart of the matter.

General Studies (GS) Paper I - MCQ’s

General Studies I is the heartbeat of the Prelims. It covers essential UPSC exam MCQ topics that every aspiring IAS officer needs to know.

Focus on subject-specific MCQs. Master History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and other core subjects. But mastering these topics alone isn’t enough— SuperKalam makes your preparation smarter. Learn from the best resources, Ask doubts anytime, and Practice MCQs tailored to your needs. 

‍

Now take a look at some key subjects and the types of UPSC Exam MCQs you can expect:

History

• Coverage: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History, and World History
• Why It Matters: History helps you understand India’s past, how its political landscape evolved, and its global interactions. This knowledge is crucial for grasping current events and policy decisions.

The following questions illustrate the depth and variety of UPSC exam MCQ related to historical topics:

The following questions illustrate the depth and variety of UPSC exam MCQ related to historical topics:

Geography

• Coverage: Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World
• Why It Matters: Geography explains socio-economic differences and India’s strategic importance. It also connects with current events and environmental issues.

Let's test your knowledge of Indian Geography with some UPSC exam MCQs.

Indian Polity and Governance

• Coverage: Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, and Local Self Government
• Why It Matters: Knowing the Indian political system and its functions is essential. It helps you understand how government decisions affect daily life and governance.

The following questions demonstrate the scope and type of UPSC exam MCQ related to political topics:

Indian Economy

• Coverage: Agriculture, Industry, Services, Infrastructure, and Economic Development
• Why It Matters: The economy section covers India’s growth and development challenges. Understanding this helps you grasp economic policies and their impacts.

The following questions illustrate the types of UPSC exam MCQs related to economic topics:

Environment and Ecology

• Coverage: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Pollution Control, and Environmental Impact Assessment
• Why It Matters: This section equips you with knowledge on environmental protection and sustainability, which is crucial for future policies and development.

The following questions highlight the types of UPSC exam MCQs related to environmental and ecological topics:

Also watch: SuperKalam solves Prelims 2024 Answer Key | UPSC Prelims 

Science & Technology

• Coverage: Everyday Science, Technological Advancements, and Contributions to Development
• Why It Matters: Science and technology insights are vital for understanding advancements that affect governance, economy, and daily life.

The following questions showcase the types of UPSC exam MCQs related to scientific and technological topics:

Note: You can find all the previous years questions in the UPSC Website.

Now that we've covered the MCQs for General Studies Paper I, let's shift our focus to General Studies Paper II - CSAT. 

General Studies Paper II - CSAT

CSAT, or Civil Services Aptitude Test, is the first hurdle in the UPSC journey. It tests logical reasoning, analytical abilities, and basic numerical skills. 

Let's dive into some UPSC exam MCQ questions from 2024 to understand the pattern.

Q. Which of the following statements best reflects/reflect the most logical and rational inference/inferences that can be made from the passage?

‍

1. Central banks cannot bring down inflation without budgetary backing.
2. The effects of monetary policy depend on the fiscal policies pursued by the government.

‍

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

‍

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

‍

Correct answer: c, Both 1 and 2

Both statements show monetary policy relies on fiscal policies. Central banks need budgetary support to control inflation.

Q. Consider the following:

‍

Weight of 6 boys = Weight of 7 girls = Weight of 3 men = Weight of 4 women

‍

If the average weight of the women is 63 kg, then what is the average weight of the boys?

‍

1. 40 kg
2. 42 kg
3. 45 kg
4. 63 kg

Correct answer: b, 42 kg

• Total weight of 4 women = 4 × 63 kg = 252 kg.
• Given that weight of 6 boys = weight of 4 women.
• Therefore, weight of 6 boys = 252 kg.
• Average weight of boys = Total weight of boys / Number of boys = 252 kg / 6 = 42 kg

Q. If in a certain code, ‘ABCD’ is written as 24 and ‘EFGH’ is written as 1680, then how is ‘IJKL’ written in that code?

‍

1. 11880
2. 11240
3. 7920
4. 5940

‍

Correct answer: c, 7920

For 'ABCD':

• A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, D = 4
• Product = 1 × 2 × 3 × 4 = 24

For 'EFGH':

• E = 5, F = 6, G = 7, H = 8
• Product = 5 × 6 × 7 × 8 = 1680

For 'IJKL':

• I = 9, J = 10, K = 11, L = 12
• Product = 9 × 10 × 11 × 12 = 11880

Q. A person walks 100m Westward, then trunks left and walks 100m. He then takes 225° turn clockwise. In which direction is he  walking now?

‍

1. South-West
2. South-East
3. North-West
4. North-East

‍

Correct answer: b, South-East

1. Initial Direction: Westward
2. Turn Left: Now facing South
3. 225° Clockwise Turn:some text
   • Turning 225° clockwise from South:some text
     • 180° clockwise turn from South would point North.
     • Additional 45° clockwise turn would point North-East.

Therefore, after a 225° clockwise turn from South, the person is walking South-East.

Q. A father said to his son, “n years back I was as old as you are now. My present age is four times your age n years back”. If the sum of the present ages of the father and the son is 130 years, what is the difference of their ages?

‍

1. 30 years
2. 32 years
3. 34 years
4. 36 years

‍

Correct answer: a, 30 years

Let the father's age be F and the son's age be S. From the equations 

F - n = S ( F = 4(S - n) )and ( F + S = 130 )

We find that ( S = 50 ) and ( F = 80 )

Therefore, the age difference is ( F - S = 80 - 50 = 30 ) years.

Q. The calender for the year 2025 is same for

‍

1. 2029
2. 2030
3. 2031
4. 2033

Correct answer: c, 2031

A calendar repeats when the year has the same day distribution. For non-leap years, this happens every 6 or 11 years due to the leap year cycle. Since 2025 is not a leap year, it matches 2031 (2025 + 6 years).

Also watch: FREE: Master UPSC CSAT with UPSC Topper

Let’s now explore how frequent practice of UPSC exam MCQs can improve your performance.

Importance of Regular Practice with UPSC Exam MCQs

UPSC exam MCQs are your study allies. They're not just a test format; they're a powerful tool to solidify your understanding of the vast UPSC syllabus. Regular practice with these MCQs is like strength training for your brain.

It helps you in ace your exam many ways, let's explore each of them:

• MCQs help you learn: Practicing them repeatedly helps you remember important information. This is especially useful for the UPSC exam.

‍

• UPSC exam MCQs boost your confidence: The more you practice, the better you'll feel about taking the UPSC. Feeling confident is key on exam day.

‍

• MCQs identify knowledge gaps: Incorrect answers pinpoint areas requiring focused study. This targeted approach optimizes preparation time.

‍

• MCQs make you faster: Practicing lots of MCQs helps you answer questions quickly. This is important because you don't have much time for the UPSC exam.

‍

• UPSC exam MCQs expose you to diverse question types: Different types of MCQs help you think on your feet. It helps build adaptability and resilience for tackling unpredictable UPSC questions.

Available Resources for UPSC MCQ Preparation

So, you've got the hang of the UPSC exam MCQ. Now, let's talk about the resources you need to ace those questions. There are many resources available, but you need to know which ones to use and how. Let's break it down.

Master the Basics: Read and Note

A solid foundation is key. NCERT textbooks should be your go-to for UPSC. Read, understand, and note down key points. Focus on facts, figures, and concepts. Revision is your best friend. Regular note review cements knowledge.

‍

Also watch: What NCERTs (OLD & NEW) to study for UPSC IAS Exam - All you need to know 

Decode the Past: Previous Papers

UPSC exam MCQ patterns often repeat. Previous papers are a treasure trove for analyzing trends, question types, and difficulty levels. Identify weak areas and practice regularly to build speed and accuracy.

Also watch: SuperKalam solves Prelims 2024 Answer Key | UPSC Prelims 

Online Avenues: Digital Resources

The internet is your study buddy. Official UPSC websites, PIB, and news portals are your go-to sources. Explore online platforms for mock tests, discussion forums, and study materials. But remember, quality over quantity!

‍

Feeling lost in the digital jungle? SuperKalam is your guide. 

We simplify complex topics, offer doubt-clearing sessions, and provide personalized study plans. Let us be your partner in cracking the UPSC exam!

Learn from Experts: Solved Papers

Quality explanations are goldmines for the UPSC exam MCQ. Understand why an answer is correct and learn from your mistakes. Focus on conceptual clarity rather than just memorization.

Struggling to grasp concepts? 

UPSC Subject Experts at SuperKalam will break down complex topics into easy-to-understand lessons. Personalized guidance, unlimited doubts, and mock tests – we’ve got you covered!

Practice Makes Perfect: Mock Tests

Simulation is the best preparation for UPSC Prelims. Allocate at least 2-3 hours daily for mock tests. For example, you might spend 1 hour each on a mock test and its analysis, and another hour reviewing weak areas and revising concepts. Analyze your performance, identify weak areas, and manage your time effectively. 

Conclusion

Doing well with MCQs is key to succeeding in the UPSC Prelims. Regular practice with upsc exam MCQshelps you grasp important concepts, build your confidence, and manage your time better. This approach ensures you’re fully prepared for the exam.

Final Tips: Stay on track, manage your time wisely, and believe in yourself. Don’t let failures get you down – learn from them. Most importantly, enjoy the learning process.

Ready to supercharge your prep for the UPSC exam MCQ? SuperKalam is here to help! Our experts, personalized plans, and top-notch study materials will transform you into an MCQ pro. As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."

Make your investment now. Your future self will thank you.

‍