Analysis of UPSC CSE 2020 Mains GS 1 2 Papers: Insights and Interpretations
Introduction
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the General Studies (GS) 1 and GS 2 examinations in the CSE 2020. This article provides a detailed analysis of these papers, offering insights and interpretations based on the experienced perspective of B.A. Nagesh, a retired civil servant and IAS network expert.
GS Paper 1 Analysis
The General Studies Paper 1 of the UPSC CSE 2020 was not particularly challenging, falling within an easy to medium difficulty range. The examination included questions from sociology, culture, geography, and history.
Sociology and Culture (40%)
Globalization Caste System Regionalism and Cultural Assertiveness Rock Cut ArchitectureGeography (35%)
More textually based questions Similar to historical contentHistory (15%)
Less weightage compared to other subjects Prominent themes included Amartya Sen's concept of Heterodoxy and the influence of Sanskritization on Indian cultureCurrent Affairs (10%)
Significant content required from the current affairs sector Topics covered Sanskritization, Yogendra Singh's concepts, and the 'sons of soil' theoryGS Paper 2 Analysis
General Studies Paper 2 was moderately challenging, with a strong emphasis on polity and governance, international relations, and comparative political systems.
Polity and Governance (50%)
While some static themes like Rajya Sabha PIL, civil services, and judiciary were covered, the questions were mostly lengthy and difficult. The question on the 123rd Constitutional Amendment was considered difficult due to lesser content in standard textbooks. The question on the Right to Information (RTI) Act was straightforward since it was current affairs-based. Reforms in civil services, such as Mission Karmayogi, were easier for aspirants who read the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) reports. Analysis of the Rajya Sabha and constitutional bodies was simplified by recent policies and developments.International Relations (20%)
Questions were manageable with a focus on the Quad alliance, US-India-Russia relations, and the Indian diaspora. The question on the Indian diaspora in countries like the USA, Canada, and the UK was straightforward and based on recent events.Civics and Governance (30%)
Questions on poverty, microfinance, and health care were easier and more relatable to current affairs. The question on judicial activism and PILs required analytical thinking and a modern perspective.Conclusion and Final Thoughts
B.A. Nagesh, a retired civil servant and IAS network expert, emphasizes the need for a solid grounding in contemporary political developments, current affairs, and a well-formed opinion on various topics. He also notes the importance of comprehending the interconnectedness of themes across GS papers, such as poverty, microfinance, health care, civil services, and democracy.
The UPSC CSE 2020 Mains General Studies P1 and P2 papers have been dissected and interpreted with the aim of providing aspirants with valuable insights and strategies for future preparation.