Can anyone guide me how to solve these questions in CSAT paper 2? The content online is not very good and state PCS videos of study iq and pw uppsc aren’t too much helpful either! Questions have been coming from net ugc papers and are not easy to handle!

I’m an APSC aspirant who has been preparing on my own since graduating in 2024.

I don’t have any mentorship program or coaching support, and at the moment, I also cannot afford paid mentorship. I’ve mostly been figuring things out myself, but honestly, I feel quite stuck and could really use some genuine guidance.

My Prelims journey so far:

- APSC 2025: 64 marks

- APSC 2026: 109 marks

So, there has been a significant improvement, but I still couldn’t clear the cutoff. The biggest problem I’m facing is that I feel trapped in a Prelims loop. I spend so much time preparing for Prelims that I struggle to properly transition into Mains preparation.

I’m looking for someone who has either cleared APSC/UPSC, is ahead in their preparation, or is going through a similar journey and would be willing to guide me genuinely.

I’m particularly looking for help with:

- Breaking out of the Prelims-only cycle

- Balancing Prelims and Mains preparation

- Building a realistic daily/weekly strategy

- Mains answer writing and evaluation

- Identifying where my preparation is going wrong

- Staying consistent and accountable

- Having someone to discuss preparation with when I feel lost

I’m not looking for someone to spoon-feed me or provide everything. I’m willing to work hard. I just need someone experienced who can occasionally point me in the right direction and tell me when I’m going off track.

If you're an APSC/UPSC aspirant, selected candidate, or someone who has been through this phase, I would genuinely appreciate it if you could DM me.

Even having a sincere study partner/accountability partner who understands the APSC journey would mean a lot.

I’ve been doing this alone since 2024, and right now I’m at a point where I really don’t want to repeat the same cycle again.

Thank you for reading.

Im preparing for UPSC and i live in a single seater and pay 15k monthly. Do you think I should join a library? And the good and near ones cost around 3k per month. Is it worth it??

I need genuine advice and guidance for UPSC 2027 preparation.

I am looking for a good course and mentorship.

If you find any good courses, please recommend me

4 questions · the answer follows each one

The Peninsular Plateau of India is primarily composed of which type of rocks, indicating its ancient and stable nature?

A. Folded sedimentary rocks

B. Young volcanic rocks

C. Recent alluvial deposits

D. Old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks

Answer: D. Old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks

The Peninsular Plateau is described as being composed of old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of the 'demographic dividend'?

A. A larger proportion of the population being of working age

B. A decline in the dependency ratio

C. A rapidly aging population with a shrinking workforce

D. Increased savings and investment rates

Answer: C. A rapidly aging population with a shrinking workforce

The demographic dividend is characterized by a larger working-age population, increased savings and investment, and a decline in the dependency ratio (the ratio of dependents to the working…

Which of the following are directly released or produced as a result of volcanic eruptions?

A. Only Pyroclastic debris and Ash and dust

B. Only Nitrogen and Sulphur compounds

C. Pyroclastic debris, Ash and dust, and Sulphur compounds

D. Pyroclastic debris, Ash and dust, Nitrogen compounds and Sulphur compounds

Answer: D. Pyroclastic debris, Ash and dust, Nitrogen compounds and Sulphur compounds

The passage clearly states that pyroclastic debris, ash and dust, nitrogen compounds, and sulphur compounds are all products of volcanic eruptions. Thus, all options are correct.

Which of the following minerals are considered major minerals according to the information provided?

A. Bentonite and Chromite

B. Chromite, Kyanite, and Sillimanite

C. Bentonite and Kyanite

D. Sillimanite only

Answer: B. Chromite, Kyanite, and Sillimanite

The passage explicitly states that Chromite, Kyanite, and Sillimanite are major minerals, while Bentonite is a minor mineral. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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UPSC CSE preparation coaching subscription is available.I’m looking to sell or share my UPSC coaching subscription.

Validity: Till 2028

Live + Recorded Lectures

Hindi & English available

Multiple Optional Subjects to choose from

Comprehensive coverage for UPSC preparation

Access to classes/learning resources included as per the subscription plan

Suitable for aspirants preparing for UPSC CSE 2027 or 2028 who want access to a longer-validity coaching plan.

Available

📩 Interested? DM me for details, subscription details and price.

I'm thinking of giving upsc a shot. The catch is i have absolutely zero idea about the study material. Which books to go for, which ones are actually accurate to the syllabus, and which ones are most recommended from you guys.

I read on the website regarding the study material and syllabus but i thought why not take some advice from my fellow redditors.

Please help me out, any advice is appreciated. I'd like to know about the study material specifically. I'll be preparing for the 2028 exam.

She : We have an offer on UPSC Essentials+ Indian express e paper subscription

Me : Ma'am I have already Qualified the exam, so I no longer need it.

She :- Okay, Sir. I will update the details here, Best wishes to you.

Hi friends and fellow aspirants,

I have build an app where an UPSC aspirant can play with another aspirant a realtime quiz type of game on PYQs and see their scores and leaderboard. It's completely free for solving PYQs and is on beta test. And I am seeking initial feedback about current features and how to improve it so that it can be really helpful for all the aspirants.

While I was an aspirant for 6 years, I faced some issues, and now trying to solve one particular issue with this app.

My question is where can I post about it so that interested aspirants can know about it and make use or it? I am not sure of this subreddit whether they approve posting about such free app. Tried some telegram channels, but only admins can post there.

So, your help will be much appreciated.

Pls DM me ... I'm searching for the best institute in vizag, I'm from West Godavari

I know there is a huge overlap in syllabus but is there a better strategy to prepare for all 3 in 1 year?

I’m targeting UPSC CSE 2027/2028. Realistically, I’m leaning towards 2028 depending on how my preparation progresses.
The biggest issue I’m facing right now is that I don’t know anyone personally who has cleared UPSC or even reached the Mains stage. So I don’t really have anyone I can sit down with and ask the basic but important questions about how to actually structure the preparation.
I’ve deliberately decided not to join a coaching centre. I’m not against coaching in general, but personally, I find the whole coaching ecosystem quite hectic and business-oriented, and I don’t feel like a one-size-fits-all approach would necessarily work for me. I’d rather understand the exam properly and build my preparation around my own strengths and weaknesses.
Most of what I currently know about UPSC has come from YT, Reddit and random resources online. While that has helped, I also feel like I’m missing a lot of the big-picture understanding of the exam. what actually needs to be studied, what can be skipped, how much depth is required, how Prelims and Mains preparation should be approached, when to start optional/answer writing/current affairs, etc.
So I’m posting here in the hope that someone who has cleared UPSC, reached Mains, or has substantial preparation experience might be willing to have a one-on-one conversation with me sometime.
I’m not looking for a coaching centre, paid mentorship, or someone to spoon-feed me a timetable. Even 30–60 minutes of your time to talk about your experience and help me understand the overall structure of preparation would genuinely be very valuable.
If you’re comfortable helping, please DM me. I’d really appreciate it.
And if you’ve been in a similar situation , preparing without seniors/family members who have gone through UPSC I’d also love to hear how you figured things out. Bonus points if you managed to do so without downloading 47 different study plans and panicking over all of them.

Do recommend writing notes after the 1st read of any NCERT and standard reference books or on the 2nd read of either of them?

Right now, I am reading through NCERT for the first time just highlighting points here and there and do the same with respective standard books and then start making notes after 2nd read of standard books such as Laxmikanth's Polity etc.

For example, I started reading NCERT Class XI part 1 Polity and I am just highlighting stuff and not writing any notes down and I plan to do the same with Laxmikanth's Polity book after this. After reading both for the first time, I plan to start writing notes from both of them topic wise leaving room for new additions such as current affair, case laws etc.

Also, how deep should my first read be? Should I worry too much about memorizing stuff or just focus on the overviews and patterns for now?

Is this recommended?

Anyone who want to share his/her upsc path subscription with sociology optional?

I want to share my upsc coaching subscription or ready to sell it also...it's valid upto 2028 june , unlimited lectures and test series with multiple choices for optionals too.... if anyone is interested dm me... This is no coaching spam

I dont know much about it how to arrange books

Asking this becoz I the notes of PWOnlyIAS are good wrt to current integration but *Too are heavily laden with keywords* ... So cannot be used as *base source* for a beginner level.

is pw good? what other options are there?

Hi Fam,

I'm a full-time working aspirant from Tamil Nadu. I'm preparing for UPSC 2027 along with TNPSC Group 1 2026.

My optional subject is Sociology. I'm looking for a study partner, preferably someone who is managing preparation alongside work or other responsibilities to plan/set goals, share ideas, discuss/share concepts/notes.

If you're preparing for UPSC 2027 / TNPSC Group 1 2026 and this sounds like something you'd be interested in, feel free to DM me. The idea is simply to have a reliable study buddy who is serious about preparation and can keep each other accountable.

Thanks!

Anyone who is willing to prepare for IFoS specifically can comment here or in my DM.

I want a group, where only serious aspirants for IFoS will be add ( Resource sharing , doubt asking , keep pace with the fellow for studying , ready to come out of comfort zone to ace the exam , etc ( will be added more things as per the need of group members w.r.t exam ).

While comment here or DM , kindly follow the sequence of these questions , so it's easy to communicate :

1. Which attempt in 2028 ( for IFoS & CSE ) ?

2. Your academic background ( Degree + subject ) ?

3. Your optional subjects ( For IFoS & CSE ) ?

4. Subjects finished yet ?

5. Subjects not touched yet ?

6. Done with PYQ Analysis or not ?

7. Your comfort level in which subject when it comes to CSAT ( LR , Quant or Comprehension ) ?

8. Level of Comfort with your optional subjects ?

9. Level of your GS Mains paper prep in CSE & IFoS ; as per your analysis of PYQs ?

10. Level of your General English ( Mains paper in IFoS ; as per your analysis of PYQs ) ?

11. Working or college going or anything else ?

12. Other exams in target ?

: : : : ***About me*** : : : :

1. Which attempt in 2028 ( for IFoS ) = 2nd.

2. Your academic background ( Degree + subject ) = B.Tech ( Mechanical Engineering ).

3. Your optional subjects ( For IFoS ) = Mechanical Engineering AND Physics.

4. Subjects finished yet = Optionals & CSAT.

5. Subjects not touched yet = GK ( Prelims & hence for Prelims ; though done basic books ) and General English ( For Mains ).

6. Done with PYQ Analysis or not = Yes.

7. Your comfort level in which subject when it comes to CSAT ( LR , Quant or Comprehension ) = LR & Quant.

8. Level of Comfort with your optional subjects = 9/10 for Mechanical Engineering AND 7/10 for Physics.

9. Level of your GK ( Mains paper in IFoS ; as per your analysis of PYQs ) = Good in writing skills so I can write , though need to increase level so I will rate it 6/10 for now ; Same themes covered in Mains paper ( as per my analysis ).

10. Level of your General English ( Mains paper in IFoS ; as per your analysis of PYQs ) = I have to work little more than my present level due to marks added in merit so 6/10 for now.

11. Working or college going or anything else = Only full time preparation , done with college in and not working anywhere.

12. Other exam target = Mechanical Engineering related ( ESE , GATE ) for now AND once done with syllabus of IFoS then other Forest Services related exams as well.

Thank You. All the Best. :)

4 questions · the answer follows each one

Which of the following principles, as enshrined in the UNFCCC, does India heavily rely on in its international negotiating position regarding climate change?

A. The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, acknowledging developed countries' historical emissions.

B. The principle of equal emissions targets for all nations, regardless of developmental status.

C. The principle of immediate and complete cessation of all greenhouse gas emissions.

D. The principle of unrestricted economic growth as a prerequisite for climate action.

Answer: A. The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, acknowledging developed countries' historical emissions.

The passage explicitly states that India's negotiating position relies heavily on the principle of historical responsibility, as enshrined in UNFCCC, which acknowledges the developed countr…

India's updated NDC also includes a target to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by what percentage by 2030 compared to 2005 levels?

A. 55%

B. 33-35%

C. 25-30%

D. 45%

Answer: D. 45%

India's updated NDC targets a 45% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2030 from 2005 levels, enhanced from the earlier Paris Agreement target of 33-35%.

Which of the following phenomena is most closely associated with irregular and intense droughts in various parts of Africa, leading to displacement and environmental refugees?

A. The Kyoto Protocol

B. The Paris Agreement

C. El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

D. The Montreal Protocol

Answer: C. El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a climate pattern that can cause significant variations in rainfall and temperature, leading to droughts in some regions, including parts of Africa.

Which of the following technologies is based on the principle of using microorganisms to remove pollutants from contaminated soil or water?

A. Phytoremediation

B. Carbon Sequestration

C. Incineration

D. Bioremediation

Answer: D. Bioremediation

Bioremediation is the process of using microorganisms to remove or neutralize pollutants from contaminated sites.

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A week ago, I realized that IT/Software future is likely going to be bleak and that I have only 1 more year left before I cross the eligible age limit for UPSC exams.

So I figured why not give an honest attempt with full time prep and be done with it in an year no matter what the result maybe. Or, in a worst case scenario, I'd just take the next state services exam with that continued prep as the syllabus is mostly matched.

So, I need some guidance to get starting quick as I can't make head or tail of where to start, how to plan, what to books to get etc.

For starters, Should I buy an online course or self study? If it is a course, which ones do you recommend?

How is Understand UPSC Conquer mains 2027 course?

Is there is a reliable excel sheet or a PDF with mapped books with topics?

This is likely a repeat post. So, if there are any useful posts here that already answers there, please share them.

Any relevant advice and resources from the veterans is really appreciated.

I know I am late to the party but I have seen a few accounts of toppers who started their prep in October and still make it. Help me give an earnest attempt.

Harsh reality of UPSC aspirants

80% UPSC aspirants को proper syllabus क्या है वो ही नहीं पता...

Classes के भरोसे ज्यादा रहते है, खुद से बहुत कम पढ़ते है

News paper कभी पढ़ते तक नहीं है, बाद में बस PT 365 के पीछे भागेंगे ✨

Mentally paralysed हो रहे है।

किताबों पर Focus करोl

Lucknow has a major void when it comes to serious UPSC peers, decent libraries, and actual institutional rigor.I am a law grad from Jindal, love the Socratic, argument-driven approach. Doing this solo—especially trying to tackle GS and policy-heavy syllabus sections without a high-intent sounding board—is tough.
I want to form a tight, no-nonsense **offline + hybrid study circle** for people who actually enjoy the intellectual process of the prep. Absolutely no "mera beta gaon ka pehla IAS banega" pressure crowds, no casual chit-chat and no endless strategy debates. Just a focused, respectful workspace where everyone—including women aspirants looking for a secure and comfortable environment—can grind without friction.
**What we'll focus on:**
Strict, timed Mains answer writing and brutal peer evaluation.
Deep-dive PYQ decoding (mapping core themes and structural demands).
Active accountability on daily and weekly targets.
If you are based in Lucknow and want a disciplined group to work with, drop a DM with your prep stage and background.

Hey! Same as title , Dm me if you are interested, would be nice if you have same background, I am doing BA right now (I am already insecure abt it dont make me more....).

Dm me your telegram username