Are old question papers useful?

Referring old questions are important key to solving future papers. The upsc question papers should be analysed to understand the following areas-

• Style of questions
• Areas/coverage
• Depth of subject

The above three areas will help analyse each question paper. In the recent years the questions aren’t asked directly. The application of things learned is expected from candidate. The coverage of syllabus is another thing to keep in mind. In earlier years there was an expected line of asking questions. Certain areas were always asked, while certain areas weren’t. In previous years GS papers the tennis cup winners were one of the most frequently asked question. Now the upsc wants to remove the predictability from the exam. So you can always expect new patterns and style. The aspirant should also note the depth of knowledge being expected. This is especially true with regard to the optional. If you note last years psychology paper , you will easily understand that.

There are few points aspirants have to keep in mind:

• 1.       Dont panic seeing questions. Always expect some twist and turns. The twist and turns you see is experienced by all the students who take exam. Be relaxed and handle the questions well.
• 2.       There is no ideal answer. Many students waste time searching for a complete answer for previous years question papers. The questions usually focus on some areas and not on any particular matter specifically.
• 3.       Form an opinion. There are many areas where your opinion matters. Eg: Nuclear power or energy production etc. Here you should have an opinion about the matter being asked. And what stand you will take when asked. 

I feel that aspirants should review questions of last few years. Looking papers which are very old doesn’t serve much purpose. The new trends and ways should be grasped.