Q1. Give a brief account of instances of India sending aid to natural disaster-hit countries. (Answer in 150 words) (GS 2)
Q2. “The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan stands as the vision for the new India” . Discuss elaborately (Answer in 250 words) (GS 1)
Q3. Discuss the significance and scope of the handloom industries in Assam. Write about the recent initiatives taken by the government of Assam to promote the handloom sector in the state. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
Q4. What are heatwaves? Elaborate the criteria for declaring them. How can individuals contribute to Heat Action Plans? (Answer in 150 words) (GS 3)
Q5. Give a brief account of Uttar Purva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI), 2024 (Answer in 150 words) (GS 2)
Q1. Give a brief account of the Competition Amendment Bill, 2023 (Answer in 150 words) (GS 2)
Q2. Explain the significance of Indian classical dance and music in preserving national unity and cultural heritage. (Answer in 250 words) (GS 1)
Q3. Explain the relationship between poverty, and unemployment. Suggests measures to address these challenges.(Answer in 250 words) (GS 3)
Q4. Landslides are the most widespread and damaging hazard in the regions of North East, causing significant loss of lives and property every year. Analyze the main factors responsible for the increasing occurrence of landslides. (Answer in 250 words) (GS 5)
Q5. Discuss the role of social media in ensuring ethical and moral values in governance. (Answer in 150 words) (GS 4)
Q1. Define Whip? Explain the different types of whips. Discuss the role of a whip? (Answer in 250 words) (GS 2)
Q2. Discuss the socio-political, economic and cultural factors contributing to the emergence of the reform movement in modern India. (Answer in 250 words) (GS 1)
Q3. Write about the implications of deep-sea mining on the environment. What is the current status of deep-sea mining regulations? (Answer in 250 words) (GS 3)
Q4. You are heading the rescue operations in an area affected by flood and landslides. Thousands of people are rendered homeless and deprived of food, drinking water and other basic amenities. Rescue work has been disrupted by heavy rainfall and damage to supply routes. In such trying circumstances, what will be your response? Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage the situation. (Answer in 250 words) (GS 4)
Q5. Give a brief detail about the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Assam. (Answer in 250 words) (GS 5)
Q1. Discuss the Non-Cooperation Movement from its beginning till its withdrawal 1922. Write about its importance as a mass movement in India. (GS 1) (Answer in 250 words)
Q2. Discuss the recent initiatives taken to solve inter-state border issues with Nagaland. (GS 5) (Answer in 150 words)
Q3. What are the reasons behind insurgent groups in North-eastern states of India? What are the recent initiatives taken by the government of India to address the issue of insurgency in the North-East. (GS 5) (Answer in 150 words)
Q4. Give a brief account on the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) Scheme. (GS 5) (Answer in 150 words)
Q5. What do you know about the hurricane Hilary. How does it form and briefly discuss how climate change is fueling the occurrence of hurricanes.(GS 1) (Answer in 250 words)
Q1. Discuss the significance of mural paintings as a medium for cultural preservation and storytelling, and their role in fostering a sense of identity and heritage? (GS I) (Answer in 250 words)
Q2. Mention the benefits and importance of Geographical Indications (GI) Tag? Write about the items from Assam which received GI Tag. (GS I) (Answer in 150 words)
Q3. Discuss the issues and challenges associated with the border management system? Suggest some measures for effective border management in India. (GS II) (Answer in 250 words)
Q4. Discuss the Administrative reforms and Political Developments under the reign of Pratap Singha. (GS V) (Answer in 150 words)
Q5. Explain the causes and effects of Groundwater depletion. What are the steps taken to control groundwater depletion? (GS I) (Answer in 150 words)
Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer, which will improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
APSC Mains exam questions are of descriptive nature and these should be attempted by keeping in mind the various requirements of the questions, including instructed word limit, approach to the question, demand of the question.
You have to ‘analyze and evaluate’ the question and then write the answer accordingly in prescribed manner. Only by practicing Answer writing with discipline can prepare you for the exam and improve your writing skills for better answer writing in the Mains Exam.
What to do after getting the Question paper?
Read the instructions on the question paper, for any changes from that of previous year’s instructions.
Take 5 minutes to fast-scan the whole question paper, mark the questions by pencil which you are comfortable answering.
Start with big questions – Read the question carefully. Find the directive word and the main topic/issue.
Think for a minute and make a mental outline of your answer and then start with the answer writing.
Tips/Strategy to write better Answers (to fetch good marks in APSC Mains exam)
Understanding the question – Understand what the question ask, so that you can write only relevant points and opinion to the same. ( Never beat around the bush, if you know the exact answer ).
Organise Answers well– Answers should be organised well according to the question. If Question is in many parts, try to break answers also in parts or at-least put it in the logical order of the question.
Use important points and keywords – This will establish your strength the subject/topic.
Maintain the word limit – This is very important. Always try to stick to the word limits directed by the question paper. If word limit not mentioned, generally try to put answers in (Marks x 10) words, i.e. for 10 Marks = 100 words.
Dividing the Answers – For large essay type questions, try to impart sections like introduction, body, conclusion.
Point-wise– Try to keep answers in point-wise like bullet-listing ( if possible) and facts that support their viewpoint or main argument in the answer.
Logical Flow – Try to maintain a logical flow of the paragraphs you are writing, so that the order of the paragraphs gives a good coherence.
Simple & Precise– Use simple words, write precise and effective answer. Don’s use too many jargon or flowery/ornamental language. Don’t just dump the facts and never try exhibit superfluous knowledge.
Answer Structure
Introduction – A short introduction is a must for big questions (Qs with 8 marks and above). This part gives brief about what the answer is about. Skip or give just one line intro in Qs of 5 and 2 marks.
Body – Start writing the main answer based on the directive word of the question. Put all contents, arguments etc. in few small paragraphs, in an orderly fashion.
Conclusion – The introduction and all the paragraphs should lead to a logical conclusion.
Types of questions asked in APSC Mains Exam
Elaborate:In this type of question candidates are required to explain in details the main point/concept in question in detail. Don’t give your personal views.
Discuss: Candidates should go through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. They have to pros and cons by giving reasons for both.
Elucidate: They are required to make the question clear or explain or elaborate in detail. Candidates’ views on the matter are not required in this type of questions.
Examine: Candidates have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any. Analyse the main idea of the question and try to provide a balanced view.
Critically Examine: Candidates have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any. Analyse the main idea of the question and associated merits and demerits and try to give a fair judgement.
Express your views: This type of questions require candidates’ unique perspective. Candidates show express their clear views supported with relevant facts.
Comment and Critically Comment: Candidates have to pick main points and give his/her own ‘opinion’, may be for or against, but must be backed by argument or evidences.
If the word is ‘Critically comment’, then at the end you have to provide a fair judgement.
Analyze and Critically Analyze: Examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
If the word is ‘Critically Analyze’, then at the end you have to provide a fair judgement.
Evaluate: Candidates have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given topic based on evidences. You have to appraise the worth of the statement in question.
Compare: Discuss the similarities and differences between two or more things. Also explain why the comparison is useful.
Define:: What something means or does or how we know it.
Describe:You should provide a detailed account of the topic/issue. List out it’s characteristics.
Explain: Explain why or how something happened and justify it.
Express your views: It requires candidates’ unique perspective, either positive or negative, and supporting the logical stance with facts and reasoning.
Disclaimer:The above mentioned views/opinions are of Adhikary Education team’s recommendation. If any/some aspirants have different ideas/approach/style, which works for well for them, they may stick to that if they wish.
This initiative is created to motivate serious APSC Assam civil service aspirants to practise answer writing to improve performance in the APSC CC (Mains) Exam. Questions covering mostly of dynamic sections of GS syllabus are posted regularly. Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer, which will ultimately improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
Test Series will be of immense help to help you prepare for the GS Paper of Mains Exam.
