How to Master the Art of Elimination in UPSC Mains
Mastering the art of elimination in UPSC Mains can prove really useful. Often, people say that Mains are not about knowing the right answer all the time; at times, it is more about eliminating the wrong ones. In a way, questions get deliberately designed to test even the best of the prepared candidates; hence, knowing how to negotiate tricky options could make all the difference. Let us discuss some strategies to help you win the elimination game of UPSC Mains.
- First Understand the Question
Understand the question properly before you look at the options. UPSC questions are framed in such a manner as to test not only the candidate’s knowledge but also one’s comprehension skills. Do not make out the meaning of any question hastily. The question needs to be read carefully to avoid traps set by the examiner. Look out for absolute words like “always,” “never,” “only,” and “all,” which are usually used to set statements that are normally incorrect.
- Avoid Extreme Options
A lot of extreme-sounding options in the UPSC Mains may be the ones you eliminate first. Statements which include words like “always” or “never” tend to be wrong because they leave no room for exceptions. For example, if the question pertains to the behavior of a particular government policy, an option that it “always” does so and so should be wrongly identified. UPSC often designs such options to test candidates, so eliminating these extremes may bring you closer to the right answer.
- Use Logic and Common Sense
Not all questions in UPSC Mains require deep knowledge. Some can be answered by applying simple logic and common sense. For instance, in questions about a scientific phenomenon or a historical event, when one of the options stands a bit apart from the rest or is definitely opposite to what you know about the world, it must be wrong. Even if you do not know the answer, still using logical reasoning is going to help you exclude many of the options that do not seem very likely, thereby increasing your chances of picking the right one.
- Look for Qualifying Phrases
Watch for qualifying words like “generally,” “often,” “may,” “can,” and “usually.” If a statement contains such a word, then it is not absolute and therefore the option is more likely to be correct. For example, an option that says, “This policy generally leads to economic growth” leaves room for its not always causing economic growth and hence it is more balanced and more likely to be correct.
- Use the Process of Elimination (PoE)
This technique makes use of eliminating options that you know are wrong, thereby cutting down the choices—increasing the probability. Say, for example, out of four choices, you can confidently eliminate two. Then your chances of guessing the correct one from the remaining two will be increased from 25% to 50%. Even if you are still in doubt, the approach is helpful in making an educated guess—to enhance your possibility of scoring marks.
- Apply the 50:50 Rule
Now, once you have already eliminated certain options using POE, use the 50:50 rule. All this means is that you consider the remaining answers and see what makes most sense to you, based on what you know or can reason. Don’t overthink—very often, your first impulse is correct.
- Practice with Mock Tests
In any case, the art of elimination will get better as it is practiced more. Take as many mock tests as possible and focus on applying these techniques while doing so. Analyze your mistakes to understand where you went wrong and how you can avoid similar errors in the actual exam. You will feel a surge in your confidence level regarding eliminating the wrong answer choices quickly and accurately.
- Keep Cool Under Pressure
Elimination requires a clean, cool head. If you are panicking, you will be more likely to make errors. So, ensure that you exercise enough mindfulness techniques for keeping calm and composed in the exam hall. Remember, Mains is as much about strategy as it is about knowledge.
Bonus Tip: Strengthen Your Writing Skills
While learning the art of elimination is important for Mains, do not disregard the importance of Mains. A good essay is indispensable to mains, and that’s where Sleepy Classes’ Essay Course comes in—designed to help one improve upon the same through extensive video lectures and topic-wise discussion with feedback. Be it a question of structure or of content, this course gives you just the help that can help you excel in mains. Check it out here.
