Education blog by Pearson India

January 22, 2020

The NTA has successfully conducted the January session of JEE Main 2020 Paper. This time, instead of 8 exam schedules on 4 days for Paper 1, it has conducted 6 exam schedules on 3 days, i.e., on 7th, 8th and 9th January in both morning and evening shifts. Based on these 6 papers’ experiences, our team of SMEs have come up with some insightful analyses.

1. Questions were evenly distributed from Grade XI and XII, for all subjects.
2. Difficulty level: This year Physics papers were Easy, while Chemistry and Mathematics papers were Moderate to Difficult.
   

The analyses on the same are given below.

A. Subject-wise number of questions from Grades XI and XII

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• Have self-confidence: The most important point to remember is that you must have the self-confidence to believe in yourself that you are on the right track and you are going to achieve your goal. Don’t let any doubts come near you. Generally, you face some doubts before going for the examinations and in that moment of doubt, you need to remember that your preparation is already done and doubting yourself now is not going to help. So, believe in yourself. Believe in your preparation, try to keep it simple and do not discuss with other students. Do your basic daily routine and give yourself a chance to perform well in the examination.
  

• Just revise formulae and theorems: Just revise the important formulae and theorems on the day before the examination. Don’t study anything else the day before and on the day of the examination. 
• Relax: Have a sound sleep, a day before the examination. Keep it simple, keep it real and relax. Give your brain enough time to process well and be in the best frame of mind on the day of the examination.
  

Things to Remember while attempting JEE Main 2020

• Reach the centre an hour prior to the examination time: Reach early to the examination hall and relax.
• Read the instructions carefully: This year, there have been quite a few changes in the marking scheme. Hence, read the instructions carefully.
• Take a quick overview of the paper before starting the examination: Before starting the examination, take a quick overview of the paper and go through it. It can help you to identify the easy or average questions, with which you can start your examination.
• Start with the section you are most confident about (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics): It could be any of the 3 sections. As there is no sectional cut-off, you can identify the section you are feeling most confident about and start attempting that section first.
• Don't panic after checking the paper: Sometimes, at the first sight it may seem like you don't know anything and this may overwhelm you. So, take a deep breath and start. One important point to keep in mind is that you are not alone. As there are thousands of students with you, the paper will have been equally tough for them too.
• Time management: Don't waste much time on any question. If you are not getting the answer on the very first try, we suggest you move to the next one. Too much time on any question will lead you towards the situation of panic and frustration, which will impact your efficiency. If any question requires more time, mark it for review and attempt that question at the end of the paper.
• Read questions carefully and don’t make random guesses: Be calm and read questions very carefully because after reading it you know best whether you can answer a question well or not. If you are not sure about the answer, then move on. Don’t make random guess, as random guesses for any question will fetch negative marks and ultimately bring down your score.
• You must attempt the numerical value type questions: As there is no negative marking, you must attempt the numerical value type questions. It is because correct answer can give you (+4) marks and it does not affect your score, even if you have answered it incorrectly.
• Be positive, confident and give your 100 per cent: In the examination hall, be confident and think positive. Believe in yourself and your hard work. Put your 100 per cent efforts and hope for the best.

Good Luck!

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Browsing the paper of General Studies (GS) Paper-3, it can be easily observed that this examination is not about rot learning instead it requires profound study of concepts and their application in society. It demands more practical solutions rather than bulky theoretical answers. The role of a Civil Servant in today’s time is changing, from being an administrator to a mentor. Administration seasoned with good governance and responsive behavior is the need of the hour.

Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel credited Civil Servants by accolading them as ‘Steel Frame’. Nonetheless, bureaucrats are the backbone of administration. As society is an organic whole which grows, morphs and shapes new course of life, it becomes imperative for an administrator to be also dynamic, progressive and solution oriented with optimism towards new path.

This is what GS Paper-3 is trying to gauge that given new challenges as cybercrime, increasing pollution levels, global warming, growth without development, threats to internal security and increasing incidents of anthropogenic and natural disasters propel for disaster management.

Therefore, the syllabus of this exam specifically tries to cover whole ambit of crucial areas where critical approach is required for solving the changes which have marred the society from so long.

Now let us try to see this year’s paper through these lenses:

1. The first question itself was for GST and glitches in revenue collection, which itself needs conceptual as well as current affairs understanding. Knowing current affairs is one part and articulating the information is the real task which can come only with practice. Therefore, practice is the secret to qualify Main Examination.
2. Also, expression makes a difference amongst the answers. A balanced answer is always appreciated. Avoid being technical gobbledygook.
3. Every question seemingly simple at superficial level requires a specific or detailed answer as in this question; “Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters”.Such questions need to supplement with data, important statistics and some significant case studies regarding vulnerability to disaster and pre-disaster management.
4. “The banning of ‘Jamaat-e – islaami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize the influence of OGWs”; this question requires a clear-cut solution to the problem of ‘home-grown terrorism’ which is also a threat to internal security of the country. Such sort of questions can be handled through enriched content from good newspapers and magazines. Avoid sharing volatile views in the examination.
5. Border management related question is asked in the last question; “Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges”In this question, a candidate should be able to share the information of types of borders that India have and why Indo-Myanmar border is crucial. Mention of ‘Golden Triangle’ becomes impeccable over here supported by some significant data.
6. The questions covering the aspects of food processing and food grain distribution system, are related with food production and food grain management. As well as how biotechnology can be used to enhance the lives of the farmers. Overall, the paper has covered every nook and corner of the syllabus. So, keep your syllabus handy during preparation.

Hence, in order to have an extra edge in the paper, it is pertinent to change the way of learning and approaching the paper. Solve as many as previous years’ question papers, practice writing maximum and rely on standard and authentic sources for preparation.

All the best!

Sherry A Singh

Senior Editor Acquisition- Test Prep

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JEE Main has been constantly in pursuit of updating and enhancing the level of the examinations. In general, JEE Main tries to test your understanding of the basic concepts and their applications. However, they come up with some new challenges for you, every year. So, to help you out with this, our team of subject matter experts have come up with the analysis of last 7 years of JEE Main papers, wherein they have analysed about the level of the questions, chapters of all subjects from which most of the questions are generally asked, etc.

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The first thing to know is that NTA does not allocate any weightage to any chapter and you should try to learn and understand all chapters of all subjects. You should have a complete understanding of all the concepts and formulae of all the chapters and topics. You must have all the concepts on your tips. Once you have conceptual clarity of the important topics, you should practice questions based on the important chapters for JEE Main. By following this way, you will be able to target the maximum marks without worrying about all the chapters. More importantly, if the students have complete command over these important chapters, they are destined to score great marks in the JEE exam.

After analysing the pattern of the past years' question papers of JEE Main, subject experts have prepared a list of the important chapters.

 *Also, these chapters have been categorised into 4 different categories based on the number of efforts needed to learn and score in the exam along with the weightage of the chapters.

Category	Output (Weightage of chapters in exam)	Input (Amount of efforts needed to learn these chapters and chances of scoring in exam)
Category 1	High output	Low input
Category 2	High output	High input
Category 3	Low output	Low input
Category 4	Low output	High input

 

The important units/chapters of Mathematics based on their weightage in the exam are given below:

Chapters	Weightage (%)	Average number of questions asked from the chapters	Category (Based on efforts needed to score vs. weightage)
Limit, Continuity and Differentiability	5 %	2	Category 2
Application of Derivatives	7 %	2	Category 2
Differentiation	3 %	1	Category 3
Straight Line	4 %	1	Category 1
Conic Section	10 %	3	Category 2
Statistics and Probability	9 %	2
Vector and 3-D	9 %	3	Category 1
Matrix and Determinants	7 %	2	Category 1
Sequence and Series	7 %	2	Category 1
Trigonometry	6 %	2	Category 2
Quadratic Equation	4 %	1	Category 2
Integral Calculus	12 %	3	Category 2
Complex Number	3 %	1	Category 4
Binomial Theorem	3 %	1	Category 4
Sets and Relations	2 %	1	Category 3
Functions	4 %	1	Category 3
Permutation and Combination	3 %	1	Category 4
Mathematical Reasoning	2 %	1	Category 3
Total	100 %	30

 

The important units/chapters of Physics based on their weightage in the exam are given below:

Chapters	Weightage (%)	Average number of questions asked from the chapters	Category (Based on efforts needed to score vs. weightage)
Modern Physics	15 %	5	Category 2
Optics	9 %	3	Category 1
Heat and Thermodynamics	9 %	3	Category 1
Electrostatics	7 %	2	Category 2
Current Electricity	7 %	2	Category 1
Gravitation and Rotational Mechanics	8 %	2	Category 2
Magnetics	7 %	2	Category 2
Kinematics	4 %	1	Category 4
Units, Dimensions, Errors and Experiments	5 %	1	Category 3
Waves and Oscillation	4 %	2	Category 1
EMI and AC	6 %	1	Category 2
Solids and Fluids	6 %	1	Category 2
Laws of motion	3 %	1	Category 4
System of Particles	4 %	2	Category 2
Work, Energy and Power	3 %	1	Category 3
Semiconductor and Communication	3 %	1	Category 1
Total	100 %	30

 

The important units/chapters of Chemistry based on their weightage in the exam are given below

Chapters	Weightage (%)	Average number of questions asked from the chapters	Category (Based on efforts needed to score vs. weightage)
Physical Chemistry
Basic Concepts of Chemistry	4 %	2	Category 2
Atomic Structure	3 %	1	Category 1
Ionic Equilibrium and Chemical Equilibrium	5 %	2	Category 3
Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry	6 %	2	Category 2
Electrochemistry	4 %	1	Category 1
Surface Chemistry	4 %	1	Category 1
Chemical Kinetics	2 %	1	Category 1
Solutions	5 %	1	Category 3
States of Matter	3 %	1	Category 3
Inorganic Chemistry
Chemical Bonding	5 %	2	Category 1
d-block and f-block	3 %	1	Category 1
p-block	6 %	1	Category 2
Coordination Compounds	7 %	2	Category 1
s-block	5 %	1	Category 4
Environmental chemistry	2 %	1	Category 3
Organic Chemistry
GOC	5 %	2	Category 2
Hydrocarbons	4 %	1	Category 3
Biomolecules and Polymers	6 %	1	Category 4
Practical Organic Chemistry	4 %	1	Category 2
Organic Compounds Containing Halogens	5 %	2	Category 1
Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen	5 %	1	Category 1
Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen	7 %	2	Category 2
Total	100 %	30

 

*Note: From 2020, JEE Main will have only 25 questions from each subject. So, the number of questions asked from any of these chapters can be changed.

Remarks: Based on these observations, you can identify on which topic to achieve your goal. It will help you to decide, how much time you need to allot to each chapter according to your current understanding of that chapter.

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Changes in JEE Main 2020

This year, NTA has revised the JEE Main 2020 exam pattern As per the revised JEE Main exam pattern 2020, the question booklet of BE/B.Tech., will have a total of 75 questions instead of 90 questions. These questions will be equally distributed among Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, each consisting of 25 questions. Out of the total questions in JEE Main 2020 Paper 1, each subject will have 20 objective type multiple choice questions along with 5 numerical based questions.

Here are a few things we must know about the changes.

1. Total questions (75 questions) – From now on, there will be 75 questions instead of 90 questions with 25 each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Number of Questions: 

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You need to have fundamentals in place. You must work to have an excellent grasp of the concepts about any topic/chapter and you should remember all the formulae as well because, if you are stuck while solving any question, you won’t have the given options like in MCQs to help you out with your answers. So, you need to remember everything to get the (+ 4) marks you will have the leverage to attempt them without any tension because of the NO negative (-0) marking.

PractisePractice the numerical based questions as much as you can. JEE Advanced has already included integer and numeric type questions in the exam pattern. You can  get the previous year’s question papers and accelerate your preparation. Just go and try solving all of those. You should also get the practice papers, mock tests, and test series. Try to solve as many of them as you can to prepare well for the exam.

For smart studies, you can also pick the chapters from which most of the numerical, integer type questions have been asked in JEE Advanced previous years’ papers. yYou can focus more on them for numerical based questions. Especially for Chemistry, most of the numerical type questions are prepared from the Physical Chemistry (as it is numerical based). Hence, it is easy to frame the questions based on Physical Chemistry. Some questions are also framed based on a few chapters from Organic Chemistry like Stereochemistry. In Mathematics and Physics, questions can be framed from any chapter/topic. However, you should still go through the previous year’s papers to get an idea about the prominent chapter/topic, based on which the numeric entry type questions are framed.

Here is an example of how the question would appear on the screen.

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Union Public Service Commission in 2013 decided to make a change in the Civil Services Mains Syllabus by removing one optional and bringing four General Studies papers including the exam of Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude.

The moot idea behind the inclusion of this paper was not to multifold the syllabus for the aspirants but to inculcate a sense of responsiveness to different, dilemmatic and abstruse circumstances. Life can never go smooth, it is a mosaic of multi-faceted challenges which bang the door when most unexpected. The intensity of tension rises when an administrator must fight with the existing as well as new challenges to serve the public. Civil Services, at no cost means to be carried away by the power and prestige associated with the post. It is about the service, an extension of assistance to the distressed and visioning a change for society.

After analyzing, plunge in moral values amongst the civil servants, an idea was mooted to include a full-fledged General Studies exam aiming at enhancing the personality of the candidates who are at the verge of becoming civil servant. Therefore, the questions asked in this exam should be dealt differently by focusing as how would ‘you’ as an individual will respond to a given situation or what is ‘your’ perspective about a topic.

In this year’s question paper, the questions tend to know the aptitude of the candidate through such questions as, “What are the basic principles of Public Life?”, “What do you understand by the term public servant? Reflect on the expected role of public servant?”

If we decode the demand of the question, we can surely hit the bull’s eye by reaching next to accuracy. As in the question stated above, an aspirant must be clear with the simple concepts as what the meaning of public life is and how a public servant can perform those functions which are dedicated for welfare of the masses. Expecting great marks by answering in a non-conspicuous manner will yield less marks. Questions can seem simple, easy, non-complicated, general but, they test the ability of the candidate on specific lines therefore the approach should be concrete and consolidated.

Question regarding the ‘non-performance’ of the duty is not about the meaning of non-performance of duty rather it seeks to know, what does the term ‘corruption’ mean to a civil services’ aspirant. One needs to understand the specific purpose as why this question has been asked and to which extent knowledge should be spewed in it.

“A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” – M.K.Gandhi, this was a statement based question which required the knowledge of Gandhian Philosophy. But candidates who have mentioned the application part of this philosophy in daily lives would fetch more marks than the one who would have only written the philosophical aspect.

Also, with respect to handling of the case studies, there must be an integrated approach to handle them with practical solutions backed by philosophies of great leaders, mentors, and administrators.

Therefore, it is suggested to learn and understand the content of this paper through unconventional lenses which require a unique understanding as if how to overcome challenges, unleash potential and bring a difference in the lives of many.

All the Best!
Sherry A Singh
Senior Editor- Acquisition Test Prep

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Civil Services General Studies Paper-2 is a complex exam due to its integrated, closely knit and current oriented syllabus. There are very simple and straightforward conclusions which can be drawn from the paper. The points may sound cliched, monotonous and repetitive but they are secret to crack this exam.

The most significant ones are as;

1. Syllabus should never be taken be lightly. Each word mentioned in the syllabus should be examined carefully and whole study shall revolve around it. For instance, the first question regarding the ‘Constitution of India’, tries to know an aspirant’s basic understanding of the topics as, Balance of Power, Doctrine of Checks and balances, Parliamentary and Presidential form of government which are part of Indian Constitution.
2. After exhausting every inch of syllabus, second step is of integrating the basic or static part with current affairs section. Let us have a glimpse of such question, “The Central Administrative Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority.” Explain. One must know about the Central Administrative Tribunal’ as it is a static part, but the question is how it is working these days which is current affairs.Therefore, current affairs is going to be soul of the complete preparation. Year on year the focus is shifting on ‘thought-provoking’ questions from simple know-how ones.
3. Questions related to social development indicators demanded analytical solutions to the perpetual challenges which have marred the development of Indian society. The crucial topics like poverty, hunger, growth versus development are discussed perhaps in every living room. But UPSC is not trying to know the level of knowledge a candidate has but the aptitude with which he or she will act on those fronts after becoming a Civil Servant.
4. International Relations related questions could not be answered without being regular with newspaper. Newspaper reading seems to be a time-consuming task, but it is the demand of the paper to write solutions to the present or upcoming threats or precarious situations where India’s involvement will be significant. And articles written in The Hindu or in The Indian Express tend to provide content for such questions. 

Overall, this paper was a complete checklist which tried to know every tier of the preparation, from simple constitution related part to complex section involving both static and current affairs with some doctrines integrated with it.  So, while preparing for Civil Services aspirants must shred the bigoted ways of learning rather adoption of new, adoptive and dynamic approach towards the preparation will yield greater outcome. Learn to demystify what UPSC wants, the results will follow seamlessly.

All the Best!

Sherry A Singh

Senior Editor- Acquisition Test Prep

Check General Studies Paper 1 Ananlysis 

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Civil Services Main Examination 2019 is over and has left most of the candidates in speculation. At this juncture it is pertinent to know and analyze the paper by examining one’s own performance. The beauty of this exam is it is subjective as well as relative. Excessive thinking about the results is sheer wastage of time. If you clear Main Exam, Personality Test will be the last leap but in case you fall out, next year is waiting. It can be a blessing in disguise as there will be more time to hone your skills and strengthen the weaker areas.

 Let us first try analyzing this year’s General Studies Paper-1;

1.  Overall, the questions were thought provoking and demanded clarity of thought, concepts and good deal of understanding in each of the subjects prescribed in the syllabus.
2. The questions such as ‘impact of global warming on coral life’ and ‘causes of depletion of mangroves and their importance in maintaining coastal life’ were direct questions from Environment. But the catch is how one attempts such questions. If the approach of writing was only limited to the environmental aspect of the question, then the marks will not be optimal. But if the answer carries geographical, environmental aspects supplemented with current affairs examples then no body can resist giving marks.
   This demands long writing practice before the final examination. Also, reading newspaper should be considered as an inevitable part of the preparation not as mere wastage of time.
   
3. The questions tried to check the analytical ability of the candidate that whether he or she can give concrete answers to a given situation as in this question, “Can the strategy of regional-resource based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India?”
   This is YES or NO type of question. Candidates with great knowledge but limited writing skill will not be able to critically answer this question. The answer should carry a clear opinion based on current case studies, illustrations and examples associated with the dynamic aspect of the regional-resource based manufacturing. Simply, knowing about the regional-resource based manufacturing won’t help much.
   
4. The questions on Art and Culture, Indian Society were also dynamic. For example: “What makes Indian Society unique in sustaining its culture?” It is again simple, easy and straight question. But the response in the answer must be crisp, exact and to the point. Beating around the bush will not help much. Such sort of writing insight comes from consistent reading and persistent writing.
   
5. In Civil Services Main 2017, there was one question regarding mob violence, this year the question appeared in different manner as, “What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism?”
   This question is asked in the wake of recent anti-social activities happening in the name of religion. The art of writing here comes to picture, stating every recent illegitimate and narrow nationalist activity taking place in the name of religion without blaming any individual or any section of society. Language of euphemism is required in order to handle such subtle and sensitive topics.
   
6. There were few questions which were static as well as quite simple to answer but did not inspire reflection on the issue concerned.  Whereas most of the questions compelled the aspirant to express his/her views regarding the asked concept, as in question of identity crisis as ‘Local Identity’ and ‘Global Identity’ is another in the thought-provoking question list.
   

To conclude, dynamism is the key point of the UPSC Civil Services Examination in recent years. This aspect is reflected in majority of the questions being asked. Confinement of study to only static topics, rot learning without adequate writing practice can never bear desired outcome. In order to become top scorer, the approach of learning through dynamic books becomes pertinent and significant, which not only enriches the resource content but also helps in knowing how to write the answers. 

One such book ‘A History of Ancient India’ by Ajeet Jha provides a deep insight into the topics of Ancient India and Art and Culture with a special feature stating the right approach to attempt the questions.  Reading right books enriches mind, enhances knowledge and enables scoring great marks.

All the best!

By-
Sherry A Singh
Senior Editor- Acquisition Test Prep

General Studies Paper 2 Ananlysis 

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