IAS 2010 Preliminary Mathematics Question Paper

Union Public Service Examination conducts Indian Administrative Services (IAS) every year. IAS exams are considered the one of the prestigious exam in the country.  IAS exam is a two stage exam consisting of preliminary and main examination. IAS Preliminary exam normally conducted in the month of May/June every year. The Preliminary examination is of objective type. There are two paper in preliminary examination, General Studies and Mathematics as Optional Subject.

General Studies carries 150 marks and mathematics cover 300 marks. The time duration to complete the question paper is 2 hours for each paper. Mathematics is a good paper to opt, if you are good at maths. Due to increase in the number of engineering graduates who are taking up the IAS exam mathematics is now one of the popular paper for IAS Preliminary Examination.

IAS Prelims Mathematics Question Paper consist of 100 questions, printed both in English and Hindi. All the questions are multiple choice with four possible options. There is negative marking for every incorrect answer. One third of the mark will be deducted as penalty for wrong answers. If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be considered as a wrong answer, even if one of the answers happen to be correct. So be careful while answering the questions.

Maximum number of four sittings permissible to attempt this IAS exam. A large number of candidates apply for IAS exam for limited number of post and getting through is really tough. IAS Prelims exam is applied by about 3.5 to 4.5 lakhs but 2.3 to 3 lakhs applicants attended the exam. Recent trend indicate that 4000-6000 candidates selected for the main examination. The maximum filteration take place in this stage itself.  

First examination of IAS prelims is mathematics (optional) paper. These papers are of degree level of standards. This year mathematics paper was very lengthy and tough when compared to last year. The expected cut off range should go less as of previous year. To prepare for mathematics paper obtain the latest syllabus for IAS prelim exam , gather up all the books, and cover the topics of the syllabus, simultaneously referring to the previous year question papers. Try to solve as many previous year as possible, it will help you to understand the pattern of the IAS Preliminary Exam.

Next is the General Studies paper. Most of the university toppers, IITians, doctrate holders may score good marks in optional but most of them find it difficult to clear it. Thus an hardworking average student can find a level playing ground in the IAS exams if he prepares GS paper well.

General studies paper consists of Indian History, general science, geography, politics, Indian economy, numerical mental ability, current events etc. most of the questions  are direct. A planned and systematic study, revision and constant practice is needed to attempt these type of questions. In this UPSC took a U turn and dumped the most expected study material circulating among IAS aspirants. There was not a single question on ordinary current affairs which was emerging as a important part of general studies paper since last few years. This prelims is an indirect indication of how prelims of 2011 is likely to be and what UPSC is actually seeking from the IAS aspirants. General studies 2010 paper can be considered as trend breaker or trendsetter for the upcoming exams.

As a first step, one after two or three reading, you will get an idea of the subject. Reading newspaper regularly and thoroughly. Preparing notes on it segregate your notes under different headings like polity, economics, national, international, sports etc. this practice will definitely help you to prepare and crack for your general studies paper. This is only a part of your preparation.