UPSC Mains — Quick Reference Cheatsheet
Essential Formulas & Rules
Core Topics
GS1: History, Geography, Society:
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to gs1: history, geography, society
GS2: Polity, Governance, International Relations:
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to gs2: polity, governance, international relations
GS3: Economy, Agriculture, Science, Environment:
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to gs3: economy, agriculture, science, environment
GS4: Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude:
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to gs4: ethics, integrity, aptitude
Essay Paper:
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to essay paper
Optional Subject:
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to optional subject
Problem-Solving Templates
Template 1: Identify → Apply → Verify
Template 2: For MCQs
Most Common Question Types
| Type | What to Do | Time Budget |
|---|
|---|---|---|
| Direct formula | Apply formula directly | 30-60 sec |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-step | Break into steps, apply each | 1-2 min |
| Concept-based | Recall definition + example | 45 sec |
| Data interpretation | Extract data, compute | 2-3 min |
Revision Strategy
1 month before exam:
1 week before:
1 day before:
Labs Section
The Labs section for UPSC Mains has: