UPSC Prelims — Quick Reference Cheatsheet
Essential Formulas & Rules
Core Topics
Indian History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern):
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to indian history (ancient, medieval, modern)
Geography (Physical, Indian, World):
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to geography (physical, indian, world)
Indian Polity & Constitution:
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to indian polity & constitution
Economy (Basic Concepts, Budget, Banking):
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to economy (basic concepts, budget, banking)
Science & Technology:
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to science & technology
Environment & Ecology:
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to environment & ecology
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 Prelims has: