Subject-Wise Elimination Techniques for UPSC Prelims

Each UPSC subject requires a different logical mindset — here is the full breakdown.

1. Polity

Polity Elimination Rules

• Extreme statements → mostly wrong
• UPSC never distorts Constitutional spirit
• If a statement “sounds unconstitutional,” eliminate it
• Long technical statements → often correct

Example:

"The President is always bound by the aid and advice of the PM."

→ Wrong due to “always”.

2. Economy

Economy Elimination Rules

• If something increases market efficiency → often correct
• If statement sounds too idealistic → suspicious
• Technical economic mechanisms are rarely misstated
• Fiscal terms are used with precision by UPSC

Pro Tip:

Most incorrect statements misuse words like “directly”, “completely”, “automatically”.

3. Environment

Environment Elimination Rules

• If a species is “found only in India” → likely incorrect
• Eco terms like trophic levels, niches are precise → incorrect wording exposes wrong answers
• Conservation acts and schedules have specific names

Example:

"Snow Leopard is found only in the Himalayas." → Wrong (found outside India too)

4. Geography

Geography Elimination Rules

• If a statement sounds “too absolute,” eliminate it
• Geography rarely uses “never/always”
• Climatic facts follow natural logic
• River-based statements often contain one tiny incorrect detail

Example:

"Monsoon arrives first in Tamil Nadu." → Wrong

5. Science & Technology

S&T Elimination Rules

• If the technology is newly popular, UPSC keeps statements generic
• Overly detailed statements are usually incorrect
• Absolute functional claims → wrong
• If it sounds “too science fiction,” eliminate

Example:

"Quantum computers can solve all encryption problems instantly." → Wrong

How ORA India Helps Improve Subject-wise Accuracy

• Tracks your accuracy subject-wise
• Identifies bias patterns (e.g., you fear Polity strong statements)
• Suggests personalized elimination rules for each subject
• Simulates UPSC-style questions from all topics

Conclusion

Each UPSC subject follows its own logic pattern. Once you understand subject-wise elimination rules, your Prelims accuracy increases dramatically.