Answer Writing Booklet in the Page Size of UPSC CSE Mains QCAB

How many times have you encountered these thoughts?

1) My handwriting font is big / small and I don't know how many pages should I fill for different mark questions.

2) I'm unable to complete the questions in time.

3) How does a Mains answer booklet look in the exam?

4) Will I have enough space to write answers in the optional exam?

and many more.

Problem statement:

1) Most of us write Mains answers in A4 size (8.27 x 11.69 inches) pages and it is a wrong practice that can cause multiple issues. The answer booklet that you get in the mains exam is of the size - 8.5 x 10.5 inches. There is a difference of 7.9 square inches of area and this can make a difference of about 30 to 40 words.

2) Most of us are not aware of how many pages are provided in the mains answer booklet for 10 mark (gs and optional), 15 mark (gs and optional), 20 mark (ethics and optional) and essay type questions. As a result, we tend to write less or more for such questions when we practice in mock tests.

3) There are test series where they ask questions for 12.5 marks and provide 3 pages which is currently not asked in the UPSC CS Mains exam. This adds a lot of confusion about how much to write and why we cannot finish the paper in time.

The solution:

1) UPSC CS Mains QCAB has 2 pages allotted for every 10 mark questions, 3 pages for 15 mark questions, 4 pages for 20 mark questions and 12 pages for essay question.

2) IASPrepKit designed the booklets with that look like a premium classmate notebook (Centre-stapled and edge squared) with 70 GSM inner pages and exactly same "writing area space" that you get within the margins of the UPSC CS Mains Exam (With an error range of 1 to 2%, which is the limit for any digital printing machine). The booklets are also 10.5 inches long and has psychological cues similar to UPSC QCAB so that you can build mental familiarity with the page size.

If you have been writing answers on A4, Use these Mains QCAB booklets once and see how you can properly answer the questions in the allotted time. It will make a significant difference in your confidence.