Objective or Subjective Nature of Paper II in UPSC Exam


The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam is one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in India. It is conducted in three stages, with Paper II being a vital component of the second stage, known as the UPSC mains examination. Paper II is the General Studies (GS) paper, which evaluates the candidate's knowledge and understanding of various aspects of Indian society, governance, and international relations.


Paper II of the UPSC exam can be considered as primarily objective in nature due to the following reasons:

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
A significant portion of Paper II consists of multiple choice questions. These questions provide a set of options, and the candidates need to choose the correct answer from the given choices. MCQs are designed to test the factual knowledge, comprehension, and analytical ability of the candidates.

2. Pre-determined Answers:
Objective questions generally have pre-determined answers that can be objectively assessed by the examiners. The correct answer to an objective question can be objectively determined without any subjectivity or bias.

3. Scoring Pattern:
The scoring pattern of Paper II also indicates its objective nature. In most cases, each correct answer carries equal weightage, and there is no room for subjective evaluation or interpretation by the examiner.


Although Paper II is primarily objective in nature, there are certain aspects that can be considered subjective:

1. Descriptive Questions:
Apart from multiple choice questions, Paper II also contains descriptive questions that require candidates to write detailed answers. These questions assess the candidate's ability to express their thoughts, analyze issues, and provide well-reasoned arguments. Descriptive questions may involve subjective interpretation and evaluation by the examiner.

2. Essay Writing:
One of the sections in Paper II is dedicated to essay writing. This section requires candidates to write essays on a given topic, expressing their opinions and arguments. Essay writing involves subjective expression of ideas, interpretation of the topic, and critical analysis.


In conclusion, Paper II of the UPSC exam can be considered primarily objective due to the presence of multiple choice questions and pre-determined answers. However, the inclusion of descriptive questions and essay writing sections introduces subjective elements into the paper. It is essential for candidates to possess both objective knowledge and subjective analytical skills to perform well in Paper II.