Comprehension and Precis (Part B), Module Index

What Part B tests

Comprehension passages, precis writing, developing counter-arguments, simple grammar, and other aspects of language testing.

The phrase "other aspects of language testing" is open ended. In practice it covers vocabulary, one-word substitutions, idioms, error spotting, sentence improvement and short note or letter style tasks. The exam rewards clean, correct, plain English over ornate writing.

The 120-mark split

The marks are not fixed by statute and the paper design can vary year to year. The split below is the typical working distribution and is a safe planning assumption. Always re-verify against the current notification on upsc.gov.in.

The exact mix changes, so train every task. Do not gamble that one will be dropped.

How to score Part B in one line

Answer exactly what is asked, in correct and economical English, in your own words, and never overshoot the precis length limit.

The pieces of this module

• comprehension technique, how to read fast, classify question types, separate inference from fact, and answer in your own words
• comprehension practice set 1, two passages on security and governance with questions and model answers
• comprehension practice set 2, two passages on environment, ethics and history with questions and model answers
• comprehension practice set 3, two passages on border technology and civic trust with questions and model answers
• comprehension practice set 4, two passages on federalism in a crisis and the strength of restraint with questions and model answers
• precis writing, the rules, the one-third target, the step method, and two worked precis
• precis practice set 2, three more passages for precis practice, each with working notes and a one-third model precis
• developing counter arguments, how to build a balanced rebuttal, with three worked prompts
• counter arguments practice 2, four more debatable statements with four-part model counter-arguments
• grammar essentials, the high-frequency rules with correct and incorrect pairs
• vocabulary and language skills, synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutions, idioms and confusables in tables

Time budget for a 3-hour Paper II

Part A (Essay) and Part B share the three hours. A safe allocation is roughly 70 to 75 minutes for the essay and the remaining time for Part B. Within Part B, read the comprehension passage and the precis passage before you write anything, because both reward planning.