UPSC Preparation Strategy for Environment and Ecology

UPSC Civil Services Exam has undergone several significant changes in the past few years. The questions related on environmental laws and pacts have seen significant increase in weightage in both UPSC Prelims and Mains exam. Around 10-20% questions have been asked from this section in the recent years. The question from Environment and Ecology section comprise of various acts and policies pertaining to environment and biodiversity at national and global level. After inclusion of Indian Forest Services Exam with Civil Services Exam the weightage for environment and ecology has increased significantly. 

Now it is important for future bureaucrats to be aware of such issues related to environment.

Here’s why:

Since 21st century saw the rise of issues like global warming and climate change hence the potential bureaucrats should have a thorough knowledge in this area to ensure they are better equipped in policy making that concerns environmental matters and how to deal with them when the situation arises.

Now the question arise is how this area should be covered in the preparation of UPSC CSE. During preparation of UPSC CSE, there are certain key areas in environment that should be focused upon. The question demands to have some basic and fundamental knowledge in this section as far as the Prelims Exam is concerned. For the preparation of this Prelims exam, NCERT Books are considered the Holy Grail. The pattern of questions asked in Prelims reveal that most of the questions are often based on fundamental knowledge of ecology. However,it is mandatory to have a thorough knowledge of syllabus first while going through the NCERT books so that one does not get distracted from the syllabus. The next step should be to have a look at the Previous Year Question Papers to understand the nature of questions asked in UPSC prelims from this section. Because of day to day happenings at national and international level, this section remains the most dynamic of all. A lot of issues like global warming and climate change, man-made disasters, etc. have emerged due to growing globalization and industrialization giving further rise to many problems such as rising sea level, dwindling biodiversity, depletion of natural resources and man wild conflicts. Most often, the victims of such changes are the third world countries. Climate summits are organised often and certain pacts and legislation are passed to avert such kind of situations which are aimedat reducing such unprecedented events.

The questions are often being framed around such summits and development goals. So, it is very important to have a thorough knowledge about these pacts and conventions for any aspirants.

Class 12 biology of NCERT:

It is important to cover the last four chapters of this book as this will cover most of the basic and foundation level knowledge for the static section.

Daily newspaper like Hindu and Indian Express:

For the current section this can play a crucial role. Magazines like Down To Earth can be also important source of current affairs related to environment.

Interlinking the static and the current affairs portion is also important during the preparation of environment and ecology section. Generally the questions are asked from areas such as Basic Concepts of Ecology, Environment Governance, Ecosystem Dynamics, Environmental Pollution, and Biodiversity and its Conservation. Key initiatives and schemes for tackling Climate Change by GoI and various countries, Global warming and Sustainable Development have remained consistent focus areas in the UPSC Prelims Exam.  You can find all the relevant Topics from Current Events with much-needed facts and analysis in short and lucid language in GS SCORE Prelims Sampoorna Yearly Compilation of Environment so that you can revise all in lesser time.

Making micro notes:

This is the most important part that remains very helpful during revision. You can also give mock tests which can also be helpful to consolidate your preparation. The notes should be prepared in such a manner so that it is easy in revision. It is recommended that one should prepare a table elaborating all the conventions and policies for easy revision.