Methodology for Topic-wise Analysis
1. Create Detailed Topic List
Based on syllabus, textbooks, and comprehensive guides, create an exhaustive list of micro-topics.
2. Tag Each PYQ
Assign relevant micro-topic tags to each Prelims & Mains PYQ from the last 7-10 years.
3. Frequency Count
Create a tally/frequency chart for each micro-topic to see how often it appears.
Illustrative frequency representation
4. Identify High-Yield Topics
Topics with high frequency counts or consistent appearance are high-yield.
5. Analyze Question Nature
Further Analysis Details
Predominantly factual or conceptual (Prelims)?
Require analytical depth or policy knowledge (Mains)?
Linked to current affairs or static portions?
Typical difficulty level for questions from this topic?
Aspirants MUST conduct their own detailed analysis with actual PYQs and update it annually. The following are illustrative trends.
High-Yield Areas for Prelims (GS Paper I)
Biodiversity & Conservation
-
Protected Areas
Extremely High
National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves (locations, flagship species, UNESCO sites, unique features). Recent additions or PAs in news.
-
Species
Extremely High
IUCN status of species in news (Indian and global), WLPA Schedules, CITES Appendices. Flagship, endemic, migratory species.
-
Conservation Initiatives
High
Project Tiger, Project Elephant, species recovery programs, global initiatives like IBCA (if India-led).
-
International Conventions
Extremely High
CBD (Nagoya, Cartagena protocols), CITES, CMS, Ramsar Convention (Ramsar sites, Montreux Record).
-
Indian Legislation
High
Wildlife (Protection) Act, Biological Diversity Act, Forest Rights Act (key provisions, bodies).
-
Concepts
Moderate to High
Biodiversity hotspots, endemism, keystone species, umbrella species, in-situ/ex-situ conservation.
Climate Change
-
International Agreements
Extremely High
UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol (CDM), Paris Agreement (NDCs, GST), COP outcomes.
-
Greenhouse Gases
High
Types, sources, Global Warming Potential (GWP).
-
Impacts of Climate Change
High
Sea-level rise, glacial melt, ocean acidification, extreme weather, impacts on agriculture/biodiversity.
-
IPCC
High
Role and key findings of recent Assessment Reports or Special Reports.
-
Carbon Sequestration/Sinks/Markets
Moderate to High
Concepts, REDD+.
-
National Actions
High
NAPCC and its missions (Solar, Green India, Energy Efficiency), India's NDCs.
Environmental Pollution
-
Air Pollution
High
Major pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO₂, NOx, O₃, CO, VOCs), AQI, NCAP, GRAP, BS norms. Photochemical smog, acid rain.
-
Water Pollution
High
Sources, concepts (BOD, DO, Eutrophication), river pollution, groundwater contamination.
-
Waste Management
High
Solid Waste, E-waste, Plastic Waste, Hazardous Waste Rules. EPR. Bioremediation, phytoremediation.
-
International Conventions
High
Stockholm (POPs), Rotterdam (PIC), Basel (Hazardous Wastes), Minamata (Mercury).
Ecology Fundamentals
-
Ecosystem Concepts
Moderate (Foundational)
Structure, function, trophic levels, energy flow, ecological pyramids, nutrient cycles (Carbon, Nitrogen).
-
Ecological Succession, Adaptation, Biotic Interactions
Low to Moderate (Indirectly Important)
Important for overall understanding.
Sustainable Development & Renewable Energy
-
SDGs
Moderate to High
Sustainable Development Goals.
-
Renewable Energy Sources
High
Solar (JNNSM, PM-KUSUM), wind, National Hydrogen Mission.
-
Concepts
Moderate
Green GDP, circular economy.
High-Yield Areas for Mains (GS Paper III)
Climate Change (Mains Focus)
-
Impacts on India & Strategies
Extremely High
Agriculture, water, coastal, Himalayas. Mitigation/adaptation (policies, NDCs, NAPCC).
-
International Negotiations & India's Stance
Extremely High
COPs, climate finance, Loss & Damage.
Environmental Pollution & Degradation (Mains Focus)
- Air & Water Pollution Issues & Solutions Extremely High
Urban air pollution, stubble burning, NCAP. River cleaning (Namami Gange), groundwater.
- Waste Management Challenges Extremely High
Solid, E-waste, plastic waste management in India.
- Land Degradation & Desertification Extremely High
Causes, impacts, UNCCD, LDN.
Biodiversity Conservation (Mains Focus)
- Threats & Strategies High
Threats in India. In-situ/ex-situ, PA network, specific projects (Tiger/Elephant).
- Role of Laws & Institutions High
WLPA, BDA, FRA effectiveness.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict High
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Process, Significance, Criticisms, Reforms High
Linkages with Economy and Agriculture
- Sustainable Agriculture High
Organic, ZBNF, water efficiency. Impacts of conventional agriculture.
- Renewable Energy Transition & Green Economy High
Economic aspects, green financing, circular economy.
Disaster Management (Environmental Linkages)
- Climate Change-Induced Disasters Moderate to High
- Eco-DRR & Ecosystem Role Moderate to High
Role of ecosystems in disaster mitigation.