Why and how to use diagrams in UPSC Mains Exam?

If you want an edge in succeeding in the UPSC Mains Exam, use diagrams! The way you serve your answers to the examiner will earn you more marks, meaning higher chances for securing top ranks in the exam. It separates a well-versed aspirant from an average person. That is why every IAS Academy in Chennai trains the students to visualize the answers on paper.

A long answer is never equal to a simple, clear diagram. All the concepts are put inside one drawing. It makes the examiner understand the perception of the candidate more easily and judge accordingly. 

Let us now go further on this topic.

Why diagrams matter in your exams?

Every Top IAS Academy in Chennai knows the value of diagrams. In this competitive exam, it is vital to give your best answer in the best manner. Here is the importance of visual representation in your exam.

 

  • Diagrams will improve the presentation and the overall answer quality. It gives the best impression to the examiner as he would take it to be a well-written answer.
  • Sometimes, aspirants meander a lot while writing long answers. They may begin with important points but, it is void of any valid interpretations as they go on. But, when you represent the answer visually, it shows how clearly you have understood a particular concept. This skill will only come to those who know not only the answer but the essence of it.
  • Time is crucial for any exam. It holds even more importance during UPSC. If you want to become an IAS officer, explain things clearly and take less time for it. So, diagrams save a lot of time to say countless concepts in a gist. The examiner should not have to go through pages and pages of explanation.
  • Another helpful tip is to use diagrams to conclude with all the essential points to a specific answer. 

 

Requisites of a good diagram

You should not use diagrams just for the sake of it. Use them at appropriate places and only when required. Here are some guidelines recommended by every UPSC Coaching Centre in Chennai for effective diagrams.

 

  • Label the diagrams properly.
  • The presentation must be good. Draw the diagrams in the right size. Otherwise, it may not look neat on paper.
  • The diagram should be relevant to the question.
  • Never draw any illustrations or diagrams free-hand. It is not a professional way of representing the answer.

 

What are the types of diagrams you can use in the UPSC exam?  

Tables

You can differentiate two variables by using tables. These are also effective in representing numerical values and classifications. 

Flowcharts

The flowchart helps you to show the hierarchy or structure of an organization. It can show a series of events in chronological order. You can also represent any relationship between two or more factors with flowcharts. 

Drawings

It is common in biology when an organism is drawn rather than explained. It simplifies an answer. You can also enhance the information you have supplied in the text.

Pie Charts

A pie chart is a great tool to show the distribution of multiple variables in a unified set. For example, you can use pie charts to show the poverty percentage levels across the country by dividing the circle into respective proportions.

Diagrams are not only helpful in delivering the answer but also in understanding one. You can use all the diagram types in your preparation process as well. Our IAS Academy in Anna Nagar emphasizes the use of diagrams and follows them throughout our coaching sessions.