UPSC Prelims Subject Wise Weightage: UPSC Prelims is the first and important stage of Civil Services Examination. Every year lakhs of students participate in the exam. To prepare students effectively for the exam they must have knowledge of UPSC Prelims Subject Wise Weightage 2026, as it indicates the number of questions that generally come from each subject. Planning a proper and powerful study timetable becomes easy when the weightage pattern gets clear.

The subjects covered under UPSC Prelims are Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Science and Technology, Environment and Ecology, Art and Culture, and Current Affairs. The exam pattern varies a little bit every year but the major subjects remain the same. The UPSC Prelims subject wise weightage last 10 years gives us a clear insight into the high-weightage areas. Students also get to know which topics receive more emphasis and which areas remain consistent in the exam.

UPSC Prelims Subject Wise Weightage 2026

UPSC Prelims General Studies Paper 1 usually consists of about 100 questions drawn from static as well as dynamic subjects like current events. Certain static subjects such as Polity, History, Geography and Environment have featured as the most significant contributors over the years. 

Current Affairs, on the other hand, has often had the maximum share in most years. By referring to the UPSC Prelims Subject Wise Weightage Paper Wise distribution, aspirants can not only identify which subjects require more preparation, but also which ones can be balanced out by spending relatively lesser hours on them.

UPSC Prelims Subject Wise Weightage Paper Wise 2026

Here is the UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 subject-wise weightage analysis from 2015 to 2025 (weightage indicated by approximate number of questions asked per year from each subject). Major topics include History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, and Current Affairs. Current Affairs, Polity, History, and Geography have consistently been the major contributors to the paper over the years. Below is a detailed view of each subject and likely weightage based on current trends and analysis of past papers.

1. Polity (Approx. 18–20%) 

Polity is one of the most consistently strong and stable sections in the UPSC Prelims syllabus. It is one of those few subjects which have had large portions in the Prelims examination every year. In most years, Polity accounts for around one-fifth of the paper.

Questions have usually ranged from easy to moderate, with a few requiring conceptual clarity on the idea behind the constitution and its articles.

The most common topics asked from Polity in past question papers have been the articles of the Indian constitution, important amendments to the constitution, important judgements by the Supreme court, articles of the UN charter and important topics on governance and government. Questions on different bills, parliamentary procedures and functions, and major government schemes and policies also appear regularly. Government schemes which have a governance and social welfare link have been featured in multiple recent question papers. Given the fairly consistent weightage, Polity is sure to remain an important subject for any UPSC aspirant preparing for the 2026 cycle.

2. History (Approx. 16–18%) 

History has been a reasonably stable, albeit slightly fluctuating section over the years. Some years have seen a reduced focus on Modern History in favour of more detail-oriented questions on Ancient and Medieval History. In other years, all three portions — Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History — appeared in almost equal proportions. World History is sometimes included but not covered as heavily as the core Indian History portions.

In all, the past papers show consistent importance for topics like cultural heritage, important movements, major personalities, architecture, different art forms, and significant historical events. Art and Culture (heritage sites, traditions, classical dance, music, etc.) has become more prominent in recent years. For the 2026 exam cycle, candidates can expect History to continue covering its broad themes.

3. Geography (Approx. 15–18%) 

Geography is another very stable component of Prelims where both conceptual and factual questions have appeared each year. The subject weightage for Geography has been in the range of 15–18% of the paper. Question variety has included physical geography concepts, geography of India, Indian agriculture and natural resources, resource distribution, climatic conditions, environmental linkages, Indian rivers, and map-based questions.

Past papers show a good mix of questions related to physical features, monsoons, river systems, soil types, climate, and map-related questions. Some years also have included detailed questions on phenomena like ocean currents, earthquakes, volcanoes, and winds. The themes of Indian agriculture and natural resources are also frequently present. Geography continues to be a strong pillar in the UPSC pattern overall.

4. Economy (Approx. 13–15%) 

Economy is another very stable area of the UPSC Prelims syllabus. The coverage has normally included banking, financial institutions, inflation, monetary and fiscal policy tools, terms used in budgets, and the Indian government’s economic initiatives. Questions are sometimes conceptual and sometimes application-based and sometimes both. The questions also link closely with recent economic and financial developments.

Analysis of past papers shows strong emphasis on economy-related schemes, the process of economic reforms, taxation and GST, trade, capital markets, GDP, inflation trends, central banks, regulatory authorities, and banking systems. Given the presence of both static and dynamic components in this subject, Economy requires both conceptual clarity and an eye on regular updates.

5. Current Affairs (Approx. 22–24%) 

Current Affairs is one of the most important areas of the UPSC Prelims exam. This section usually constitutes close to one-fourth of the paper and thus the single largest portion among all subjects. Questions are primarily based on national and international events of the past 12–18 months.

This section includes government schemes and national programmes, global summits and international organisations, major reports and publications, significant world events, and important social or economic developments. Questions from subjects like science, environment, and economy, which are linked with Current Affairs, also figure in many past papers. For the 2026 cycle, Current Affairs will continue to hold a key position in UPSC preparation because of its very high relevance.

6. Environment and Ecology (Approx. 13–15%) 

Environment and Ecology is another subject which has gained importance over the last decade and is now a fairly consistently large portion of the Prelims paper in the range of 13–15%. The topics generally include biodiversity, conservation efforts, endangered species, climate change initiatives, and environmental laws.

Past papers show a good number of questions on global conventions and treaties, biodiversity protected areas, wetlands, wildlife sanctuaries, climate summits, and International Mother Earth Day. Questions related to ecosystems, species and their interaction, and ecological concepts and processes also appear in the paper frequently. With environmental issues rising in prominence across the world, this section will continue to figure significantly in the UPSC pattern.

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7. Science and Technology (Approx. 7–9%) 

Science and Technology generally contribute to around 7–9% of questions. The level of questions also varies between easy and moderate. UPSC has typically focused on concepts at a basic level and not on very technical details. Applied science subjects, which are linked to daily life and recent developments, are a common feature of this section.

Questions in the past have covered space missions, biotechnology, health technology, nanotechnology, water technology, and other such topics. The basics of physics, chemistry, and biology are also included every year. The current developments in ISRO and new technologies, scientific missions, and medical field innovations are all regularly covered. Science and Technology also has a blend of both static and current components every year.

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