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June 20, 2024 11:50
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Get the detailed UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024 with paper and subject-wise analysis, difficulty levels, and expected cutoffs. Stay updated with insights to help you prepare better for UPSC 2025.
UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024 was successfully conducted on June 16, 2024, Sunday. Now, candidates are eagerly waiting for UPSC Prelims 2024 results. However, our experts from PWOnlyIAS have made your task easier by bringing out the most authentic analysis of UPSC prelims 2024. Let us have a look at the UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024, along with the section-wise breakdown, and the expected cutoff.
| Download UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2024 | |
| UPSC Prelims GS Paper I | Question Paper Download Link |
| UPSC Prelims GS Paper II (CSAT) | Question Paper Download Link |
| Answer Key 2024 | GS Paper (01) Answer Key 2024 CSAT Paper Answer Key 2024 |
| Detailed Answer Key 2024 | GS Paper (01) Answer Key 2024 CSAT Paper Answer Key 2024 |
UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024 can help candidates get an idea of the number of questions asked on each topic and its difficulty level. UPSC Prelims 2024 General Studies contains topics such as polity, geography, history, current affairs, etc. The exact number of questions asked from each topic and the difficulty level are as follows:
UPSC Prelims GS Question Paper 2024 Analysis |
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| Topic Name | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level | Type | Source |
| Indian Polity | 18 | Easy to Moderate | Application Based | Easily Available |
| History | 09 | Moderate to Difficult | Static | Moderately Available |
| Economy | 15 | Moderate | Application Based | Easily Available |
| Geography | 20 | Easy to Moderate | Static | Easily Available |
| Environment and Ecology | 10 | Moderate | Application Based | Easily Available |
| Science and Technology | 08 | Easy | Application Based | Easily Available |
| Current Affairs and International Relations | 20 | Easy to Moderate | Application Based | Easily Available |
| Total | 100 | Moderate | Mostly Application Based | Mostly Available |
This year’s UPSC paper has provided some relief to the students by reverting to its old pattern, similar to what was observed from 2017 to 2022. The focus was primarily on Polity, Geography, and Current Affairs, while History and Science were given lower weightage. Subject-wise analysis has been given below:
Polity:
UPSC has been generous this time by including around 20 easy questions. Only 3 to 4 questions were challenging, such as those on the Seventh Schedule, Nari Shakti Bill, and the Ethics Committee and CDS. Well-prepared candidates should score more than 17 marks out of the 20 questions.
History:
History had less weightage this year. Most questions were from Ancient History, with only two questions from Modern History. The depth of the questions was similar to previous years. Candidates with a broad coverage of the syllabus found this section easy. Typical Modern History questions were absent. Overall, we can say this section was easy to moderate.
Geography:
This section included more conceptual-based questions and a few GK-based questions (places in the news and mapping questions related to places in the news), similar to the previous year. There was no major change, making it average for all candidates except those with Geography as their optional subject. Overall, the questions were easy, with no major difficulties observed.
Economy:
The questions were conceptual and awareness-based, with a focus on banking operations. Candidates familiar with the banking syllabus found it easy. Overall, this section ranged from easy to moderate in difficulty.
Current Affairs:
Except for 3-4 questions, most of the current affairs questions could be tackled easily, as they were based on events from the last year. Four questions were on government schemes and initiatives, which required careful reading. Some neglected topics were also covered, such as the World Toilet Organization. We can say this section was easy to moderate.
Environment:
This section had a greater focus on species-based questions, which increased the difficulty level. There were also awareness-based questions (e.g., on chewing gum) and GK-based questions (e.g., on lions). Overall, this section was of moderate difficulty for candidates.
Science:
There was less weightage on Science this year. The questions ranged from easy to moderate in difficulty. No typical basic science was asked. Solving these questions involves understanding the basic concepts (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, radar) and other common topics in current affairs and basic science. Overall, this section can be considered moderate in difficulty level.
Overall, this year’s paper can be considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
UPSC CSE Prelims 2024 CSAT has topics such as reading comprehension, reasoning, and numerical abilities. UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024 of General Studies Paper II (CSAT) provides classification of questions into wider topics as well as their difficulty levels:
| Topic Name | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level | Good Attempt |
| Reading Comprehension | 22-24 | Moderate | 14-17 |
| Numerical Ability | 23-25 | Moderate | 15-18 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35-40 | Moderate | 21-26 |
Since the CSAT paper is qualifying in nature, it will have a cutoff mark of 66. Hence, we will look at only the cutoff marks for the General Studies paper of UPSC prelims 2024. The following table contains different categories and their respective tentative cutoff marks:
| Category of candidates | Expected Cutoff marks |
| General | 90-95 |
| EWS | 80-85 |
| OBC | 85-90 |
| SC | 70-75 |
| ST | 65-70 |
| PwBD 1 | 60-65 |
| PwBD 2 | 60-65 |
| PwBD 3 | 55-60 |
| PwBD 5 | 50-55 |
UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2024 is provided by our expert Faculty at PWOnlyIAS. UPSC GS Paper 1 Answer Key 2024 and CSAT Answer Key 2024 is provided here as a part of UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024.
| Also Read | |
| UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2024 | UPSC Prelims Cutoff Analysis 2024 |
| UPSC Prelims CSAT Exam Analysis 2024 | UPSC Prelims GS paper 1 Exam Analysis |
| UPSC CSAT Answer Key 2024 | UPSC Prelims Result 2024 |
UPSC Prelims Questions and Solutions 2024 is very important for the UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024. Prelims Questions and Solutions are provided by our expert Faculty at PW OnlyIAS. UPSC GS Paper 1 Questions and Solutions 2024 and CSAT Questions and Solutions 2024 are provided here as a part of UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024.
The UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Questions and Solutions 2024 for the UPSC Prelims Exam 2024 is available here. Check out the UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Questions and Solutions:
UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Questions and Solutions 2024 (To be uploaded Soon)
The UPSC Prelims CSAT Questions and Solutions 2024 for the UPSC Prelims Exam 2024 will be available here. Check out the UPSC Prelims CSAT Questions and Solutions:
UPSC Prelims CSAT Questions and Solutions 2024 (To be uploaded Soon)
Candidates can get valuable information from UPSC prelims exam analysis 2024, which will help them approach UPSC prelims 2025 in a better way. Following are some of the key take-away from UPSC prelims 2024:
Trend analysis can help us get key insight into the number of questions asked on each topic for UPSC prelims. By analyzing the trend, we can prepare for the difficult questions that may be asked in particular sections.
The table below contains the UPSC prelims trend from the past five years:
| UPSC Prelims Last Five Year Trend Analysis | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Topics | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
| Indian Polity | 18 | 15 | 15 | 11 | 17 | 15 | ||||||||||||||
| Geography | 20-1 | 16 | 16 | 10 | 10 | 14 | ||||||||||||||
| History | 9 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 20 | 17 | ||||||||||||||
| Economy | 15 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 15 | 14 | ||||||||||||||
| Environment and Ecology | 10 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 15 | 14 | ||||||||||||||
| Science and Technology | 9 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 10 | 7 | ||||||||||||||
| Current Affairs | 19+1 | 15 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 22 | ||||||||||||||
| CSAT | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Topic | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
| Reading Comprehension | 22-24 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 30 | ||||||||||||||
| Reasoning Ability | 35-40 | 14 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 24 | ||||||||||||||
| Numerical Ability | 23-25 | 39 | 35 | 36 | 40 | 26 | ||||||||||||||
The cutoff indicates that the UPSC Prelims 2023 exam was notably more difficult than in previous years. Both the GS and CSAT papers had a new pattern. According to UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023, the introduction of a new MCQ format posed challenges, limiting the effectiveness of elimination techniques for many questions.
The table below contains the UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023 of GS Paper 1:
| UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023 – GS Paper I | ||
| Subject | No. of Questions | Level |
| Polity | 14 | Easy to Moderate |
| Economy | 14 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Modern History | 3 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Ancient, Medieval History and Culture | 10 | Difficult |
| Science & Technology | 5 | Moderate |
| Geography | 9 | Moderate |
| Environment | 21 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Current Affairs /Misc. | 24 | Moderate |
| Total | 100 | Difficult |
The table below contains the UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023 of GS Paper 2 (CSAT):
| UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023 – GS Paper 2 (CSAT) | ||
| Subject | No. of Questions | Level |
| Reasoning Ability | 13-14 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Reading Comprehension | 27 | Moderate |
| Numerical Ability | 39-40 | Difficult |
| Total | 80 | Difficult |
According to the UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2022, the UPSC Prelims 2022 presented a mixed level of difficulty. While certain conventional areas were challenging, others were easier compared to the previous year. GS Paper 1 was based on conceptual understanding, whereas the CSAT’s numerical ability section posed considerable difficulty.
The table below contains the UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2022 of GS Paper 1:
| UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2022 – GS Paper 1 | ||
| Subject | No. of Questions | Level |
| Polity | 13 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Economy | 17 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Modern History | 4 | Moderate |
| Ancient and Medieval History | 5 | Difficult |
| Art & Culture | 7 | Difficult |
| Science & Technology | 14 | Moderate |
| Geography | 12 | Moderate |
| Environment | 17 | Moderate |
| International Relations | 11 | Moderate |
| Total | 100 | Moderately Tough |
The table below contains the UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2022 of GS Paper 2 (CSAT):
| UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2022 – GS Paper 2 (CSAT) | ||
| Subject | No. of Questions | Level |
| Reasoning Ability/Data Sufficiency | 21 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Reading Comprehension | 28 | Easy to Moderate |
| Numerical Ability | 31 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Total | 80 | Moderate to Difficult |
According to the UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2021, In the UPSC Prelims Exam 2021, the sports segment returned to the General Studies paper after a considerable absence. Several science questions were factual and challenging, though some could be tackled with contemporary understanding.
The table below contains the UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2021 of GS Paper 1:
| UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2021 | ||
| Subject | No. of Questions | Level |
| Polity | 17 | Easy to Moderate |
| Economy | 14 | Moderate |
| History | 18 | Difficult |
| Art & Culture | 3 | Difficult |
| Science & Technology | 12 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Geography+Agriculture | 9 | Easy to Moderate |
| Environment | 21 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Sports/Misc. Current Affairs | 6 | Difficult |
| Total | 100 | Moderately Tough |
The table below contains the UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2021 of GS Paper 2 (CSAT):
| UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2021 – GS Paper 2 (CSAT) | ||
| Subject | No. of Questions | Level |
| Reasoning Ability | 21 | Moderate |
| Reading Comprehension | 27 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Numerical Ability | 24 | Difficult |
| Misc. | 8 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Total | 80 | Moderately Tough |
According to the UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2020, the overall question paper was of moderate difficulty. Although the General Studies (GS) paper was tougher compared to past exams, subjects such as Polity and Economy were manageable with adequate preparation. In the CSAT paper, there was a noticeable trend of moderate to challenging questions this year.
The table below contains the UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2020 of GS Paper 1:
| UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2020 – GS Paper 1 | ||
| Subject | No. of Questions | Level |
| Polity | 14 | Easy to Moderate |
| Economy | 14 | Moderate to Difficult |
| History and Art and Culture | 19 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Science & Technology | 10 | Easy to Moderate |
| Geography | 13 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Environment | 11 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Current Affairs | 19 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Total | 100 | Moderate |
The table below contains the UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2020 of GS Paper 2 (CSAT):
| UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2020 – GS Paper 2 (CSAT) | ||
| Subject | No. of Questions | Level |
| Reasoning Ability | 16 | Easy to Moderate |
| Reading Comprehension | 25 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Numerical Ability | 39 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Total | 80 | Moderate |
According to the UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2019, the UPSC Prelims 2019 exam was more challenging than 2018, primarily because of several lengthy questions. The sections on polity and history were particularly difficult. However, candidates with good knowledge of current affairs found the questions on economy and science manageable. The CSAT paper was generally moderate, with some straightforward reasoning questions.
The table below contains the UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2019 of GS Paper 1:
| UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2019 – GS Paper 1 | ||
| Subject | No. of Questions | Level |
| Polity | 15 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Economy | 14 | Easy to Moderate |
| History+Art & Culture | 17 | Difficult |
| Science & Technology | 7 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Geography | 14 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Environment | 11 | Moderate |
| Current Affairs | 22 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Total | 100 | Moderate |
The table below contains the UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2019 of GS Paper 1:
| UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2019 – GS Paper 2 (CSAT) | ||
| Subject | No. of Questions | Level |
| Reasoning Ability | 18 | Easy to Moderate |
| Reading Comprehension | 30 | Moderate |
| Numerical Ability | 32 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Total | 80 | Moderate |
The UPSC Mains consist of a total of 9 papers, with 2 papers being qualifying in nature. Analysis of the 7 merit-based papers of the UPSC exam will be provided here shortly after each paper is conducted. Candidates need to score at least 75 marks out of 300 in the qualifying papers to be eligible for the Mains.
For the merit-based papers, the cutoff will be announced based on a total of 1750 marks. Historical data suggests that candidates should aim to score 750 marks or more to ensure they are likely to be selected for the interview stage.
The Essay paper of the UPSC Civil Services Main Examination is typically held on the first day as per the established timetable. This paper comprises eight essay topics categorized into two sections. Candidates must write both essays within a specified word limit of 1000-1200 words each.
The essay paper for UPSC CSE Mains 2023 was largely focused on philosophical subjects. Although candidates have a range of topics to choose from, effectively selecting the appropriate topic and crafting high-quality content within the given word limit presents a significant challenge.
The table below contains the previous year trends of UPSC Mains GS Papers, as per the UPSC Mains GS Paper Analysis:
| UPSC Mains GS Paper Analysis – Previous Year Trends | ||
| Paper | Subject | Questions |
| UPSC Mains GS 1 Paper | History/Art & Culture | 4 to 5 |
| Geography | 8 to 9 | |
| Society | 4 to 6 | |
| UPSC Mains GS 2 Paper | Indian Polity | 10 to 12 |
| Governance and Social Issues | 5 to 6 | |
| International Relations | 4 to 5 | |
| UPSC Mains GS 3 Paper | Economics and Agriculture | 8 to 9 |
| Bio-diversity and Environment | 6 to 8 | |
| Security & Disaster Management | 4 to 5 | |
| Science & Technology | 3 to 4 | |
| UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper | Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude | 13 Questions |
| Case Studies | 6 Questions | |
Physics Wallah Offers you a great opportunity to improve your score through its Test Series for UPSC Prelims for 2025.
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