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How Many Questions in UPSC Prelims are Asked? Detailed Analysis!

PWOnlyIAS May 10, 2024 07:44 1386 0

How many questions in UPSC prelims are asked from different sections can be tricky questions to answer due to UPSC unpredictability. Here you can read more about the question in UPSC prelims!

How Many Questions in UPSC Prelims are Asked? Detailed Analysis!

How many questions in UPSC prelims from different sections are difficult to predict? UPSC has not mentioned the weightage of subjects in its syllabus, but we can get a rough idea based on previous year question papers.

To predict how many questions in UPSC prelims from a particular section, the best way is to keep in mind the approximate weightage. This will help you divide your time efficiently. 

In the last couple of years, UPSC has shuffled the weightage of different topics, making it difficult for new aspirants to predict how many questions in UPSC prelims can be asked from a certain section. Here we have divided the questions into subtopics based on trends from the past few years. 

How Many Questions in UPSC Prelims General Studies?

The total number of questions asked in the General Studies paper (Paper 1) of UPSC prelims is fixed at 100. The details about Paper 1 is given in the table below:

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Number of Questions 100
Total Marks 200
Total Time 3 hrs
Marks for Correct Answer +2
Marks for Incorrect Answer -0.66
Marks for no Attempt 0
Cutoff Marks Varies (75.41 in 2023 for General)

How Many Questions in UPSC Prelims CSAT?

The number of questions in CSAT paper (Paper 2) is different from Paper 1. In Paper 2, 80 questions are asked, compared to 100 in Paper 1. The details about Paper 2 is given below:

Number of Questions 80
Total Marks 200
Total Time 3 hrs
Marks for Correct Answer +2.5
Marks for Incorrect Answer -0.83
Marks for no Attempt 0
Cutoff Marks 66.67

How Many Questions in UPSC Prelims from Different Sections?

UPSC keeps changing the weightage of questions in UPSC prelims. Based on trends from the last few years, we can arrive at an approximate number. The details are given in the table below.

UPSC Prelims General Studies

The breakdown of questions into sub topics for General Studies paper is given below:

Subject Number of Questions
Polity 15-20
History 15-20
Geography 10-15
Economy 10-15
Environment and Ecology 10-15
Science and Technology 10-15
Current Affairs 20-30
Miscellaneous 5-10

UPSC Prelims CSAT 

The CSAT paper can be broadly divided into three subjects. The detailed analysis is given in the table below:

Subject Number of Questions
Reasoning Ability 13-15
Reading Comprehension 23-27
Numerical Ability 35-40

How Many Questions in UPSC Prelims Have to be Attempted?

There is no fixed number of questions to be attempted in both papers of the UPSC prelims. Candidates must keep in mind accuracy while attempting the questions. There is no scope for guesswork in UPSC prelims due to the negative marking scheme.

In Paper 1, candidates attempting <80 questions and those attempting >80 questions have both cleared the cutoff marks. Hence, candidates will have to devise their own strategies for attempting questions.

In Paper 2, candidates have to use their time efficiently to attempt a maximum number of questions. To clear the cutoff mark of 66.67, candidates have to  attempt at least 45-55 questions with high accuracy.

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Strategy to Decide How Many Questions in UPSC Prelims have to be Attempted

Candidates have to decide how many questions in UPSC prelims have to be attempted based on their experience, which begins right at the start of their preparation. You can follow some of these tips to arrive at the best conclusion.

  • Regular Test Series: Attempt test series regularly to understand optimal attempts based on the difficulty level of the question paper. 
  • Focus on Accuracy: Instead of attempting all 100 questions with lots of guesswork, try to attempt 75-80 questions with more accuracy.
  • Time Utilisation: The time available also determines the number of questions a candidate can attempt. With better utilisation of time, you can attempt more questions.
  • Identify Strength and Weakness: If your strength is polity, try to attempt a majority of polity questions. Avoid attempting questions on topics that are difficult.
  • Multiple Revision: Regular revision will help you recall information from topics you have read. This will help you attempt a higher number of questions.

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How Many Questions in UPSC Prelims FAQs

UPSC asks about 15-20 questions from polity subject in the prelims exam.

In Paper 1, 75-85 questions can be attempted and in Paper 2, 45-55 questions can be attempted for clearing cutoff marks.

UPSC does not repeat any questions in prelims examination.

UPSC asks about 10-12 questions that are considered ‘tricky’ or ‘difficult’ and can be avoided.

There are about 10-15 questions in Paper 1 and 5-10 questions in Paper 2 that can be considered easy.

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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