UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2021, Detailed Analysis, Download PDF Now!

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2021 gives an insight of the exam. It's a helpful way to understand how the test is set up, its difficulty level, and the kinds of questions candidates might encounter in this important civil service exam.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2021, Detailed Analysis, Download PDF Now!

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2021: The UPSC Preliminary Examination is the initial stage of the Civil Services Examination by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. It consists of two papers: General Studies Paper I also known as GS Paper I, and General Studies Paper II also known as Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Understanding the UPSC Prelims Question Paper of 2021 provides valuable insights into exam patterns and topic weightage, aiding candidates in refining their preparation strategies. 

Overview of UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2021

  • The UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2021 is the first stage of the exam, which screens the candidates for the main stage. The UPSC 2022 prelims exam was organised in two shifts on October 10, 2021.
  • General Studies Paper I has 100 questions in total, which was held in the morning session. Marks in GS Paper I are considered for Prelims cutoff  list.
  • On the other hand, Paper II, i.e., the Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT), has 80 questions and was conducted in the afternoon session. CSAT is a qualifying examination, where candidates are required to score a minimum of 33% to qualify.

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UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2021 Exam Pattern 

Type General Studies Paper 1  GS Paper II- (CSAT)
Questions 100 Objective Types 80 Objective Type
Marks 200 Marks 200 Marks
Negative Marking +2 Marks/Question and -0.66 Negative Marks/Question +2.5 Marks/Question /Question and -0.83 Negative Marks/Question
Duration Of Exam 2 Hours 2 Hours
Qualifying Marks Cut-Off List Minimum 33%
Languages English and Hindi English and Hindi.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2021: Overall Analysis of GS Paper 1

The overall analysis of UPSC Question Paper 2021 suggests that the level of the exam was moderate to difficult. Here is the UPSC Prelims Question Paper Analysis 2021 for GS Paper 1:

UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Analysis 2021
Subjects Total Questions Difficulty 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

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2021

Download UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2021

Candidates can download the previous year’s question paper from the link given below and follow the further analysis to supplement their preparation.

Paper  Download Link
General Studies I Paper 1
General Studies II Paper 2

After downloading the UPSC Prelims 2021 Question Paper PDF, candidates are advised to print it and analyse each question. 

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2021: Overall Analysis of GS Paper 2

The UPSC CSAT paper has evolved into one of the most challenging papers in the exam. Experts advise giving some extra focus to this paper, considering the increasing difficulty level. The analysis of the 2022 question paper is presented here:

UPSC Prelims Analysis 2021 – Paper 2 (CSAT)
Reasoning Ability 21 Moderate
Reading Comprehension 27 Moderate to Difficult
Numerical Ability 24 Difficult
Misc. 8 Moderate to Difficult
Total 80 Moderately Tough

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2021

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2021: Cut Off Marks

UPSC declared the result of the UPSC Civil Services 2021 and released the cut off marks for the UPSC CSE preliminary exam

Category UPSC Prelims Marks 2021
General 87.54
SC 75.41
ST 70.71
OBC 84.85
PwD 1 68.02
PwD 2 67.33
PwD 3 43.09
PwD 5 45.80
EWS 80.14

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2021

How to prepare for UPSC Prelims Examination ?

Cracking the UPSC Prelims exam requires a well-structured approach and dedication. Here’s a roadmap to get you started:

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  • Understand the Syllabus:
    • Download the official UPSC syllabus and analyze it thoroughly. This will give you a clear idea of the topics you need to cover for each General Studies (GS) paper and the CSAT paper.
  • Create a Study Plan:
    • Design a realistic and achievable study plan that allocates time for each subject based on its weightage and your understanding. 
    • Factor in revision and breaks to avoid burnout.
  • Pick the Right Resources:
    • NCERT textbooks (Class 6-12) form the foundation for most GS subjects. 
    • Supplement them with standard reference books for specific topics.
    • Utilize online resources for current affairs updates and mock tests.
  • Develop a Reading Habit:
    • Subscribe to a reputed newspaper and develop a habit of reading daily. Focus on editorials, national and international news, and government schemes.
  • Master Current Affairs:
    • Stay updated on current events by following government websites, news analysis platforms, and current affairs magazines.
  • Practice Answer Writing:
    • Regularly practice writing answers in the UPSC format. Focus on clarity, conciseness, and incorporating relevant facts and examples.
  • Solve Previous Year Papers:
    • Attempting previous years’ question papers familiarizes you with the exam pattern, difficulty level, and recurring themes. Analyze your performance to identify areas for improvement.
  • Take Mock Tests:
    • Enroll in a prelims test series to simulate the exam environment and receive feedback on your performance. Mock tests help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, manage time effectively, and develop your exam temperament.
  • Revise Regularly:
    • Revision is key to retaining information. Allocate dedicated time slots in your schedule to revisit and reinforce concepts.
  • Stay Motivated
    • The UPSC journey can be long. Surround yourself with positive influences, stay focused on your goals, and celebrate your milestones.
  • Additional Tips:
    • Consider optional subject coaching if needed.
    • Maintain a healthy balance between studies, leisure, and sleep.
    • Discuss your doubts with mentors or fellow aspirants.
    • Remember, consistent effort and the right strategy are crucial for success in the UPSC Prelims exam.

Physics Wallah is offering you a golden chance to boost your preparation by enrolling in our flagship test series!

UPSC Related Links
UPSC Full Form Daily Prelims Questions
IPS Full Form IRS Full Form
IFS Full Form UPSC Syllabus
UPSC Mains GS 1 Syllabus UPSC Mains GS 2 Syllabus

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the UPSC Prelims 2021 the toughest exam?

Definitely not. A survey conducted by PWOnlyIAS on the students enrolled in their program found that the students who enrolled perceive the exam to be moderate.

What is the cut off UPSC Prelims 2021 of the unreserved category?

For unreserved categories, 88.22 is the general cutoff.

Is CSAT 2022 tough?

No, students in PWOnly IAS centers across India found CSAT to be moderate and cracked it with decent marks under the guidance of experts.

How do I clear the UPSC prelims cutoff?

To clear UPSC prelims, cut off practice PYQs and join a good test series to learn question-solving skills.

How many marks are required to qualify for UPSC prelims?

In the CSAT paper, candidates should score above 66 marks, but in GS Paper 1, they must clear the cutoff for the particular year, which varies every year. For example, the UPSC prelims 2021 cutoff is 75.41 marks.

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UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2021, Detailed Analysis, Download PDF Now!

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
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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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