UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024, Detailed Analysis and Expected Cutofff

Official UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024 along with Paper II has been released on the official website by UPSC. The exam was conducted on June 16, 2024, and the UPSC prelims result is expected to be released in the first week of July 2024. Here, we have provided the direct UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 2024 download link PDF along with Paper II and PW OnlyIAS Answer keys. 

The UPSC Prelims exam is the first step in this journey. For General Studies Paper 1 (GS Paper 1), UPSC releases the Cut-off along with the final results. Here, we have provided the UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 for 2024 analysis, including its syllabus, pattern, marks, cutoff, book recommendation, and the importance of UPSC Previous Years’ Questions (PYQs).

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UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024 Overview

The UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024 is a crucial screening test for the Civil Services Examination, assessing candidates on a wide range of subjects including current events, history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and general science. This paper comprises 100 multiple-choice questions, each carrying 2 marks, with a penalty for incorrect answers. Clearing the cutoff is essential for progressing to the main examination.

Here is a table summarizing the key details of the UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024:

UPSC Prelims 2024 GS1 Analysis

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 awaren ess-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. Overall, this section can be considered moderate in difficulty level.

Overall, this year’s paper can be considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024 Syllabus

The Prelims GS PAPER 1 syllabus is designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of various subjects crucial for civil services. The detailed syllabus includes:

Knowing the Prelims GS Paper 1 syllabus helps you plan your studies effectively.

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UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024 Pattern

The Prelims GS Paper 1 pattern is straightforward but challenging. Here are the key points:

Understanding the Prelims GS Paper 1 pattern helps you manage your time and minimize negative marking.

UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024 Marks

In Prelims GS Paper 1, each question is worth 2 marks. There is negative marking for wrong answers, with 0.66 marks deducted for each incorrect response. Here’s a breakdown of how the marks distribution affects your overall score:

• Total Marks: 200
• Marks per Question: 2
• Negative Marking: 0.66 per incorrect answer.

Example: If you answer 70 questions correctly, 20 incorrectly, and leave 10 unanswered:

• Correct Answers: 70 x 2 = 140 marks
• Incorrect Answers: 20 x -0.66 = -13.2 marks
• Net Score: 140 – 13.2 = 126.8 marks

This shows how important it is to answer carefully and avoid guessing.

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UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024 Distribution

The marks obtained in Prelims GS PAPER 1 are crucial as they determine whether a candidate qualifies for the Mains examination. However, the marks of GS Paper 1 are not counted for the final merit list; they only serve as a screening test.

UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024 Cutoff

The cutoff for Prelims GS PAPER 1 varies each year based on factors such as the number of candidates, difficulty level of the exam, and overall performance. The cutoff is the minimum score required to qualify for the Mains exam.

UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024 Cutoff Trends

The cutoff for Prelims GS Paper 1 varies each year. Here are some recent cutoffs:

These cutoffs show how competitive the exam is and how well you need to prepare to clear it.

Expected Cutoff for UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024

While it’s difficult to predict the exact cutoff for UPSC Prelims 2024, looking at past trends can help set a realistic target. Based on recent trends, the expected cutoff for UPSC Prelims 2024 for the General category might be around 90-95 marks. However, this can vary based on the difficulty level of the paper and the performance of the candidates.

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UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024 PYQ (Previous Year Questions)

Analyzing Prelims GS PAPER 1 PYQs is a vital part of preparation. It helps in understanding the type of questions asked, the difficulty level, and the important topics.

Importance of UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024 PYQ

Practicing Previous Years’ Questions (PYQs) for Prelims GS Paper 1 is very helpful. Here’s why:

1. Understand Question Patterns: PYQs show you the type and format of questions.
2. Identify Important Topics: PYQs highlight frequently asked topics.
3. Improve Time Management: Practicing PYQs helps you manage your time better during the exam.
4. Check Preparation Levels: Solving PYQs helps you assess your preparation and identify areas needing improvement.

Regular practice of Prelims GS Paper 1 PYQ can significantly boost your chances of success.

Steps to Download UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024 Question Paper PDF

Downloading the UPSC Prelims 2024 question paper PDF is straightforward. Here are the steps:

1. Visit the official UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in).

2. Go to the ‘Examinations’ section.

3. Click on ‘Previous Year Question Papers’.

4. Select ‘Civil Services Examination’.

5. Look for the UPSC Prelims 2024 question paper and download the PDF.

Having the question paper helps you practice and get a feel of the actual exam.

Recommended Books for UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024

Having the right study material is crucial for effective preparation. Here are some highly recommended books for each subject area:

Preparation Tips for UPSC Prelims GS PAPER 1 2024

1. Structured Study Plan: Make a study plan covering all topics in the Prelims GS Paper 1 syllabus. Stick to the schedule.
2. Regular Revision: Revise regularly to remember what you’ve studied. Make short notes for quick revisions.
3. Stay Updated: Follow current events through newspapers, magazines, and online sources.
4. Mock Tests: Take mock tests to simulate the exam environment. Analyze your performance and work on weak areas.
5. Balanced Approach: Cover all subjects in the syllabus. Do not neglect any section.
6. Health and Well-being: Eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. Mental and physical health is important for effective preparation.

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Lastly, The UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 is a critical part of the Civil Services Examination. By understanding the Prelims GS Paper 1 syllabus, pattern, marks distribution, and cutoff trends, and by practicing Prelims GS Paper 1 PYQ, you can enhance your chances of success. Stay focused, positive, and keep improving your strategies.