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UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024, GS Paper 1 and CSAT, Download PDF, Updated Link

PWOnlyIAS June 20, 2024 11:50 3477 0

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, GS Paper 1 and CSAT, Download PDF, Updated Link

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

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

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

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 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 Prelims Exam Analysis 2024 of paper II – CSAT

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:

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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

Expected Cutoff Marks Based on UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024

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 Exam Analysis 2024 – UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2024

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.

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UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024 – Questions and Solutions

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.

UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Questions and Solutions 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)

4. UPSC Prelims CSAT Questions and Solutions 2024

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)

Key Takeaway from UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024

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:

  • Increase in Difficulty: The difficulty level of questions has been increasing over the years. This means that candidates will have to raise their preparation standards to tackle such questions.
  • Older Current Affairs: As was in the case of 2023, UPSC has continued asking questions about current affairs topics older than 1 year. Candidates will need to brush up on current affairs knowledge from the past 1.5-2 years.
  • Nature of Questions: The trend of pair-based questions has continued. These types of questions have been a major reason for the increase in difficulty level.
  • MCQ-solving Aptitude: Candidates have to develop the ability to solve tricky questions. This is possible only through rigorous practice.
  • Practice of Test Series: Candidates who have attempted test series have fared better compared to those who have not. You can also increase your preparation levels by enrolling in the UPSC 2025 Prelims Test series by PW OnlyIAS.

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UPSC Prelims Last Five Year Trend Analysis

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

UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024

UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024

UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023

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

Srijan 2024

UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2022

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.

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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

UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2021

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

UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2020

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):

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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

UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2019

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 

UPSC Mains Exam Analysis 2024

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.

UPSC Mains Essay Paper Analysis 2024

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.

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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.

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

 

UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024 FAQs

The expected cutoff marks for UPSC Prelims 2024 is between 70-80 marks.

The best strategy is to revise notes as much as possible. In addition, attempting test series will help you increase your confidence.

On an average, UPSC asks 25-30 questions from Reading Comprehension in UPSC Prelims CSAT.

No. UPSC does not follow a fixed pattern in this regard. The number of questions asked from each sub-topic varies each year.

There is no fixed number of questions to be attempted that will assure you to clear cutoff marks. Candidates attempting <80 questions and those attempting >90 questions have also cleared the cutoff marks.
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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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