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April 23, 2024 05:48
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UPSC Prelims Question Papers are crucial to understand the pattern of this exam. Check out the questions from 2019 to 2023, along with analysis, exam patterns, and preparation strategies, and challenge yourself to unlock the exam's secrets.
The UPSC Prelims Question Papers consists of two papers: one is General Studies Paper 1, and the other is General Studies Paper 1 CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test). . The Prelims exam serves as a screening test for the comprehensive selection process conducted by the UPSC to recruit candidates for various civil service and other group A and B positions. After prelims, candidates have to appear for the UPSC CSE Mains and Personality Test (interview). UPSC Prelims question papers are crucial as they assess candidates’ knowledge and aptitude for civil services.
The UPSC Prelims question papers consist of two objective-type papers, each carrying equal weightage (200 marks). General Studies Paper-I (GS Paper-I) is the core paper, testing a candidate’s comprehensive understanding of various subjects. It covers a vast syllabus encompassing current events, Indian history, polity, geography, social issues, science and technology, and economic development. This paper demands a well-rounded knowledge base and the ability to connect dots across diverse disciplines.
General Studies Paper-II (CSAT), also known as the Civil Service Aptitude Test, focuses on assessing a candidate’s aptitude in crucial areas. This paper evaluates a candidate’s reasoning abilities, analytical skills, decision-making capabilities, and problem-solving prowess. These skills are essential for success in the civil service, making Paper-II a vital hurdle to overcome.
Here’s the breakdown of topics that the UPSC Preliminary Examination question paper covers:
| General Studies Paper 1 | General Studies Paper 2-CSAT |
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Two papers of the UPSC CSE Preliminary Examination are held on the same day. Both papers are composed of multiple-choice, objective type questions. The preliminary examination aims to select candidates for the main examination. Although the marks obtained at this stage are not considered for the final merit list, candidates should prepare thoroughly for this exam as the cut-offs can be unpredictable and are based on the average score every year. Below are the specifics of the UPSC Prelims question pattern:
Important Note: It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in both papers of the preliminary examination for the purpose of evaluation; otherwise, the candidate will be disqualified in case he/she does not appear in both papers of the Civil Services (Prelim) Examination.
Here’s how the Preliminary Examination is structured:
| 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% or 66.67 marks |
| Languages | English and Hindi | English and Hindi. |
Here is a list of previous year questions asked in the last few years of exam:
| Year | Papers |
| 2023 | GS Paper 1 |
| CSAT Paper 2 | |
| 2022 | GS Paper 1 |
| CSAT Paper 2 | |
| 2021 | GS Paper 1 |
| CSAT Paper 2 | |
| 2020 | GS Paper 1 |
| CSAT Paper 2 | |
| 2019 | GS Paper 1 |
| CSAT Paper 2 |
Let us see the various range of questions asked in both papers of the UPSC Prelims.
| Year/Subject | History | Geography | Polity | Economy | Science & Technology | Environment | Current
Affairs |
| 2023 | 14 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| 2022 | 14 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| 2021 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 16 | 14 | 17 | 17 |
| 2020 | 20 | 10 | 17 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 18 |
| 2019 | 17 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 7 | 11 | 22 |
| 2018 | 22 | 10 | 13 | 18 | 10 | 13 | 14 |
| 2017 | 14 | 9 | 22 | 16 | 9 | 15 | 15 |
| 2016 | 15 | 7 | 7 | 18 | 8 | 18 | 27 |
| 2015 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 8 | 11 | 22 |
| 2014 | 20 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 16 | 18 | 8 |
| 2013 | 16 | 18 | 16 | 19 | 14 | 17 | 0 |
| 2012 | 19 | 17 | 20 | 17 | 9 | 17 | 1 |
| 2011 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 13 |
1. History:
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2. Geography:
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3. Polity
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4. Economy
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5. Science & Technology
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6. Environment
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7. Current Affairs
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The General Studies Paper-II, also known as CSAT, focuses on assessing your core abilities that are essential for success in various fields, not just academics. Here’s a breakdown of what each section tests:
Let’s examine the pattern of questions posed in the UPSC CSAT Paper II. This trend analysis will provide insights into the distribution of marks allocated to each section of the question paper, aiding candidates in understanding the weightage associated with each.
| Year | Math & Basic numeracy | Logical & Analytical reasoning | Reading comprehension | Decision making | Data Interpretation |
| 2011 | 11 | 17 | 39 | 8 | 5 |
| 2012 | 3 | 28 | 40 | 9 | 0 |
| 2013 | 11 | 21 | 33 | 6 | 9 |
| 2014 | 20 | 23 | 31 | 0 | 6 |
| 2015 | 30 | 18 | 30 | 0 | 2 |
| 2016 | 31 | 21 | 28 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 28 | 22 | 30 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 18 | 22 | 26 | 0 | 14 |
| 2019 | 32 | 18 | 30 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 42 | 12 | 26 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 33 | 18 | 27 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 25 | 22 | 30 | 3 | 0 |
| 2023 | 37 | 15 | 28 | 0 | 0 |
The UPSC Prelims can feel like a marathon, but with the right approach, you can conquer it! Here are some effective strategies to help you ace the exam:
| Must Read | |
| NCERT Notes For UPSC | UPSC Daily Current Affairs |
| UPSC Blogs | UPSC Daily Editorials |
| Daily Current Affairs Quiz | Daily Main Answer Writing |
| UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers | UPSC Test Series 2024 |
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