Topic Wise UPSC Prelims Weightage Analysis

The UPSC Prelims is the first hurdle you need to clear to embark on your journey to the coveted civil services. But with a vast syllabus and limited time, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Understanding the UPSC prelims subject wise weightage and knowing which subjects pack the biggest punch is crucial.

Let's decode this.

The UPSC Prelims consists of two papers:

• General Studies Paper I

This paper holds the key to your final ranking. It’s worth 200 marks and comprises 100 objective-type questions. It includes a mix of history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and current affairs. You get two hours to tackle this paper, but keep in mind there’s a negative marking of 1/3rd of the marks allotted to each question.

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• General Studies Paper II (CSAT)

Unlike Paper I, CSAT is a qualifying paper testing your aptitude and reasoning skills.

You need to secure a minimum score to proceed to the Mains. It’s also objective-type with 80 questions in two hours, and it also carries a negative marking of 1/3rd of the marks per question.

Remember: While CSAT is important to clear, your focus should primarily be on General Studies Paper I, as it determines your rank. Understanding the UPSC prelims subject wise weightage for GS Paper I can help you prioritize your preparation effectively.

Also watch: How To Study PYQs for UPSC Prelims | UPSC CSE 2025/26

Okay, now let’s break down the UPSC prelims subject wise weightage trends!

GS Paper 1 - Subject-Wise Question Trends

The Prelims is a vast ocean, but understanding the UPSC prelims subject wise weightage can be your compass. 

Let’s break the GS paper 1 down:

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• Current Events: This is the heart of the paper. Every year, a significant chunk of questions comes from national and international happenings. Be it politics, economy, environment, or social issues, stay updated.

Also watch: 100% Current Affairs Revision for UPSC Prelims & Mains 2024-25 - Power Revision 2.0 

• History and Geography: These two form the backbone. History, especially modern India, and geography, both physical and human, have consistent weightage. Don't ignore world geography, as it often intersects with current events.
• Polity and Economy: These are dynamic subjects. Polity, with its focus on constitution, governance, and policies, is crucial. Economy, especially in the context of development and social issues, is equally important.
• Environment and Science: These are gaining traction. Questions on ecology, biodiversity, climate change, and general science are on the rise. Basic scientific understanding is essential.

To understand the UPSC prelims subject wise weightage, check out these question trends for GS Paper 1 over the past decade:

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Key takeaways from the UPSC prelims subject wise weightage table above:

• Current Affairs: Crucial every year, with a peak in 2016. Stay updated on both national and international events.

Struggling to stay updated with current affairs? 

SuperKalam’s Daily News Analysis, Editorial Summaries, and Quizzes make revising a breeze. Link them to your GS syllabus for a powerful preparation boost!

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• History: Consistently significant, particularly Modern India. It remains a stable area for focused study.

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• Geography: Varies, with spikes in years like 2023. Important to cover both physical and human geography.

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• Polity: Steady significance, with a focus on governance and constitutional issues. Key years include 2017 and 2023.

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• Economy: Increasingly important, especially in development and social issues. Consistent presence in the paper.

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• Environment: Rising focus, with a peak in 2022. Reflects global concerns over climate change and biodiversity.

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• Science and Technology: Steady, with notable years like 2014 and 2022. Basic scientific understanding is crucial.

Alright, now that we've nailed down the trends, let's zoom into the specifics for 2024.

UPSC GS Paper 1 - 2024 Subject-Wise Questions

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The UPSC prelims subject wise weightage in the 2024 GS Paper 1 tested candidates across a broad range of subjects, from Current Affairs to Science and Technology. Each subject brought its own challenges, requiring a deep understanding of concepts and current events.

Below is a breakdown of questions asked in each subject, highlighting key areas of focus.

Current Affairs

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Q. Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?

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1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

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Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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(a) 1, 2 and 3

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(b) 1, 2 and 4

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(c) 1, 3 and 4

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(d) 2, 3 and 4

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Answer: (d) 2, 3 and 4

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Q. Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO?

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(a) Chhau dance

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(b) Durga Puja

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(c) Garba dance

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(d) Kumbh mela

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Answer: (c) Garba dance

History

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Q. Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhasa?

(a)  Kavyalankara

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(b)  Natyashastra

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(c)  Madhyama-vyayoga

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(d)  Mahabhashya

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Answer: (c)  Madhyama-vyayoga

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Q. With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets?

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1. Nayaputta
2. Shakyamuni
3. Tathagata

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Select the correct answer:

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(a)  1 only

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(b)  2 and 3 only

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(c)  1, 2 and 3

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(d)  None of the above are epithets of Gautama Buddha

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Answer: (b)  2 and 3 only

Geography

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Q. With reference to the Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East, which one of the fallowing sequences is correct?

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      (a)   Ghaghara — Gomati — Gandak — Kosi

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      (b)   Gomati — Ghaghara — Gandak — Kosi

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      (c)   Ghaghara — Gomati — Kosi — Gandak

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      (d)   Gomati — Ghaghara — Kosi — Gandak

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Answer: (b)  Gomati — Ghaghara — Gandak — Kosi

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Q. Consider the following information:

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In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

      (a)   Only one

      (b)   Only two

      (c)   All three

      (d)   None

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Answer: (a)  Only one

Politics

Q. The Constitution (71st Amendment) Act, 1992 amends the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution to include which of the following languages?

1. Konkani
2. Manipuri
3. Nepali
4. Maithili

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

       (a)   1, 2 and 3

       (b)   1, 2 and 4

       (c)   1, 3 and 4

       (d)   2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)   1, 2 and 3

Q, Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy?

1. Article 15
2. Article 16
3. Article 19
4. Article 21 

Answer: (d) Article 21 

Economics

Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the digital rupee:

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1. It is a sovereign currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in alignment with its monetary policy.
2. It appears as a liability on the RBI’s balance sheet.
3. It is insured against inflation by its very design.
4. It is freely convertible against commercial bank money and cash.

       Which of the statements given above are correct?

  (a)  1 and 2 only

  (b)  1 and 3 only

  (c)  2 and 4 only

  (d)  1, 2 and 4

Answer: (d)  1, 2 and 4

Q. With reference to the sectors of the Indian economy, consider the following pairs:

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

  (a)   Only one

  (b)   Only two

  (c)   Only three

  (d)   All four

Answer: (b)  Only two

Environment

Q. The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater” are :

      (a)   Birds

      (b)   Fish

      (c)   Insects

      (d)   Reptiles

Answer: (c)  Insects

Q. Consider the following statements: 

1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

      (a)   1 and 2 only

      (b)   2 and 3 only

      (c)   1 and 3 only

      (d)   1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)  1 and 2 only

Science and Technology

Q. Consider the following activities:

1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft
2. Monitoring of precipitation
3. Tracking the migration of animals

In how many of the above activities can the radars be used?

      (a)   Only one

      (b)   Only two

      (c)   All three

      (d)   None

Answer: (b)  Only two

Q. Which one of the following is synthesised in the human body that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow?

     (a)   Nitric oxide

     (b)   Nitrous oxide

     (c)   Nitrogen dioxide

     (d)   Nitrogen pentoxide

Answer: (a)  Nitric oxide

Also watch: All India MINI Prelims Test | LIVE Discussion with MindMaps and Model Answers | UPSC 2025/26

Alright, now let’s shift our focus to the UPSC prelims subject wise weightage trends in GS Paper 2 - CSAT.

GS Paper 2 - CSAT Subject-Wise Question Trends

Unlike GS Paper I, CSAT is a qualifying paper. Understanding the UPSC prelims subject wise weightage here can save you precious time and stress.

CSAT tests your ability to think logically, analyze information, and make decisions. The paper is divided into four main areas:

• Comprehension and Interpersonal Skills

This tests your ability to understand and interpret written information and how you handle situations involving people.

• Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability

This particular section focuses on your ability to think critically, solve puzzles, and draw conclusions.

• Decision Making and Problem Solving

This tests your ability to choose the best course of action in given situations and find solutions to problems.

• General Mental Ability, Basic Numeracy, and Data Interpretation

This covers a mix of questions on mental ability, basic math, and understanding data.

Also watch: FREE: Master UPSC CSAT with UPSC Topper | Complete CSAT Preparation Playlist

Here’s a breakdown of the CSAT question trends over the years, highlighting the UPSC prelims subject wise weightage:

Key takeaways from the above table:

• Increasing Focus on Quantitative Aptitude: The number of questions from Quantitative Aptitude has steadily increased, peaking at 44 in 2023.

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• Reading Comprehension Remains Consistent: The questions from Reading Comprehension have remained fairly consistent over the years, with slight variations.

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• Logical Reasoning Decline: There has been a noticeable decrease in the number of Logical Reasoning questions, dropping to just 10 in 2023.

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• Quantitative Aptitude Dominates in Recent Years: Since 2020, Quantitative Aptitude has become the most dominant section, requiring focused preparation.

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Alright, now that we've dissected the trends, let's move on to some of the questions asked in the year 2024! 

UPSC GS Paper 2 - 2024 Subject-Wise Analysis

In the 2024 UPSC GS Paper 2, you faced a range of questions designed to test your logical reasoning, math skills, and comprehension. Each question was crafted to challenge different aspects of your analytical abilities.

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Lets take a look at 2 of the questions asked this year: 

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Q. X, Y and Z can complete a piece of work individually in 6 hours, 8 hours and 8 hours, respectively. However, only one person at a time can work in each hour and nobody can work for two consecutive hours. All are engaged to finish the work. What is the minimum amount of time that they will take to finish the work? 

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1. 6 hours 15 minutes 
2. 6 hours 30 minutes 
3. 6 hours 45 minutes 
4. 7 hours 

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Answer: (c) 6 hours 30 minutes 

The work is divided among X, Y, and Z, with X working for 3 hours and Y and Z each working for 1.5 hours. This alternating pattern completes the work in 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Q. On January 1st, 2023, a person saved Rs 1. On January 2nd, 2023, he saved Rs. 2 more than that on the previous day. On January 3rd, 2023, he saved Rs. 2 more than that on the previous day and so on. At the end of which date was his total savings a perfect square as well as a perfect cube? 

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1. 7th January, 2023 
2. 8th January, 2023 
3. 9th January, 2023 
4. Not possible 

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Answer: (b) 

By January 8th, the total savings reach Rs. 64, which is both a perfect square (8^2) and a perfect cube (4^3). Hence, the answer is January 8th, 2023.

Want to ace the next UPSC Prelims? 

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Conclusion

We've navigated the vast ocean of UPSC Prelims subject wise weightage. Here's a quick recap:

• GS Paper I: Current affairs are king, but don't neglect history, geography, polity, and economics. Science and environment are gaining ground, so stay informed.
• CSAT: While qualifying, a strong foundation in logical reasoning, decision-making, and basic numeracy can be a time-saver.

Now, how do you leverage this knowledge? As Chanakya cleverly said, "Knowledge without execution is like a tree without fruit." Here's your final tip:

Use the UPSC prelims subject wise weightage trends to prioritize your study time. Focus on high-weightage areas, but don't ignore anything completely. Stay updated on current affairs, and practice answering previous year's questions to understand the UPSC's style.

Pace yourself, stay focused, and keep this quote close: "It always seems impossible until it's done."

Ready to conquer the UPSC Prelims? Supercharge your preparation with SuperKlamm! At SuperKalam, we offer comprehensive UPSC courses, mock tests, and personalized mentorship to help you crack this exam. 

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Also worth reading: Tips to Clear UPSC Exam in First Attempt