UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Papers (2011–2025)
Introduction
The UPSC Prelims is a tough and highly competitive exam that demands dedicated preparation, a well-planned strategy, and regular revision. Mastering the UPSC Prelims syllabus through smart practice of previous year questions (PYQs) is key. Analyzing past exam trends helps in understanding patterns and confidently approaching the test. Practicing UPSC Prelims online enhances accuracy, time management, and recognition of frequently repeated concepts.
Subject Wise Analysis
| Subjects |
|---|
Analysis
Economy
- Since 2011, the Economy section has covered around 15% of prelims each year.
- Economy bags the second place with an average of 17 questions per year.
- Prioritize static fundamentals + current affairs (Budget, Economic Survey).
- Economy, with 204 questions in 12 years, remains a top-priority prep area.
Environment & Ecology
- Environment & Ecology remains a dominant section in prelims due to Forest Service Prelims.
- Environment & Ecology has the most number of average questions per year at around 19.
- In 2014, 28 questions from the Environment & Ecology section alone.
Polity
- On average 15 questions of polity come each year.
- In 2024, the highest number of questions came from the polity section which is 19.
Geography
- Physical geography is making a comeback with 8 questions in 2024, the highest since 2011.
- On Average 12 questions from Geography sections come each year.
- Around 6 Questions come from Indian Geography every year.
Modern History
- On average only 3 questions come from Modern history in the last 3 years.
- In 2018, 13 questions came from Modern Indian History, the highest till now
Ancient & Medieval History
- Ancient History has had low ROI in the past few years with 1 to 3 questions per year.
- On average 2-3 questions come from medieval History
Art & Culture
- In Art & Culture around 5 questions come each year.
- In 2014, 15 Art & Culture questions came.
- On Average 18 questions come from History and Art & Culture each year.
Science & Technology
- Science & Technology remains an important subject with an average of 13 questions each year
- In 2013, 16 questions came from the Science & Technology section with 11 questions in 2024
Difficulty Analysis of Prelims Across Years
| Difficulty | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | 33 | 42 | 20 | 25 | 35 | 30 |
| Medium | 35 | 40 | 45 | 48 | 38 | 43 |
| Hard | 32 | 18 | 35 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
Prelims 2025 Analysis
Emerging Trends
- Top Subjects: Polity (14 Qs), Economy (18 Qs)
- Notable Surges: Modern History (8 Qs), International Relations (8 Qs)
- Recovery: Science & Tech bounced to 13 Qs (from 9 Qs in 2023)
Repeated Questions/themes in 2025
Examples:
2025 Question | Repeated PYQ |
|---|---|
| [UPSC Prelims 2019]  |
 | [UPSC Prelims 2016]  |
 | [UPSC Prelims 2004]  |
 | [UPSC Prelims 2016]  |
 | [UPSC Prelims 2023]  |
Action Plan
- Prioritize High-Yield Subjects: Economy, Environment, Polity, Modern History.
- Stay Updated Monthly: IR, Economy, Sci-Tech, and Environment (dynamic topics).
- Analyze PYQ Trends Annually: Adapt for variable subjects (e.g., Art & Culture, World Geography).
- Practice Smartly: Spot repeat topics, analyze patterns, and focus on the application.
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Conclusion
Practicing UPSC Prelims PYQs from 2011–2025 offers critical insights into exam trends, recurring topics, and question patterns. Consistent PYQ analysis sharpens accuracy, boosts confidence, and enhances time management. Focus on high-weightage subjects and adapt based on annual trends. Leverage SuperKalam’s Smart PYQ Practice Tool for targeted, efficient, and AI-driven UPSC Prelims preparation.