Most Asked Questions in UPSC Prelims: Repeated Themes and PYQs
Sep, 2025
•6 min read
The UPSC Prelims is the first and most crucial stage of the Civil Services Exam. A closer look at UPSC Prelims PYQs shows that many themes and concepts are repeated over the years. Identifying these patterns helps aspirants focus on the most important topics for UPSC Prelims, reduce unnecessary stress, and prepare with clarity.
Here, we will identify the most asked questions in UPSC Prelims with recurring themes, key areas, and guidance to enhance your preparation and make it more exam-oriented.
Most Asked Themes in UPSC Prelims
When you go through past year papers, you’ll notice that UPSC doesn’t change everything every year. Some themes keep coming back again and again. If you prepare these areas well, you automatically increase your chances of clearing the UPSC Prelims with confidence. To guide you better, here’s a table of the most asked themes in UPSC Prelims.
Sample List of Most Asked Questions in UPSC Prelims
To understand the exam better, it’s not enough to just read themes. You also need to see how UPSC frames its questions. A sample list of the most asked questions in UPSC Prelims gives clarity on the type, depth, and style of questions you can expect. Going through these helps identify repeated patterns but also builds confidence in tackling tricky options.
Polity & Governance PYQs UPSC Prelims
Below are some sample previous year questions. Attempt and practice them easily with quick explanations to strengthen your understanding of core polity concepts.
Fundamental Rights
QUESTION 1
Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy?
Amendment of the Constitution
QUESTION 1
Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy?
Preamble
QUESTION 1
The mind of the makers of the Constitution of India is reflected in which of the following?
Fundamental Duties
QUESTION 1
Which of the following statements is/are true of the Fundamental Duties of an Indian citizen?
- A legislative process has been provided to enforce these duties.
- They are correlative to legal duties. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Schedules of the Constitution
QUESTION 1
The provisions in the Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to -
History PYQs UPSC Prelims
Here are some sample previous year questions. Attempt and practice them easily with quick explanations to strengthen your understanding of historical facts.
Buddhism
QUESTION 1
The provisions in the Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to -
Mughal Empire
QUESTION 1
In medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for
Indian National Congress
QUESTION 1
The 1929 Session of Indian National Congress is of significance in the history of the Freedom Movement because the -
British Policies in India
QUESTION 1
With reference to Ryotwari Settlement, consider the statements :
- The rent was paid directly by the peasants to the Government.
- The Government gave Pattas to the Ryots.
- The lands were surveyed and assessed before being taxed.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 Only
B. 1 and 2 Only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. None
Jainism & Buddhism
QUESTION 1
With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?
- Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
- Indifference to the authority of the Vedas
- Denial of the efficacy of rituals
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Geography PYQs UPSC Prelims
Given below are selected Geography PYQs. Attempt them, understand the quick solutions, and strengthen your grip on frequently asked topics.
Indian Agriculture
QUESTION 1
A state in India has the following characteristics:
- Its northern part is arid and semi-arid.
- Its central part produces cotton.
- Cultivation of cash crops is predominant over food crops.
Which one of the following states has all of the above characteristics?
Physiography
QUESTION 1
Westerlies in the southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent than in northern hemisphere. Why?
- The Southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared to the Northern hemisphere.
- Coriolis force is higher in Southern hemisphere as compared to the Northern hemisphere
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
World Geography
QUESTION 1
Between India and East Asia, the navigation-time and distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following?
- Deepening the Malacca Straits between Malaysia and Indonesia.
- Opening a new canal across the Kra isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and Andaman sea.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Climatology
QUESTION 1
Consider the following description:
- Annual and daily range of temperatures is low.
- Precipitation occurs throughout the year.
- Precipitation varies between 50 cm - 250 cm.
What is this type of climate?
Environment & Ecology PYQs UPSC Prelims
Practice these selected Environment & Ecology PYQs. Short explanations are provided to help you revise and remember the important points quickly.
Indian Biodiversity
QUESTION 1
Consider the following description:
- Annual and daily range of temperatures is low.
- Precipitation occurs throughout the year.
- Precipitation varies between 50 cm - 250 cm.
What is this type of climate?
Environmental Policies & Acts
QUESTION 1
Consider the following description:
- Annual and daily range of temperatures is low.
- Precipitation occurs throughout the year.
- Precipitation varies between 50 cm - 250 cm.
What is this type of climate?
Climate Change
QUESTION 1
Consider the following description:
- Annual and daily range of temperatures is low.
- Precipitation occurs throughout the year.
- Precipitation varies between 50 cm - 250 cm.
What is this type of climate?
Environmental Organisations
QUESTION 1
Consider the following description:
- Annual and daily range of temperatures is low.
- Precipitation occurs throughout the year.
- Precipitation varies between 50 cm - 250 cm.
What is this type of climate?
Economy PYQs UPSC Prelims
Practice these Economy sample previous year questions with quick explanations to revise key concepts and boost your Prelims preparation.
Inflation
QUESTION 1
With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:
- If the inflation is too high, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to buy government securities.
- If the rupee is rapidly depreciating, RBI is likely to sell dollars in the market.
- If interest rates in the USA or European Union were to fall, that is likely to induce RBI to buy dollars.
Which of the statements given below is/are correct?
Monetary Policy of India
QUESTION 1
Consider the following statements:
- Tight monetary policy of US Federal Reserve could lead to capital flight.
- Capital flight may increase cost of firms with existing External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)
- Devaluation of domestic currency decreases the currency risk associated with ECBs
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Reserve Bank of India
QUESTION 1
Consider the following statements:
- The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government.
- Certain provisions in the Constitution of India give the Central Government the right to issue directions to the RBI in public interest.
- The Governor of the RBI draws his power from the RBI Act.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Important Organisations
QUESTION 1
With reference to the Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS), which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Quantitative restrictions on imports by foreign investors are prohibited.
- They apply to investment measures related to trade in both goods and services.
- They are not concerned with the regulation of foreign investments.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Art & Culture PYQs UPSC Prelims
Below is a set of Art & Culture PYQs. Attempt them and go through the short explanations to clear doubts and build strong basics.
Temple Architecture of India
QUESTION 1
With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to
Indian Paintings
QUESTION 1
Consider the following historical places:
- Ajanta Caves
- Lepakshi Temple
- Sanchi Stupa
Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?
Indian Music & Dance
QUESTION 1
With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct?
- Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period.
- Dhrupad is primarily devotional and spiritual music.
- Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
UNESCO WHS
QUESTION 1
With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct?
- Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period.
- Dhrupad is primarily devotional and spiritual music.
- Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Science & Technology PYQs UPSC Prelims
Given below are Science & Technology PYQs. Attempt them, understand the quick solutions, and strengthen your grip on frequently asked topics.
Biotechnology
QUESTION 1
With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
a. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only b. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs c. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies
Space Technology
QUESTION 1
With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
a. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only b. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs c. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies
General Science
QUESTION 1
With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
a. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only b. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs c. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies
International Relations PYQs UPSC Prelims
Here are some IR questions from past UPSC Prelims. Solve them with ease and check the quick explanations for better clarity.
QUESTION 1
With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
a. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only b. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs c. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies
QUESTION 1
Consider the following countries :
- Australia
- Canada
- China
- India
- Japan
- USA
Which of the above are among the 'free-trade partners' of ASEAN?
Multilateral Groupings
QUESTION 1
In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'?
Practice Topic-Wise UPSC Prelims PYQs
Smart PYQ-based practice covering the entire UPSC Prelims topics
Start NowConclusion
Clearing the UPSC Prelims is all about smart focus on repeated themes, PYQs, and consistent revision. Stay disciplined, keep practising, and success will be yours.
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