UPSC CSE Prelims Subject-wise Weightage 2024
Understanding the UPSC CSE Prelims Subject-wise Weightage is vital for preparation. Selection for the Mains exam depends on the General Studies paper's score out of 200 marks, with candidates needing over 33% or 66 marks to qualify.
Understanding the UPSC CSE Prelims Subject-wise Weightage is essential for effective preparation. Based on the previous year UPSC CSE Prelims, Current Affairs (16 marks), History (14 marks), Geography (16 marks), Polity (15 marks), Economics (14 marks), Science and Technology (12 marks), and Environment (13 marks) were allocated marks respectively. The prelims exam, comprising General Studies and CSAT papers, is qualifying, with the selection based on the General Studies paper's score out of 200 marks. In comparison, candidates must score over 33% or 66 marks to qualify for the UPSC Mains examination. We will now explore the subject-wise weightage for each paper based on previous-year trends.
Scheduled for May 26, 2024, the UPSC Civil Services Prelims exam draws numerous aspirants yearly, marking the initial phase of the rigorous UPSC CSE 2024 examination process, followed by the Mains examination and the subsequent personality test/ Interview round for qualifying candidates.
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UPSC Subject-wise Weightage for Civil Services Prelims Exam (2012-2021)
The table mentioned shows the total number of questions from different UPSC subjects. The data, available from the year 2012 to 2021, will provide a sufficient idea of important topics to aspirants. Accordingly, candidates can prepare for each of the subjects in the UPSC CSE Prelims exam:
Year | Current Affairs | History | Economics | Geography | Polity | Science and Technology | Environment |
2021 | 14 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 14 | 12 | 15 |
2020 | 18 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 17 | 10 | 10 |
2019 | 22 | 17 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 07 | 11 |
2018 | 14 | 22 | 18 | 10 | 13 | 10 | 13 |
2017 | 15 | 14 | 16 | 09 | 22 | 09 | 15 |
2016 | 27 | 15 | 18 | 07 | 07 | 08 | 18 |
2015 | 26 | 17 | 13 | 16 | 13 | 08 | 11 |
2014 | 08 | 22 | 10 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 18 |
2013 | 0 | 16 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 17 |
2012 | 1 | 19 | 17 | 17 | 20 | 9 | 17 |
UPSC CSE Prelims Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2024
In the UPSC Prelims, lakhs of candidates appear but only thousands get selected for the UPSC Mains exam. It is important for students to get familiar with the syllabus and prepare well. A comprehensive understanding of the subjects with the weightage of marks covered in this exam can help students plan a strategy. Here is an analysis of the trends in mark distribution for various subjects covered in the exam for past years.
UPSC CSE Prelims Exam Pattern 2024
The prelims exam mainly consists of objective-type questions. For each of the wrong answers, a negative marking will be done. The table below shows the structure of the UPSC CSE Exam Pattern 2024:
Paper | Total Marks | Type | No. of Questions | Duration | Nature | Negative Marking |
General Studies Paper 1 | 200 | Objective | 100 | 2 hours | Merit Ranking | Yes |
General Studies Paper 2 (CSAT) | 200 | Objective | 80 | 2 hours | Qualifying | Yes |
UPSC CSE Prelims Syllabus 2024
Knowing the UPSC CSE Syllabus 2024 for Prelims is equally important to understand the weightage given to different subjects in the examination:General Studies Paper I | General Studies Paper II |
Current events that are of national and international importance | Comprehension |
Indian Polity and Governance - Constitution | General mental ability |
| Climate Change, General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity | Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. — Class X level); Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of Magnitude, etc.) - (Class X level) |
Geography of India and World | Decision-making and problem-solving |
History of India and Indian National Movement | Interpersonal skills including communication skills |
Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic | Logical reasoning and analytical ability |
Political System, Public Policy, Panchayati Raj, Rights Issues, etc. | - |
Economic and Social Development - Sustainable | - |
Development, Demographics, Social, Poverty, Inclusion | - |
Sector Initiatives, etc. | - |
General Science | - |
Also Read: List of NCERT Books Required for UPSC Preparation 2024
Analysis of Subject-wise Important Topics in UPSC CSE Prelims (2011-2020)
In the UPSC Civil Services Prelims, Current Affairs is one of the most important subjects followed by History and Polity. Read on to know the preparation tips and important topics for each of the UPSC subjects:
Current Affairs
This is a wide subject as the question can appear from diverse sections including science & technology, government initiatives, security issues, defence, and international relations. Hence, it needs candidates to stay tuned to all the updates of different segments.
History
According to the previous years’ trend, history is one of the most popular subjects among UPSC candidates. A lot of questions are asked from this subject. Questions from different topics such as heritage, art & culture are asked in UPSC prelims. While preparing, candidates can focus on NCERTs and other books to study these topics.
Geography
In the prelims exam, questions are asked from the physical geography of India and the world. To prepare the best, candidates can rely on NCERT Geography books recommended for classes VIII to XII.
Polity
Indian constitution is a highly important subject for UPSC CSE Prelims. The candidates preparing for UPSC CS Prelims examination need a thorough reading of Indian Polity. They can also use NCERTs and other materials to strengthen the foundation before going for the exam.
Science & Technology
Questions related to recent developments in science & technology are commonly asked. Candidates with a good command of current affairs, specifically the Science & Technology portion can score high marks.
Economy
Economy is also one of the important sections of the UPSC Prelims syllabus. Questions can be asked from diverse topics such as national income, fiscal and monetary policies, fiscal deficit, inflation-deflation, taxes, and so on.
Environment
Questions related to ecology, environment and biodiversity, climate change can appear in the exam. Candidates can learn from NCERT books and other online study material to prepare for this portion of the exam.
It is rightly said that UPSC CSE is one of the toughest exams in the world, with only around 25% of test-takers getting through every year. However, with the right amount of dedication and smart preparation, you can certainly achieve your goal. Instead of wasting your time on irrelevant topics, invest your time in the most important topics or the ones that carry the highest weightage.
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FAQs
Name some important books to prepare for the UPSC GS Paper 1 Exam?
Candidates can refer to India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra, General Science by Editorial Board, and more to prepare for UPSC General Studies Paper 1.
Which subjects are important for UPSC General Studies Exam 2024?
Candidates should focus on Current Affairs and History. They are the important subjects to prepare for UPSC Prelims exams.