Quick Links
Quick Links
UPSC Exams
Latest Update
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers Last 25 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC Mains 2024 Model Answers UPSC 2024 Question Papers UPSC 2023 Question Papers UPSC 2022 Question Papers UPSC 2021 Question Papers UPSC 2020 Question Papers UPSC 2019 Question Papers UPSC 2018 Question Papers UPSC 2017 Question Papers UPSC 2016 Question Papers UPSC 2015 Question Papers UPSC 2014 Question Papers UPSC CSAT Question Papers UPSC IFS Previous Year Paper UPSC Assistant Labour Commissioner Previous Question Year Papers UPSC Combined Geo Scientist Previous Year Paper UPSC APFC Previous Year Question Papers UPSC CMS Previous Year Question Paper UPSC EPFO Previous Year Paper UPSC Air Safety Officer Previous Year Papers UPSC SO Steno Previous Year Paper UPSC IES ISS Previous Year Question Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Albania India Relations India Algeria Relations Andorra India Relations India Angola Relations India Antigua Barbuda Relations India Argentina Relations Austria India Relations India Azerbaijan Relations Bahamas India Relations India Bahrain Relations Barbados India Relations India Belarus Relations Belgium India Relations Belize India Relations Benin India Relations Bolivia India Relations India Bosnia Herzegovina Relations India Botswana Relations Brazil India Relations Brunei India Relations Bulgaria India Relations Burundi India Relations Cabo Verde India Relations India Cambodia Relations India Cameroon Relations Canada India Relations India Cayman Islands Relations India Central African Republic Relations India Chad Relations Chile India Relations India Colombia Relations India Comoros Relations India Democratic Republic Of The Congo Relations India Republic Of The Congo Relations India Cook Islands Relations India Costa Rica Relations India Ivory Coast Relations India Croatia Relations India Cyprus Relations India Czech Republic Relations India Djibouti Relations India Dominica Relations India Dominican Republic Relations India Ecuador Relations India El Salvador Relations India Equatorial Guinea Relations India Eritrea Relations Estonia India Relations India Ethiopia Relations India Fiji Relations India Finland Relations India Gabon Relations India Gambia Relations India Georgia Relations Germany India Relations India Ghana Relations India Greece Relations India Grenada Relations India Guatemala Relations India Guinea Relations India Guinea Bissau Relations India Guyana Relations India Haiti Relations India Holy See Relations India Honduras Relations India Hong Kong Relations India Hungary Relations India Iceland Relations India Indonesia Relations India Iran Relations India Iraq Relations India Ireland Relations India Jamaica Relations India Kazakhstan Relations India Kenya Relations India Kingdom Of Eswatini Relations India Kiribati Relations India Kuwait Relations India Kyrgyzstan Relations India Laos Relations Latvia India Relations India Lebanon Relations India Lesotho Relations India Liberia Relations Libya India Relations Liechtenstein India Relations India Lithuania Relations India Luxembourg Relations India Macao Relations Madagascar India Relations India Malawi Relations India Mali Relations India Malta Relations India Marshall Islands Relations India Mauritania Relations India Micronesia Relations India Moldova Relations Monaco India Relations India Montenegro Relations India Montserrat Relations India Morocco Relations Mozambique India Relations India Namibia Relations India Nauru Relations Netherlands India Relations India Nicaragua Relations India Niger Relations India Nigeria Relations India Niue Relations India North Macedonia Relations Norway India Relations India Palau Relations India Panama Relations India Papua New Guinea Relations India Paraguay Relations Peru India Relations India Philippines Relations Qatar India Relations India Romania Relations Rwanda India Relations India Saint Kitts And Nevis Relations India Saint Lucia Relations India Saint Vincent And Grenadines Relations India Samoa Relations India Sao Tome And Principe Relations Saudi Arabia India Relations India Senegal Relations Serbia India Relations India Sierra Leone Relations India Singapore Relations India Slovak Republic Relations India Slovenia Relations India Solomon Islands Relations Somalia India Relations India South Sudan Relations India Spain Relations India Sudan Relations Suriname India Relations India Sweden Relations India Syria Relations India Tajikistan Relations Tanzania India Relations India Togo Relations India Tonga Islands Relations India Trinidad And Tobago Relations India Tunisia Relations India Turkmenistan Relations India Turks And Caicos Islands Relations India Tuvalu Relations India Uganda Relations India Ukraine Relations India Uae Relations India Uruguay Relations India Uzbekistan Relations India Vanuatu Relations India Venezuela Relations India British Virgin Islands Relations Yemen India Relations India Zambia Relations India Zimbabwe Relations
Books
Government Schemes
Production Linked Incentive Scheme Integrated Processing Development Scheme Rodtep Scheme Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme Saathi Scheme Uday Scheme Hriday Scheme Samagra Shiksha Scheme India Nishta Scheme Stand Up India Scheme Sahakar Mitra Scheme Mdms Mid Day Meal Scheme Integrated Child Protection Scheme Vatsalya Scheme Operation Green Scheme Nai Roshni Scheme Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme Kalia Scheme Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Nirvik Scheme Fame India Scheme Kusum Scheme Pm Svanidhi Scheme Pmvvy Scheme Pm Aasha Scheme Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme Pradhan Mantri Lpg Panjayat Scheme Mplads Scheme Svamitva Scheme Pat Scheme Udan Scheme Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat Scheme National Pension Scheme Ujala Scheme Operation Greens Scheme Gold Monetisation Scheme Family Planning Insurance Scheme Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Topics
NASA Space Missions
NASA Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 6 (Friendship 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 7 (Aurora 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 9 (Faith 7) Mission NASA Gemini 3 Mission NASA Gemini 4 Mission NASA Gemini 5 Mission NASA Gemini 7 Mission NASA Gemini 8 Mission NASA Gemini 9 Mission NASA Gemini 10 Mission NASA Gemini 11 Mission NASA Gemini 12 Mission NASA Apollo 1 (AS‑204) Mission NASA Apollo 7 Mission NASA Apollo 8 Mission NASA Apollo 9 Mission NASA Apollo 10 Mission NASA Apollo 11 Mission NASA Apollo 12 Mission NASA Apollo 13 Mission NASA Apollo 14 Mission NASA Apollo 15 Mission NASA Apollo 16 Mission NASA Apollo 17 Mission NASA Skylab Orbital Workshop Mission NASA Skylab 2 Mission NASA Skylab 3 Mission NASA Skylab 4 Mission NASA Apollo–Soyuz Test Project Mission NASA STS‑1 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑3 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑7 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑8 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41B Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41G Discovery (1st female EVA) Mission NASA STS‑51L Challenger (accident) Mission NASA STS‑26 Discovery (Return‑to‑Flight) Mission NASA STS‑31 Discovery (Hubble Launch) Mission NASA STS‑49 Endeavour (first capture EVA) Mission NASA STS‑61 Endeavour (Hubble Servicing 1) Mission NASA STS‑73 Columbia (microgravity) Mission NASA STS‑95 Discovery (John Glenn returns) Mission NASA STS‑107 Columbia (accident) Mission NASA STS‑114 Discovery (RTF‑2) Mission NASA STS‑120 Discovery (Node 2) Mission NASA STS‑125 Atlantis (Final Hubble Service) Mission NASA STS‑132 Atlantis Mission NASA STS‑135 Atlantis (Final Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Artemis I (Orion/ SLS‑1) Mission NASA Artemis II (Planned) Mission NASA Artemis III (Planned lunar landing) Mission NASA Mariner 4 Mission NASA Mariner 6 Mission NASA Mariner 7 Mission NASA Mariner 9 Mission NASA Viking 1 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Mars Pathfinder & Sojourner Mission NASA Mars Global Surveyor Mission NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Spirit Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Opportunity Mission NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission NASA Phoenix Mars Lander Mission NASA InSight Mars Lander Mission NASA Mars 2020 (Perseverance & Ingenuity) Mission NASA Mars Sample Return – SRL (planned) Mission NASA Pioneer 10 Mission NASA Pioneer 11 Mission NASA Voyager 1 Mission NASA Voyager 2 Mission NASA Galileo Jupiter Orbiter/Probe Mission NASA Cassini–Huygens Mission NASA New Horizons (Pluto & KBO) Mission NASA Juno Mission NASA Europa Clipper (planned) Mission NASA Parker Solar Probe Mission NASA Solar Orbiter (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Surveyor 1 Mission NASA Lunar Orbiter 1 Mission NASA Lunar Prospector Mission NASA LCROSS Mission NASA LADEE Mission NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA VIPER Rover (planned) Mission NASA NEAR Shoemaker Mission NASA Deep Space 1 Mission NASA Stardust Mission NASA Genesis Mission NASA Deep Impact Mission NASA Dawn (Vesta/Ceres) Mission NASA OSIRIS‑REx Mission NASA Lucy Mission NASA DART Mission NASA Landsat‑1 (ERTS‑1) Mission NASA Landsat‑5 Mission NASA Landsat‑9 Mission NASA Terra Mission NASA Aqua Mission NASA Aura Mission NASA Suomi NPP Mission NASA Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich Mission NASA ICESat‑2 Mission NASA GRACE‑FO Mission NASA SMAP Mission NASA GPM Core Observatory Mission NASA CALIPSO Mission NASA CloudSat Mission NASA NISAR (NASA‑ISRO) Mission NASA Explorer 1 Mission NASA COBE Mission NASA Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Mission NASA Hubble Space Telescope Mission NASA Chandra X‑ray Observatory Mission NASA Spitzer Space Telescope Mission NASA WISE Mission NASA Kepler Mission NASA TESS Mission NASA Fermi Gamma‑ray Space Telescope Mission NASA NICER Mission NASA IXPE Mission NASA Roman Space Telescope (planned) Mission NASA NuSTAR Mission NASA GALEX Mission NASA Swift Mission NASA SOHO (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Cluster II (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA TIMED Mission NASA STEREO‑A/B Mission NASA MMS Mission NASA IRIS Mission NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory Mission NASA X‑37B OTV‑1 (USAF/NASA liaison) Mission NASA X‑59 QueSST Mission NASA Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Mission NASA Valkyrie R5 Robot Mission NASA Low‑Boom Flight Demo Mission NASA CRS‑1 Dragon Mission NASA CRS‑1 Cygnus Mission NASA Crew Dragon Demo‑2 Mission NASA Starliner OFT‑2 Mission NASA STS-2 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-4 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-5 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-6 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41D (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-51A (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-61C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-26 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-27 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-29 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-30 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-32 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-34 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-38 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-45 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-60 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-70 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-71 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-73 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-88 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-92 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-97 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-99 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-100 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-104 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-106 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-110 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-112 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-115 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-116 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-117 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-118 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-120 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-122 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-123 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-126 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-130 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Vanguard 1 Mission NASA Transit 1B Mission NASA Echo 1 Mission NASA Telstar 1 Mission NASA Syncom 3 Mission NASA ATS‑6 Mission NASA Skynet Mission NASA Nimbus‑1 Mission NASA Nimbus‑7 Mission NASA ERS-1 Mission NASA SeaSat Mission NASA QuikSCAT Mission NASA Jason‑1 Mission NASA Jason‑3 Mission NASA ICESat Mission NASA Earth Observing‑1 Mission NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory‑2 Mission NASA CYGNSS Mission NASA PACE Mission NASA TRMM Mission NASA Terrestrial Planet Finder (cxl) Mission NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Mission NASA Explorer 33 Mission NASA Voyager Interstellar Mission Mission NASA Helios‑A Mission NASA Helios‑B Mission NASA ISEE‑3 (ICE) Mission NASA ACE Mission NASA DSCOVR Mission NASA IBEX Mission NASA Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager Mission NASA SAGE‑III ISS Mission NASA SPACE Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Mission NASA ARIEL (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA OSAM‑1 (Restore‑L) Mission NASA Dragonfly (Titan rotorcraft) Mission NASA VERITAS (Venus orbiter) Mission NASA DAVINCI (Venus probe) Mission NASA SPHEREx Mission NASA MAGGIE (Mars Geophysical) Mission NASA CLPS – Peregrine Mission NASA CLPS – VIPER Delivery Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA Gateway (HALO / PPE) Mission NASA Mars Telecommunication Orbiter (cxl) Mission NASA Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Mission NASA Mars Climate Orbiter Mission NASA Pathfinder Mission Mission NASA SLS Block 1B (Exploration Upper Stage) Mission NASA Orion Crew Module Mission NASA Commercial LEO Destinations – Axiom Station Mission NASA ISS Expedition 1 Mission NASA ISS Expedition 70 Mission NASA CRS‑11 (Dragon) Mission NASA CRS‑21 (Dragon 2) Mission NASA Snoopy CubeSat Mission
Home / IAS Preparation / UPSC Prelims Subject Wise Weightage

UPSC Prelims Subject Wise Weightage: GS 1 & CSAT Question Trends & Past Analysis

Last Updated on May 25, 2025
Also Read UPSC Prelims Subject Wise Weightage in Hindi
Download As PDF
IMPORTANT LINKS
Agriculture Notes For UPSC Public Administration UPSC Notes Modern History Books For UPSC Overseas Citizen Of India Caste System & Panchayati Raj Godavari River Federalism Indira Point New Development Bank Battle Of Sinhagad Sankalp And Strive Schemes Digital India High Yielding Varieties Economic Growth Development League Of Nations Ease Of Doing Business Mid Day Meal Scheme Wildlife Protection Act 1972 UPSC Notes International Union Conservation Nature

Knowing the UPSC Prelims Subject Wise weightage meticulously is crucial for all aspirants who will be appearing for the upcoming IAS Prelims 2025 scheduled to be conducted on 25th May, 2025. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the UPSC CSE Preliminary Examination as the first step to shortlist candidates for the esteemed Civil Services. The Prelims comprises comprises two objective-type papers:

  1. General Studies Paper I (GS Paper I): This paper evaluates candidates' knowledge across a broad spectrum of subjects, including History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science and Technology, and Current Affairs. The distribution of questions across these subjects has varied over the years, reflecting UPSC's dynamic approach. For instance, in UPSC Prelims 2024 Question Paper, the question distribution was as follows –
    • Geography: 18 questions
    • Polity: 15 questions
    • Economy: 14 questions
    • Environment & Ecology: 15 questions
    • History: 12 questions
    • Science & Technology: 13 questions
    • Miscellaneous (including Current Affairs): 13 questions
  2. Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) or General Studies Paper II: This paper assesses candidates' aptitude in areas such as Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Decision-Making. The CSAT is qualifying in nature, requiring candidates to secure at least 33% (66.67 marks) to pass. The typical distribution of questions in recent years has been:
    • Reading Comprehension: Approximately 25-30 questions
    • Quantitative Aptitude: Around 21-40 questions
    • Logical Reasoning/Decision Making: Between 15-33 questions

Understanding the subject-wise weightage and trends in both GS Paper I and CSAT is crucial for aspirants. It enables them to allocate their IAS Exam Preparation time effectively, focusing on areas that have historically carried more significance.

Check out: UPSC Prelims 2025 Question Paper

Check out UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2025

Also, check out the UPSC Prelims 2025 Answer Key & the UPSC Prelims 2025 Expected Cut Off!

UPSC Prelims 2025 – Highlights

The UPSC Prelims is the first and the most important stage of the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Exam. All UPSC aspirants are required to qualify the Prelims to be eligible for appearing for the IAS Mains. Every year several lakhs of candidates appear for the Prelims, making it one of the toughest examinations to crack in the country. Therefore, candidates preparing for the UPSC CSE Prelims must carefully analyze the Last Years Prelims Question Papers to identify UPSC Prelims subject wise weightage, important topics, and past year trends for high weightage topics. 

Before delving into details about subject wise weightage for UPSC Prelims, let us go through key points about the IAS Prelims 2025 in the table below – 

Particulars

Details

Exam Name

UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (UPSC CSE Prelims)

Conducting Body

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Examination Level

National

Mode of Examination

Offline (Pen and Paper Based)

Number of Papers

2 (General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II – CSAT)

Duration

2 hours per paper

Total Marks

400 (200 marks each paper)

Negative Marking

Yes (1/3rd of the marks deducted for incorrect answers)

Type of Questions

Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)

Qualifying Nature

Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying, requiring 33% to pass

Cut-off Criteria
  • Based on the Paper I score
  • Paper II is qualifying in nature

Subjects Covered

Paper I: History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science, Current Affairs

Nature of Exam

Candidates qualifying for Prelims are eligible for the UPSC Mains Examination

Language of Exam

English and Hindi 

Exam Frequency

Once a year

Age Limit

21-32 years (with relaxation for reserved categories)

Number of Attempts

6 attempts (general category); relaxations for reserved categories

Official Website

upsc.gov.in

Practice with UPSC Previous Year Papers to analyse high weightage topics!

FREEMentorship Program by
Ravi Kapoor, Ex-IRS
UPSC Exam-Hacker, Author, Super Mentor, MA
100+ Success Stories
Key Highlights
Achieve your Goal with our mentorship program, offering regular guidance and effective exam strategies.
Cultivate a focused mindset for exam success through our mentorship program.
2 Lakh+ Students Mentored Get
Get Free Mentorship Now
UPSC Beginners Program

Get UPSC Beginners Program SuperCoaching @ just

₹50000

Claim for free
Want to know more about this pass ?
Explore SuperCoaching

UPSC IAS Prelims Subject Wise Weightage for GS Paper 1

The UPSC GS Paper 1 consists of questions based on Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Technology, etc. The GS Paper 1 will consist of a total of 100 questions. UPSC aspirants must look at the subject-wise weightage of questions asked in the IAS Prelims GS Paper 1 to strategize their preparation by focusing on high weightage subjects. The following is the subject wise distribution of number of questions asked in the Prelims GS Paper 1 in the last 10 years – 

UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Subject Wise Weightage

Subject

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Art and Culture

4

1

4

5

3

1

4

4

1

2

Ancient History

1

4

2

2

4

8

4

2

6

4

Medieval History

4

5

1

1

3

1

4

5

2

1

Modern History

7

10

6

14

6

10

8

4

4

5

Economy

17

15

20

18

14

19

18

15

16

14

World Geography

10

0

4

4

3

3

4

4

11

  

8

Indian Geography

7

5

5

5

9

7

6

7

12

10

Polity

18

12

23

21

17

16

18

17

14

15

Ecology and Environment

11

15

12

8

16

14

16

12

12

15

Science and Technology

9

5

7

11

14

11

12

15

6

13

Current Affairs

12

28

16

11

11

10

6

15

16

13

Know UPSC Prelims GS 1 Subject Wise Weightage in detail.

UPSC Prelims Subject Wise Weightage: Past Analysis & Expected Trends

Aspirants planning to crack the UPSC Prelims 2025 must do a meticulous analysis of past Prelims exams to reveal discernible patterns in subject-wise weightage. By understanding these trends, candidates can allocate their study time more effectively by focusing on areas that have historically carried more significance and increase their chances of qualifying the Prelims. 

History (16-18%)

History has consistently been a significant component of the UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1. Questions encompass Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History, with a notable emphasis on Modern History and Art & Culture. 

  • For instance, in 2024, 12 questions were from History, while in 2023, there were 13 questions. 
  • Given this trend, it's anticipated that History will continue to hold substantial weight in 2025. 

Areas for Focus – Aspirants should focus on freedom movements, significant events, and cultural aspects to maximize their scores.

Geography (15-18%)

Geography has maintained a steady presence in the Prelims, covering topics like physical geography, climate patterns, and maps. 

  • In 2024, 18 questions were from Geography, and in 2023, there were 9 questions. 
  • This indicates a fluctuating yet significant weightage. 

Areas for Focus – For 2025, candidates should emphasize understanding physical geography concepts and current environmental issues, as these areas are likely to be focal points.

Polity (18-20%)

Indian Polity is a crucial subject in the Prelims, focusing on the Constitution, governance structures, and political systems. 

  • In 2024, 15 questions were from Polity, and in 2023, there were 14 questions. 
  • This consistent pattern suggests that Polity will continue to be a vital area in 2025. 

Areas for Focus – Aspirants should thoroughly understand constitutional provisions, fundamental rights, and duties to excel in this section.

Economy (13-15%)

The Indian Economy section tests candidates' understanding of economic principles, policies, and current economic affairs. 

  • In 2024, 14 questions were from Economy, and in 2023, there were 14 questions. 
  • This consistent trend indicates that Economy will remain a significant subject in 2025. 

Areas for Focus – Candidates should focus on economic indicators, government schemes, and recent economic developments.

Environment and Ecology (13-15%)

With increasing global emphasis on environmental issues, this subject has gained prominence in the Prelims. 

  • In 2024, 15 questions were from Environment & Ecology, and in 2023, there were 21 questions. 
  • This upward trend suggests that Environment and Ecology will continue to be significant in 2025. 

Areas for Focus – Aspirants should stay updated on environmental policies, conservation efforts, and ecological concepts to score well in this section.

Science and Technology (7-9%)

This section assesses candidates' awareness of recent advancements and their implications. 

  • In 2024, 13 questions were from Science & Technology, and in 2023, there were 5 questions. 
  • The fluctuating trend indicates that while the number of questions may vary, the subject remains important. 

Areas for Focus – For 2025, focusing on current technological developments, space missions, and scientific research will be beneficial.

Current Affairs (22-24%)

Current Affairs is an area where candidates need to stay continuously updated. In 2024, 13 questions were from Miscellaneous topics, including UPSC Current Affairs, and in 2023, there were 24 questions. 

Areas for Focus – Given the unpredictable nature of this section, it's essential to regularly follow news, government policies, and international events which are related to UPSC Prelims Syllabus topics.

Understanding past trends in subject-wise weightage can guide aspirants in prioritizing their preparation. However, it's crucial to maintain a balanced study plan, as the UPSC is known for its unpredictability. Staying updated with current affairs and having a strong grasp of fundamental concepts across subjects will be key to succeeding in the 2025 Prelims.

UPSC Prelims Subject Wise Weightage for UPSC CSAT

The CSAT is the second paper of the UPSC CSE Prelims. It is qualifying in nature and the candidates must obtain a minimum of 33% marks in the CSAT in order to qualify the Prelims. The following is the topic wise distribution of questions asked in the UPSC Prelims CSAT –

UPSC CSAT (Paper-II) Topic Wise Distribution of Questions 2014-2020

Subject

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Reading Comprehension

25

30

26

30

27

30

32

Quantitative Aptitude

40

26

31

23

25

21

15

Logical Reasoning / Decision Making

15

24

23

27

28

29

33

Know about UPSC CSAT Subject Wise Weightage in detail.

More Articles for IAS Preparation

UPSC Prelims Subject Wise Weightage FAQs

The prominence of Environment and Ecology has grown in recent years. In 2024, 15 questions were from this section, while in 2023, there were 12 questions. This trend underscores the increasing importance of environmental topics in the examination. ​

Current Affairs play a pivotal role in the Prelims, with their weightage fluctuating annually. In 2024, 13 questions were from Miscellaneous topics, including Current Affairs, and in 2023, there were 24 questions.

Given the unpredictability in question distribution, it's essential to adopt a balanced preparation strategy. While focusing on high-weightage subjects is important, aspirants should not neglect areas like Science and Technology or Environment, as their significance can vary each year.

Yes, the number of questions on Science and Technology has fluctuated. In 2024, 13 questions were from this section, whereas in 2023, there were 12 questions.

Subjects like History, Polity, Geography, and Economy traditionally hold significant weight in the UPSC Prelims. For instance, in 2024, Polity accounted for 15 questions, History 12, Geography 18, and Economy 14. However, the number of questions from each subject can vary annually.
Report An Error
Exams Tests Super Practice