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UPSC Prelims Analysis 2024, Check Difficulty level and Cut Off

The UPSC Prelims 2024, held on June 16, 2024, presented a rigorous test for aspirants aiming for the civil services. As anticipated, the difficulty level was notably challenging, maintaining the trend observed in recent years. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the exam’s difficulty level, subject-wise distribution, and expected good attempts for both General Studies (GS) Paper 1 and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper 2.

UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024

The UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024 will provide crucial insights into the exam’s difficulty level, subject-wise distribution, and expected cut-off marks. Candidates are advised to stay updated with the latest trends and prepare strategically to navigate through this competitive examination successfully.

UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024 Highlights
Particular Details
Exam Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination
Authority Union Public Service Commission
Exam Mode Pen and Paper Based
Format MCQ Based
Total Marks 200 Each
Total Questions
  1. 100 – GS
  2. 80 – CSAT
Negative Marking 1/3rd (0.66 in GS and 0.83 in CSAT)
Papers
  1. General Studies
  2. CSAT

UPSC General Studies Paper 1 Exam Analysis

The UPSC Prelims GS Paper, also referred to as Paper 1, was scheduled for the morning session from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. This paper consists of a total of 100 questions covering various subjects such as Polity, Economy, History, and more.

The UPSC Prelims Paper 1 was generally perceived as easier compared to the previous year. The exam prominently featured questions on Environment and Science & Technology, reflecting a growing emphasis on current affairs and emerging trends. International Relations also emerged as a significant theme, with queries spanning regions like Afghanistan, Central Asia, East Europe, and Africa. History questions delved into specific topics such as Buddhism, Jainism, Temples, Literature and Texts, Mongols, and Early British Expansion.

Subject
Number of Questions Asked
Good Attempts
Difficulty Level
Geography
16-18
10-13
Moderate to Difficult
Environment
12-14
6-10
Moderate to Difficult
Science and Tech
10-12
7-11
Moderate to Difficult
History
14-16
8-12
Moderate
Economics and Govt. Schemes
15-20
10-12
Easy to Moderate
Polity
14-16
9-11
Easy to Moderate
Current Affairs and Sports
6-8
3-5
Moderate

Check Out the UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2024

UPSC CSAT Paper Analysis 2024

UPSC prelims paper 2 is known as CSAT, and questions about reading comprehension, quantitative aptitude, and logical reasoning were asked. UPSC CSAT Exam analysis regarding the difficulty levels for both subjects below

Subject
Number of Questions Asked
Good Attempts
Difficulty Level
Reading Comprehension
22-24
14-17
Moderate
Quantitative Aptitude
23-25
15-18
Moderate
Logical Reasoning
35-40
21-26
Moderate

Check Out UPSC CSAT Answer Key 2024

UPSC Prelims 2024 Expected Cut Off

Experts predict a rise in cut-off marks for UPSC Prelims 2024 compared to previous years. The projected cut-offs are as follows:

  • General: 88-90
  • EWS: 82-84
  • OBC: 87-89
  • SC: 74-76
  • ST: 69-71
  • PwBD categories (1, 2, 3, 5): Ranging from 40 to 60 marks

UPSC Prelims 2024 Difficulty Level

The UPSC Prelims 2024, held on June 16, 2024, presented a rigorous test for aspirants aiming for the civil services. As anticipated, the difficulty level was notably challenging, maintaining the trend observed in recent years. Here’s a detailed analysis of the difficulty level for both General Studies (GS) Paper 1 and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper 2.

GS Paper 1

The GS Paper 1 covered a broad spectrum of subjects, and the difficulty level varied across different sections. Here’s a subject-wise analysis:

  • Polity and Governance: Questions in this section ranged from moderate to difficult, with a mix of fundamental concepts and current developments. Candidates found some questions tricky due to the nuanced understanding required of recent legislative changes and Supreme Court judgements.
  • Economy: This section was particularly tough, with questions on economic theories, policies, and recent economic issues. Many questions required a deep understanding of both macroeconomic principles and current economic scenarios.
  • History: The history section included questions from ancient, medieval, and modern periods. Candidates found this section moderately difficult, with some questions requiring detailed factual knowledge and others testing analytical skills.
  • Geography: This section was of moderate difficulty, with a balanced mix of physical and human geography questions. Map-based questions also featured prominently, challenging candidates’ spatial understanding.
  • Science & Technology: The questions here were moderate to difficult, focusing on recent technological advancements and their applications. Some questions demanded a good grasp of underlying scientific principles.
  • Environment: This section was difficult, with questions on environmental ecology, biodiversity, and climate change. The level of detail required for some questions was higher than expected.
  • Current Affairs: As always, current affairs played a crucial role, with questions ranging from moderate to difficult. They spanned various national and international events, policies, and government schemes from the past year.

Check Out UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2024

UPSC Prelims Good Attempts

The difficulty level of UPSC Prelims papers tends to vary each year, influenced by evolving patterns and question trends. Based on historical data and trends, candidates can anticipate a balanced mix of easy, moderate, and difficult questions across subjects like Polity, Economy, History, Geography, Science & Technology, and Current Affairs.

Good Attempts for UPSC Prelims 2024

Paper Expected Good Attempts Remarks
GS Paper 1 60-70 questions To secure a good score, candidates should aim for accuracy while attempting these questions.
CSAT Paper 2 50-60 questions Being a qualifying paper, correctly answering this number of questions is advisable to meet the qualifying criteria.

UPSC Prelims Previous Years Trends

Analyzing the trends in UPSC Prelims from 2018 to 2023 reveals significant changes in difficulty levels, question types, and subject emphasis. Here is a detailed overview:

UPSC Prelims 2023

GS Paper 1

  • Difficulty Level: Difficult
  • Subjects Covered: Polity, Economy, History, Environment, Geography, Science & Technology, Current Affairs
  • Analysis:
    • New patterns in MCQs made the paper more challenging.
    • Polity and economy questions required deep understanding and analysis.
    • History questions were highly factual and memory-based.
    • Environmental questions were complex, reflecting current global issues.
Subjects Total Questions Difficulty Level
Polity 14 Easy to Moderate
Economy 14 Moderate to Difficult
Modern History 3 Moderate to Difficult
Ancient, Medieval History 10 Difficult
Science & Technology 5 Moderate
Geography 9 Moderate
Environment 21 Moderate to Difficult
Current Affairs / Misc. 24 Moderate
Total 100 Difficult

CSAT Paper 2

  • Difficulty Level: Difficult
  • Sections: Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Numerical Ability
  • Analysis:
    • Numerical ability questions were time-consuming and complex.
    • Logical reasoning questions required precise logical deductions.
    • Reading comprehension passages needed quick yet accurate interpretation.
Sections Total Questions Difficulty Level
Reasoning Ability 13-14 Moderate to Difficult
Reading Comprehension 27 Moderate
Numerical Ability 39-40 Difficult
Total 80 Difficult

UPSC Prelims 2022

GS Paper 1

  • Difficulty Level: Moderately Tough
  • Subjects Covered: Polity, Economy, History, Environment, Geography, Science & Technology, Current Affairs
  • Analysis:
    • Polity and economy questions were demanding and required thorough preparation.
    • History questions remained factual and challenging.
    • Environmental questions continued to be significant and complex.
Subjects Total Questions Difficulty Level
Polity 13 Moderate to Difficult
Economy 17 Moderate to Difficult
Modern History 4 Moderate
Ancient, Medieval History 5 Difficult
Art & Culture 7 Difficult
Science & Technology 14 Moderate
Geography 12 Moderate
Environment 17 Moderate
International Relations 11 Moderate
Total 100 Moderately Tough

CSAT Paper 2

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
  • Sections: Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Numerical Ability
  • Analysis:
    • Strong analytical skills were required, particularly in numerical ability and reasoning.
    • Reading comprehension was critical, testing interpretative skills.
Sections Total Questions Difficulty Level
Reasoning Ability/Data Sufficiency 21 Moderate to Difficult
Reading Comprehension 28 Easy to Moderate
Numerical Ability 31 Moderate to Difficult
Total 80 Moderate to Difficult

UPSC Prelims 2021

GS Paper 1

  • Difficulty Level: Moderately Tough
  • Subjects Covered: Polity, Economy, History, Environment, Geography, Science & Technology, Current Affairs
  • Analysis:
    • Inclusion of sports and more science questions.
    • Polity remained moderate to difficult.
    • Environmental questions were prominent and required a good understanding of current issues.
Subjects Total Questions Difficulty Level
Polity 17 Easy to Moderate
Economy 14 Moderate
History 18 Difficult
Art & Culture 3 Difficult
Science & Technology 12 Moderate to Difficult
Geography + Agriculture 9 Easy to Moderate
Environment 21 Moderate to Difficult
Sports / Misc. Current Affairs 6 Difficult
Total 100 Moderately Tough

CSAT Paper 2

  • Difficulty Level: Moderately Tough
  • Sections: Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Numerical Ability
  • Analysis:
    • Increased difficulty, especially in reasoning and numerical ability.
    • Comprehension passages required careful reading and quick interpretation.
Sections Total Questions Difficulty Level
Reasoning Ability 21 Moderate
Reading Comprehension 27 Moderate to Difficult
Numerical Ability 24 Difficult
Misc. 8 Moderate to Difficult
Total 80 Moderately Tough

UPSC Prelims 2020

GS Paper 1

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Subjects Covered: Polity, Economy, History, Environment, Geography, Science & Technology, Current Affairs
  • Analysis:
    • Balanced conceptual and factual questions.
    • Polity and economy were moderately difficult but straightforward with good preparation.
    • History and environmental questions required detailed knowledge and analytical skills.
Subjects Total Questions Difficulty Level
Polity 14 Easy to Moderate
Economy 14 Moderate to Difficult
History and Art & Culture 19 Moderate to Difficult
Science & Technology 10 Easy to Moderate
Geography 13 Moderate to Difficult
Environment 11 Moderate to Difficult
Current Affairs 19 Moderate to Difficult
Total 100 Moderate

CSAT Paper 2

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Sections: Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Numerical Ability
  • Analysis:
    • Consistent difficulty level with previous years.
    • Numerical ability required precision and time management.
    • Reasoning and comprehension were manageable with proper practice.
Sections Total Questions Difficulty Level
Reasoning Ability 16 Easy to Moderate
Reading Comprehension 25 Moderate to Difficult
Numerical Ability 39 Moderate to Difficult
Total 80 Moderate

UPSC Prelims 2019

GS Paper 1

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
  • Subjects Covered: Polity, Economy, History, Environment, Geography, Science & Technology, Current Affairs
  • Analysis:
    • Increased difficulty due to lengthy questions.
    • Polity and history were challenging.
    • Economy and science questions were solvable with good current affairs knowledge.
Subjects Total Questions Difficulty Level
Polity 15 Moderate to Difficult
Economy 14 Easy to Moderate
History + Art & Culture 17 Difficult
Science & Technology 7 Moderate to Difficult
Geography 14 Moderate to Difficult
Environment 11 Moderate
Current Affairs 22 Moderate to Difficult
Total 100 Moderate

CSAT Paper 2

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Sections: Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Numerical Ability
  • Analysis:
    • Overall moderate difficulty with some easy reasoning questions.
    • Numerical ability was challenging but manageable with practice.
Sections Total Questions Difficulty Level
Reasoning Ability 18 Easy to Moderate
Reading Comprehension 30 Moderate
Numerical Ability 32 Moderate to Difficult
Total 80 Moderate

UPSC Prelims 2018

GS Paper 1

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Subjects Covered: Polity, Economy, History, Environment, Geography, Science & Technology, Current Affairs
  • Analysis:
    • A mix of conceptual and factual questions.
    • History, particularly ancient and medieval, was challenging.
    • Polity and economy questions were mostly conceptual.
    • Environmental and ecological questions were significant.
Subjects Total Questions Difficulty Level
Polity 13 Easy to Moderate
Economy 15 Easy to Moderate
History 15 Moderate to Difficult
Science & Technology 11 Moderate
Geography 10 Moderate
Environment 12 Moderate to Difficult
Current Affairs 24 Moderate
Total 100 Moderate

CSAT Paper 2

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Sections: Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Numerical Ability
  • Analysis:
    • Balanced mix of questions.
    • Numerical ability required strong mathematical skills.
    • Reasoning and comprehension were manageable with good practice.
Sections Total Questions Difficulty Level
Reasoning Ability 20 Moderate
Reading Comprehension 27 Moderate
Numerical Ability 33 Moderate to Difficult
Total 80 Moderate

 

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UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024 FAQs

w many seats are in UPSC 2024?

UPSC Vacancy 2024 - Seats, UPSC CSE Vacancy Category Wise As per the official notification, the UPSC Vacancy 2024 is approximately 1056,

How many questions should one attempt in GS Paper 1 to be safe?

Candidates are expected to attempt around 60-70 questions with high accuracy in GS Paper 1 to secure a good score and clear the cutoff.

What is the minimum qualifying mark for the CSAT Paper 2?

The minimum qualifying mark for the CSAT Paper 2 is 33%, which translates to 66.67 out of 200 marks. Candidates should aim to attempt around 50-60 questions correctly to ensure they qualify.

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Piyush
Piyush
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Greetings! I'm Piyush, a content writer at StudyIQ. I specialize in creating enlightening content focused on UPSC and State PSC exams. Let's embark on a journey of discovery, where we unravel the intricacies of these exams and transform aspirations into triumphant achievements together!

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