UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025

The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (CSE Prelims) is the first stage of the highly competitive UPSC Civil Services Examination. It serves as a qualifying exam to shortlist candidates for the UPSC Mains examination. The UPSC Prelims exam pattern consists of two objective type papers:

1. General Studies Paper I (GS I)- This paper tests the candidate's knowledge across diverse subjects like history, geography, polity, economy, science & technology, etc. It has 100 questions worth 200 marks.
2. General Studies Paper II (GS II) or CSAT- This paper assesses the candidate's aptitude, logical reasoning, and analytical skills. It has 80 questions worth 200 marks.

Both papers are of 2 hours duration each and are held on the same day in offline mode (pen-paper based). There is negative marking of 1/3rd of the maximum marks for each wrong answer.To qualify for the UPSC Mains exam, candidates must score the cut-off marks in GS I and secure at least 33% in GS II (CSAT). However, the marks obtained in the Prelims are not counted towards the final merit list.Preparing thoroughly for the UPSC Prelims exam pattern is crucial as it filters out a large number of aspirants. Candidates should focus on building a strong foundation across the GS topics, practice previous year question papers, and develop their aptitude to clear this stage successfully.

The Preliminary Exam, commonly referred to as the UPSC Prelims, is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. This exam is designed to assess the general awareness, knowledge, and analytical abilities of candidates aspiring to join various civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Also Check: UPSC Mains Exam Date 2024

Role in the UPSC CSE Process

The UPSC Prelims serves as a crucial filtering mechanism in the CSE process. It consists of two objective-type papers:

1. General Studies Paper I (GS I) - This paper evaluates a candidate's understanding of various subjects such as history, geography, polity, economy, and current affairs. It contains 100 questions, each carrying 2 marks, for a total of 200 marks.
2. General Studies Paper II (CSAT) - The Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) assesses candidates' logical reasoning, analytical skills, and comprehension abilities. It includes 80 questions, also for a total of 200 marks. However, this paper is qualifying in nature, requiring candidates to score at least 33% to qualify for the Mains examination.

Candidates must clear the Prelims to be eligible for the Mains exam, making it a critical step in the selection process for civil services.

Also Check: UPSC Prelims Application Date 2025

Qualifying Nature of UPSC Prelims

The UPSC Prelims is primarily a qualifying exam. While the marks obtained in the General Studies Paper I are used to rank candidates for progression to the Mains, the CSAT paper is only a qualifying hurdle. Candidates must achieve the cut-off marks in GS I and at least 33% in CSAT to advance. This structure ensures that only those with a solid foundation in general knowledge and analytical skills move forward in the examination process.

 UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025

The exam pattern for the UPSC Prelims is as follows:

Negative Marking: There is a penalty for incorrect answers, with 1/3rd of the marks deducted for each wrong response in both papers.The Prelims is conducted in a single day, and the results determine which candidates will proceed to the next stage, the Mains examination, which consists of descriptive papers that further evaluate the candidates' knowledge and writing skills

 UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025 - Detailed

The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (CSE Prelims) is the first stage of the highly competitive UPSC Civil Services Examination. It serves as a qualifying exam to shortlist candidates for the UPSC Mains examination. The UPSC Prelims exam pattern consists of two objective type papers:

General Studies Paper I (GS I)

• This paper tests the candidate's knowledge across diverse subjects like history, geography, polity, economy, science & technology, etc.
• It has 100 questions worth 200 marks.
• The duration of the paper is 2 hours.
• There is negative marking of 1/3rd of the maximum marks for each wrong answer.

General Studies Paper II (GS II) or CSAT

• This paper assesses the candidate's aptitude, logical reasoning, and analytical skills.
• It has 80 questions worth 200 marks.
• The duration of the paper is 2 hours.
• There is negative marking of 1/3rd of the maximum marks for each wrong answer.

Both papers are held on the same day in offline mode (pen-paper based). To qualify for the UPSC Mains exam, candidates must score the cut-off marks in GS I and secure at least 33% in GS II (CSAT). However, the marks obtained in the Prelims are not counted towards the final merit list.

Also Read: UPSC Admit Card 2024

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper I (GS 1) Syllabus Overview

UPSC Mains GS Paper I covers a wide range of topics from History, Geography, Art & Culture, and Indian Society. The detailed syllabus includes:History

• Ancient India
• Medieval India
• Modern India
• World History

Geography

• Physical Geography of India and the World
• Human Geography

Indian Society

• Demography
• Social Issues and Developments

Art & Culture

• Indian Art and Culture

Unlike other GS papers, GS Paper I has subjects where direct questions can be asked, especially in History. Questions can directly test knowledge of ancient, medieval, modern, and world history. For Indian Society and Geography, aspirants need to connect the static syllabus with current affairs.

GS 1 Paper Structure

• 20 compulsory questions
• 250 total marks
• 3 hour duration

Purpose of CSAT

The CSAT is designed to evaluate candidates' aptitude for civil services by testing their logical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and comprehension of written material. It serves as a screening tool to filter candidates for the next stage of the examination process, ensuring that those who advance possess the necessary skills for effective governance and administration.

Syllabus Overview of Prelims CSAT

The CSAT syllabus encompasses several key areas:

• Comprehension: This section assesses the ability to understand and interpret written passages, requiring candidates to answer questions based on the content.
• Logical and Analytical Reasoning: Candidates are tested on their ability to analyze information and draw logical conclusions, which is essential for decision-making in public service.
• Mathematics and Basic Numeracy: This includes questions on arithmetic, data interpretation, and basic mathematical concepts, aimed at evaluating quantitative skills.
• Decision Making: This section tests candidates' ability to make sound decisions based on given scenarios, reflecting their judgment and ethical considerations.
• Data Interpretation: Candidates must interpret data presented in various forms, such as graphs and tables, to answer related questions.

Qualifying Nature of CSAT

Since 2015, the CSAT has been a qualifying paper, requiring candidates to achieve a minimum score of 33% (i.e., 66 out of 200 marks) to qualify for the next stage of the examination. The marks obtained in the CSAT do not contribute to the final ranking, making it essential for candidates to focus on passing this paper rather than maximizing their scores.

Strategies for Preparation of UPSC Prelims CSAT 

To effectively prepare for the CSAT, candidates can adopt the following strategies:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarizing oneself with the structure of the CSAT is crucial. The paper consists of 80 questions to be completed in 2 hours, with each question carrying 2.5 marks.
2. Practice Previous Year Papers: Solving past CSAT papers helps candidates understand the types of questions asked and the distribution of marks across different sections. This practice can also improve time management skills during the actual exam.
3. Focus on Weak Areas: Candidates should identify their weak subjects within the syllabus and allocate more time to improve those areas, ensuring a balanced preparation.
4. Regular Mock Tests: Taking timed mock tests simulates the exam environment, helping candidates build confidence and improve their speed and accuracy.
5. Develop Reading Habits: Regular reading of newspapers, journals, and comprehension passages enhances reading speed and comprehension skills, which are vital for the CSAT.
6. Mathematical Skills: Regular practice of basic mathematics and data interpretation is essential, as these skills are frequently tested in the exam.