What type of questions come in prelims?

UPSC Prelims consists entirely of objective-type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) across two papers: General Studies (GS) Paper I and CSAT (Paper II). Questions are designed to test analytical ability and knowledge, featuring direct, conceptual, statement-based, and matching-type questions. Both papers have negative marking, with 1 / 3 1 / 3 of the marks deducted for wrong answers.

What type of questions are asked in prelims?

UPSC Prelims questions serve as the initial screening phase for aspirants seeking entry into civil services. These multiple-choice questions cover a vast array of subjects, including history, geography, economics, current affairs, and more.

How difficult is prelims?

UPSC Prelims is regarded as the most difficult of the three phases of the IAS Exam since it eliminates the majority of students, with just 10,000-13,000 applicants chosen out of a million who fill out the form each year, depending on the number of vacancies, to write the UPSC Mains exam.

How many questions come in prelims?

Both the papers of this stage have objective type questions. The General Studies paper of the UPSC Prelims has 100 questions, whereas the CSAT paper has 80 questions. The maximum marks of these two papers are 200 each also there is a ⅓ negative marking for the wrong questions.

How to pass the prelims exam?

1. UPSC Prelims Exam Preparation Strategy.
2. Understand exam pattern and syllabus.
3. Make a study plan and stick to it.
4. Aim for conceptual clarity.
5. Give preference to Revision.
6. Practice mock tests.
7. Prepare your own notes.
8. Additional Tips for UPSC Prelims exam.

13 Types of Questions in UPSC Prelims + 2025 Trend Analysis

Can I clear prelims in 1 month?

To tell you the truth, passing the UPSC prelims exam in a month is incredibly hard. However, it is possible to make it if one can spend all of their time to the preparations.

What is the 7 5 3 rule in UPSC?

7 – Write 7 points in the body of your answer. 5 – Finish your answer in 5 paragraphs (Intro, Body – 3 Paras, Conclusion). 3 – Cover 3 dimensions (Social, Political, Economic / or other depending on question).

What is a good score in prelims?

If you score between 100 and 120 marks in General Studies Paper I during a UPSC prelims mock test, it means you are on the right track. Still, the way scores are achieved can change based on how hard the paper is and which test series provider is used.

What is the 80 20 rule in UPSC?

The 80/20 UPSC principle, inspired by the Pareto Principle, suggests that roughly 20% of the syllabus fetches nearly 80% of the marks. Understanding this distribution is the real secret behind efficient, innovative, and strategic preparation.

Who got 175 marks in essay UPSC?

Apurva Pandey is a ForumIAS Academy Student. She has secured Rank 39 and is the Topper from Uttarakhand. She has secured 175 marks in Essay which is the highest score this year among selected candidates.

Which is the no. 1 toughest exam?

There isn't one single "first toughest exam," as difficulty is subjective, but the Gaokao (China's college entrance exam), India's UPSC Civil Services Exam, and India's IIT-JEE are consistently ranked among the world's most challenging due to immense competition, vast syllabi, and low success rates, often determining life paths for millions. Other famously tough tests include the Master Sommelier Diploma, USMLE (Medical Licensing), and CFA (Finance).
 

Who is the Air 1 girl in UPSC?

Shakti Dubey emerged as the All India Rank 1 holder for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. She is the top-ranked candidate among the 1009 successful aspirants. In fact, she is the top female candidate to secure All India Rank 1 in UPSC in the past few years.

How to crack prelims in first attempt?

To succeed in UPSC Prelims on your first attempt, focus on understanding the syllabus, using quality study materials, creating a timetable, practicing with mock tests, and staying updated on current affairs.

Who is rank 1 in UPSC?

UPSC Topper 2025 AIR 1 Shakti Dubey

Shakti Dubey secured Rank 1 in the Civil Services Examination becoming the candidate who has obtained the highest marks in the Civil Services Examination 2024, i.e, 1043 marks.

Is 800 a good score in UPSC?

Generally, a score of 800 may be considered good if it falls within or above the cutoff range for the UPSC Civil Services Exam for that year. Subject and Paper Weightage: Different papers and optional subjects have different weightages.

Is the prelims exam easy?

Understanding the UPSC Prelims

While the examination is objective in nature, it is not necessarily easy, as it covers a broad range of topics and requires a deep understanding of current affairs, history, geography, and more.

What is the pass mark of UPSC prelims?

The UPSC Prelims Exam consists of two papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT). While GS Paper I determines merit ranking, CSAT is qualifying in nature, requiring candidates to score at least 33% (66 marks out of 200) to pass.

What is GS 1, 2, 3, 4 in UPSC?

Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society: Indian culture covers the salient features of Literature, Art Forms, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Is PT 365 sufficient for prelims?

Nearly 40 to 50 questions in Prelims directly or indirectly assess contemporary knowledge. PT365 tracks these patterns and ensures important topics get adequate coverage.

How hard is it to clear prelims?

The UPSC Prelims exam is a challenging one, but it can be cracked in one year with discipline and dedication. Here are a few suggested tips to crack UPSC Prelims: Familiarise yourself with the UPSC Syllabus. Understand the exam pattern.

Who got 1126 marks in UPSC?

The record for the highest marks ever in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is held by Anudeep Durishetty, who topped the exam in 2017 with a staggering total of 1126 marks out of 2025.

How to write fast in UPSC?

How to Develop Writing Speed for UPSC Essays Without Losing...

1. Practice Handwriting Regularly. ...
2. Create a Quick Outline Before Writing. ...
3. Use Simple and Direct Language. ...
4. Time Management During the Exam. ...
5. Write from Your Knowledge Base. ...
6. Develop a Consistent Writing Style. ...
7. Use Abbreviations and Symbols (Where Appropriate)

Is mains 365 enough for mains?

A: Once the UPSC prelims result is out, Mains 365 is a key resource for Mains prep.