UPSC Prelims Question Paper – Prelims Previous Year Papers PDF with Answers
By Balaji
Updated on: May 30th, 2023
UPSC prelims question paper is highly essential for the candidates preparing for the IAS exam. Cracking the exam requires the right strategy, an immense amount of hard work, sincerity, and dedication. It has been said that success is hard-earned, and so is the case with the prelims too. The trend of the questions asked in the previous years can be deciphered only by attempting the past year questions. One can ace the UPSC prelims question paper only when he/she has practiced it immensely, several times.
The UPSC prelims question paper comprises two papers: General Studies-1 and General Studies-2 (CSAT). The GS 1 paper is used to decide the merit ranking and cutoff, whereas CSAT is only qualifying in nature. The UPSC prelims question paper is an authentic source to know about the pattern of questions asked in the prelims. The detailed analysis of the paper will enable the candidates in figuring out the level of questions asked in the exam. It is always advised for candidates to solve at least the last 10 years’ UPSC prelims question papers with answers so that they get the feel and idea of the actual IAS Exam.
Table of content
-
1.
UPSC Prelims Question Paper
-
2.
Download UPSC Prelims Question Paper [2022-2015]
-
3.
UPSC Prelims Question Paper with Answers PDF
-
4.
UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Paper
-
5.
UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2022
-
6.
UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Paper 2021
-
7.
UPSC Prelims Paper 2020
-
8.
Last 10 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers with Answers PDF
-
9.
How to Solve the UPSC Prelims Question Paper at Home?
-
10.
Techniques to Solve UPSC Prelims Paper
-
11.
UPSC Prelims Question Paper – Important Topics
-
12.
UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Paper Trend
-
13.
Importance of Solving UPSC Prelims Paper
UPSC Prelims Question Paper
The IAS prelims question paper consists of two papers – GS Paper 1 and CSAT. As per the exam pattern, candidates have a stipulated time period of 2 hours for each paper. The candidates can get access to the UPSC prelims question paper with answers in this article to enhance their level of preparation.
- Both papers, GS Paper 1 and CSAT are multiple-choice and carry negative marks for wrong answers.
- In the UPSC prelims question paper, each question of General Studies Paper 1 has 2 marks, whereas each CSAT question carries 2.5 marks.
- There is a negative marking of 1/3 of the total mark assigned to that question.
- So, according to this, there is a negative marking of 0.66 in GS Paper 1 and a negative marking of 0.83 in CSAT.
| IAS Prelims Question Paper Pattern | |||||
| Paper Name | Type | Nature of Paper | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| General Studies 1 | MCQ | Merit Ranking | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| General Studies 2 (CSAT) | MCQ | Qualifying | 80 | 200 | 2 hours |
Download UPSC Prelims Question Paper [2022-2015]
The importance of practicing the last 10 years’ UPSC prelims question papers is beyond measure. During the preparation days, the two utmost important things are the UPSC previous year question papers and the UPSC syllabus. Both these resources facilitate a clear insight and comprehension of the concepts and types of questions asked by the Union Public Service Commission.
- UPSC Prelims Paper 2020
- UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Paper 2019
- IAS Prelims Paper 2017
- UPSC Prelims 2016 Question Paper
- IAS Prelims Previous Year Question Paper 2015
UPSC Prelims Question Paper with Answers PDF
The candidates can get access to the UPSC prelims question paper with answers to analyze the trend of the questions asked in the prelims exam. The candidates will be able to decode the level of the exam. The more the candidates practice the better the chances to attain good marks in the exam.
Check here the UPSC prelims question paper with answers from subsequent years, and also check the answers to the questions and move the preparation to a different level.
| UPSC Prelims Question Paper with Answer PDF | |
| UPSC Prelims 2022 for GS 1 | UPSC Prelims Solved Paper |
| UPSC CSAT 2022 | UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Paper with Solution |
| UPSC Questions in Hindi | Previous Year Question Paper UPSC Prelims with Answer PDF |
| UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 2021 | UPSC Questions and Answers |
| UPSC Prelims CSAT Paper 2 2021 | Previous Year Question Paper UPSC Prelims with Solution |
| UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 2020 | UPSC Prelims Question Paper with Answers PDF |
| UPSC Prelims CSAT Paper 2 2020 | UPSC Prelims Solved Paper |
UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Paper
During the preparation, the main aim of the candidates is to understand the basics and foundation of the subject so that they can solve even complex questions. This can only be done if one practices multiple UPSC previous year question papers.
By doing the UPSC exam analysis of prelims previous year’s question papers, we get insights into the weightage of varied topics and the number of static and dynamic questions asked of them over the years. We have compiled the last 10 years’ question papers in one place for free, to save the candidate’s time and let them focus on the preparation dedicatedly. The UPSC previous year’s questions have also been segregated year-wise to make it easy.
UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2022
The UPSC Prelims 2022 was conducted on 05th June 2022 (Sunday). The candidates who appeared for the Prelims 2022 expressed that the paper was moderately difficult in nature. Here is the topic-wise weightage of the prelims paper 2022, for GS Paper 1. Go through the UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2022 PDF for Paper 1 to understand the UPSC’s question paper better.
The candidates can download UPSC Prelims 2022 Answer Key for GS Paper 1 to effectively strategize the preparation.
| UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2022 Analysis | ||
| Subject | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
| Environment & Ecology (Including respective Current Affairs) | 17 | Moderate |
| Indian Polity and Governance | 13 | Moderate – Difficult |
| Indian Geography and World Geography | 12 | Medium |
| General Science and S&T (Including Current Development) | 14 | Moderate |
| Economics | 17 | Moderate – Difficult |
| Ancient History | 1 | Difficult |
| Art & Culture | 7 | Difficult |
| Medieval History | 4 | Moderate – Difficult |
| Modern History | 4 | Moderate |
| International Relations | 11 | Moderate |
| Total Questions | 100 | Moderate – Difficult |
IAS Prelims Question Paper – CSAT 2022
The CSAT Prelims Question Paper 2022 was easy compared to the previous year’s. Though the Prelims paper was easy this time, according to the candidates, it was lengthy and time-consuming.
| UPSC Prelims Question Paper – CSAT 2022 Analysis | |
| Subjects | Total Number of Questions |
| Mental Ability, Analytical & Logical Reasoning | Moderate to Difficult |
| Arithmetics | Moderate to Difficult |
| Comprehension; Interpersonal skills including communication skills | Easy to Moderate |
| Basic numeracy | Easy to Moderate |
| Data interpretation | Easy to Moderate |
UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Paper 2021
The UPSC prelims question paper 2021 was relatively balanced, not like the previous years. Maximum questions were asked from the history, polity, and environmental sciences. Go through the UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2021 for Paper 1 to aptly understand the question paper.
| UPSC Prelims Question Paper – 2021 Analysis | |
| Subject | Number of Questions |
| History | 20 |
| Geography | 10 |
| Economics | 15 |
| Polity | 14 |
| Environmental Sciences | 15 |
| Science and Tech | 12 |
| Current Affairs / Art and Culture | 14 |
UPSC Prelims Question Paper – CSAT 2021
The CSAT syllabus deals with comprehension, logical reasoning, decision-making and problem-solving, basic numeracy, etc. The CSAT 2021 Prelims Question Paper was of moderate difficulty level.
| UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Paper – 2021 CSAT Analysis | |
| Topics | Number of Questions |
| Data Sufficiency | 6 |
| Number System | 9 |
| Algebra | 5 |
| Average | 4 |
| Profit, Loss, and Discount | 1 |
| Percentage | 1 |
| Ratio | 2 |
| Time, Speed and Distance | 1 |
| Time and Work | 1 |
| Data Interpretation | 2 |
| Selection / Combination | 2 |
| Geometry / Mensuration | 2 |
| Directions | 2 |
| Statement/ Conclusion | 3 |
| Series | 3 |
| Ranking – DS | 2 |
| Row arrangement | 1 |
| Logical Puzzle | 2 |
| Clocks and Calendar | 4 |
| Single/Two Question RCs (Critical Reasoning Based) | 27 |
| Total | 80 |
UPSC Prelims Paper 2020
The UPSC Prelims 2020 CSE Question Paper had an inclination towards the Current Affairs section, along with the History and Polity section. You can also download the answers to the IAS prelims question paper 2020.
| UPSC Prelims Question Paper Analysis | |
| Subject | Number of Questions |
| Economy | 14 |
| Current Affairs- National and International Important Events | 19 |
| Science & Technology | 10 |
| Indian Polity | 14 |
| History & Art and Culture | 19 |
| Environment & Ecology | 11 |
| Science & Technology | 10 |
| Geography | 13 |
UPSC Prelims Question Paper – CSAT 2020
The difficulty level of the CSAT 2020 prelims question paper was moderate. Aspirants struggled with questions on the number system. The candidates must mark the number of questions asked from each section in order to structure an effective and efficient strategy for the exam.
| IAS Prelims Question Paper – CSAT 2020 Analysis | |
| Topics | Number of Questions |
| Data Sufficiency | 5 |
| Number System | 15 |
| Algebra | 7 |
| Average | 4 |
| Profit Loss Discount | 3 |
| Percentage | 1 |
| Ratio | 1 |
| Time Speed Distance | 2 |
| Time and Work | 1 |
| Mixture | 1 |
| Data Interpretation | 1 |
| Geometry | 2 |
| Directions | 1 |
| Statement Conclusion | 2 |
| Blood Relations | 1 |
| Sequence | 2 |
| Analogy | 1 |
| Word formation | 1 |
| Row arrangement | 1 |
| Logical puzzle | 2 |
| Calendar | 1 |
| Single/Two Question RCs (Critical Reasoning Based) | 25 |
| Total | 80 |
Last 10 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers with Answers PDF
Below is a table that has compiled UPSC prelims question papers from 2019 to 2012. Direct links to the PDF are given, and the candidates can get complete details of the core concepts. Candidates can practice the UPSC prelims previous year question paper to strengthen their preparation.
How to Solve the UPSC Prelims Question Paper at Home?
UPSC prelims question papers must be attempted at least daily, two months before the actual UPSC Prelims. One must analyze the paper and evaluate oneself. In this way, it can enhance your performance in the final exam and reduce exam anxiety as well. Here are some key things you should remember while attempting the UPSC prelims question paper.
- Create an actual exam-like environment, and set a timer to solve the UPSC prelims question paper on time.
- After attempting all the questions, calculate the marks scored.
- Calculate the marks, and If you have not performed well, then review your mistakes.
- Pick out the reason for making mistakes, like if it was due to non-completion of the UPSC syllabus, silly mistakes, or you were not ready to attempt.
- Analyze all these factors, and reattempt the paper after a while after working on your mistakes.
Techniques to Solve UPSC Prelims Paper
It is essential to adopt a well-carved strategy for solving the UPSC prelims question paper in order to gain a complete understanding of the essential segments of the syllabus. The candidates must set a timer before starting to solve the question paper in order to solve it within the stipulated time period.
- Mark the strengths and weaknesses and structure the schedule for preparation in an efficient manner.
- Check the topics frequently repeated and make a list of them. Do not miss reading and comprehend the topics in the specified time span.
- Adopt a strategy for solving the exam like short-cut tricks and techniques for solving the exam.
- Do not miss out to imitate an exam-like ambience, this will cater to dissolving the apprehension of the exam for the candidates.
It is also essential for the candidates to practice the question papers of other subjects and recruitment stages to be able to present a layout of the comprehensive preparation strategy for the exam.
- UPSC Mains Question Paper 2021
- UPSC Mains Question Paper 2022
- Sociology Previous Year Question Paper
- UPSC Question Paper 2019
UPSC Prelims Question Paper – Important Topics
The knowledge of the important topics of the UPSC prelims question paper will enable the candidates in preparing well for the upcoming exam. The candidates can mark the important topics and prioritize the same while scheduling the timetable for preparation. The difficulty level of the questions is usually in the range of moderate to high. The important topics that have been asked in the UPSC prelims previous year question papers have been mentioned here-
- Critical Reasoning-Based Questions
- Algebra
- Number System
- Data Sufficiency
- Economy
- Current Affairs
- History, Art, and Culture
- Environment and Ecology
UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Paper Trend
The analysis of the UPSC prelims question paper deciphers the trend and the difficulty level. Here the experts have presented the difficulty level in accordance with the feedback received from the candidates. The difficulty level is highly subjective and is dependent on the framework of the preparation of the candidates. Here is the analysis of the difficulty level of the question paper-
| Question Papers | Difficulty Level |
| UPSC Prelims 2022 Question Paper | Moderate – Difficult |
| UPSC Prelims Paper 2021 | Easy to Moderate |
| UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2020 | Moderate to Difficult |
| UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Papers 2019 | Moderate to Difficult |
| IAS Prelims Paper 2017 | Moderate to Difficult |
| IAS Prelims Question Paper 2016 | Easy to Moderate |
Importance of Solving UPSC Prelims Paper
The importance of solving the UPSC prelims question paper is it provides a clear idea of the questions that are prevalent in the exam. It is also of prime importance for the candidates to approach the question papers rightly in order to accomplish the desired results. It serves huge importance for the candidates and assists them in preparing effectively. Here is the list of the benefits of solving the UPSC prelims previous year question papers-
- It facilitates a clear picture of the syllabus and the UPSC exam pattern, important topics, and prevalent concepts.
- It underlines the weaknesses and provides the candidates with an opportunity to work on similar ground and cater to the weaknesses.
- It acquaints the candidates with the ambiance of the exam hall, which assists them in managing the exam stress effectively.
- It also makes way for the revision of the concepts which again helps in enhancing the level of preparation for the exam.
