Practice Papers Available
UPSC Prelims GS1
History · Geography · Polity · Economy · Environment · Science
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UPSC Prelims GS2 (CSAT)
Comprehension · Reasoning · Maths · Decision Making
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UPSC Prelims Exam Overview
The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the most prestigious competitive exam in India. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) annually to select candidates for the IAS, IPS, IFS and other All India Services.
Paper 1 — General Studies (GS1)
- 100 questions | 200 marks | 2 hours
- Negative marking: -0.66 marks per wrong answer
- Topics: Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science
- This paper counts towards the merit list for Mains selection
Paper 2 — CSAT (GS2)
- 80 questions | 200 marks | 2 hours
- Qualifying paper — minimum 33% (66 marks) required
- Topics: Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Decision Making
UPSC Prelims Syllabus Topics
History and Indian National Movement
Ancient Indian history (Indus Valley, Vedic period, Maurya, Gupta empires), Medieval India (Delhi Sultanate, Mughal period), Modern India (British rule, freedom movement, 1857 revolt, Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar, partition).
Indian and World Geography
Physical geography (rivers, mountains, climate), Economic geography (agriculture, industries, minerals), Human geography (population, urbanisation), World geography (continents, ocean currents, time zones).
Indian Polity and Governance
Constitution of India, Parliament, President, Prime Minister, Supreme Court, High Courts, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Panchayati Raj, elections, political parties, governance and public policy.
Economic and Social Development
Five Year Plans, GDP, inflation, banking, RBI, Union Budget, poverty, unemployment, social sector schemes, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Environment and Ecology
Biodiversity, climate change, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, environmental laws (Environment Protection Act, Wildlife Protection Act), international agreements (Paris Agreement, COP summits).
Preparation Tips
- NCERT First: Read NCERT books from class 6 to 12 for History, Geography, Polity, Science and Economics — this is the foundation of 40-50% of questions
- Standard Books: Laxmikanth for Indian Polity, Shankar IAS for Environment, Ramesh Singh for Economy
- Daily Newspaper: Read The Hindu or Indian Express daily for Current Affairs — allocate 1 hour minimum
- PYQ Practice: Solve previous 10 years UPSC question papers — pattern repeats heavily
- Mock Tests: Take weekly mock tests on ExamBharat to track your score and identify weak areas
- Revision: Cover the entire syllabus at least 3 times before the exam
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are in UPSC Prelims?
UPSC Prelims has two papers. Paper 1 (GS1) has 100 questions for 200 marks. Paper 2 (CSAT) has 80 questions for 200 marks. There is negative marking of 1/3rd mark per wrong answer. CSAT is qualifying in nature (minimum 33% required).
What is the cutoff for UPSC Prelims?
UPSC Prelims GS1 cutoff for General category typically ranges between 90–110 marks out of 200. It varies each year based on difficulty and number of vacancies. Aim for 110+ to be safe.
Is ExamBharat UPSC practice free?
Yes. All UPSC practice questions on ExamBharat are 100% free. No registration or payment required. Start practicing immediately.
When is UPSC Prelims 2025?
UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2025 is typically held in May or June. The exact date is announced by UPSC in the official calendar. Check the UPSC official website (upsc.gov.in) for confirmed dates.
How many attempts are allowed for UPSC?
General category candidates can attempt UPSC CSE up to 6 times till age 32. OBC candidates get 9 attempts till age 35. SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts till age 37.
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