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 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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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