The UPSC CSE exams 2025 is considered a challenging journey towards landing your dream jobs. The reputed Union Public Service Commission conducts CSE exams in three crucial stages; prelims, mains and the interview round. Each stage is considered to be a qualifying stage. Though, the first stage i.e prelims stage is the most crucial stage. Thus, candidates should have a thorough understanding of UPSC prelim pattern to pass this exam with flying colors.
UPSC Prelims Pattern 2025
UPSC prelims 2025’s main objective is to test the conceptual clarity of candidates alongside judging their analytical abilities and decision-making skills.
The UPSC Prelims is a one-day exam wherein two hours are dedicated to each exam. The Prelims GS Paper I is the first exam and the GS Paper II or CSAT is the qualifying exam. Both papers are touted as the objective type papers wherein MCQs are being asked.
UPSC prelim pattern for 2025 lays down format to help you understand the exam pattern in a detailed way.
UPSC Prelims GS Paper I Pattern 2025
- No of questions: There are a total of 100 questions in the GS paper I
- Total Marks: This paper is of 200 marks.
- Negative Marking: Yes, there will be 1/3rd negative marking in the GS I Paper.
- Nature: The marks of this exam are counted for the cut-off preparation.
- Benchmark of Qualification: The cut-off decided for the qualified exams
UPSC Prelims CSAT Exam Pattern 2025
- No of Questions: There will be total 80 questions in the CSAT (GS Exam II)
- Total Marks: Total marks for this exam is 200.
- Negative Marking: Yes, there will be 1/3rd negative marking in the CSAT exam.
- Nature: This paper is called the qualifying paper of UPSC CSE prelims.
- Benchmark of Qualification: 33% is considered a qualified score for this exam to move forward in the next stage.
| Preliminary Papers | No of Questions | Total Marks | Time Allotted |
| General Study Paper I | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| General Study Paper II [ CSAT] | 80 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Total Marks | 400 |
UPSC Prelims 2025 Key Instructions
- Candidates are advised to see the syllabus carefully. Any periodic revisions expected will be updated in the year 2025.
- The CSAT exam is a qualifying exam. The minimum marks needed to qualify this exam is 33%.
- The UPSC Prelim exam duration for 2025 is 180 minutes for each paper.
- It is mandatory for all the candidates to appear in both the papers of UPSC CSE Prelims for the purpose of evaluation.
UPSC CSE Prelims Marking Scheme 2025
To get a clear cut picture about the UPSC CSE prelims, it is crucial to know about the UPSC prelim marking scheme. As there are objective type questions in both the papers, negative marking entails. For each incorrect answer, there will be a penalty of ⅓ of the marks assigned. Though, unattempted answers don’t invite any type of penalty.
UPSC CSE Prelims Marking Scheme 2025
| Papers | Total Questions | Correct Answers | Negative Marking |
| GS Paper | 100 | 2 Marks | 0.66 marks |
| CSAT Exam | 80 | 2.5 marks | ⅓ marks |
UPSC Prelim 2025 Subject Wise Weightage (Previous Year Trends)
For candidates who are grinding days and nights for UPSC Prelims exam 2025, it is vital to understand the UPSC prelim subject wise weightage. This factor can help you break down important topics and align your preparation time accordingly. Below is the breakdown taken based on the previous year trends. The topics for UPSC CSE Prelims are jotted down on the basis of their importance.
Prelim History Trend Analysis
History is considered a vital part of UPSC Prelims syllabus. You can focus on Indian history, movement and the related topics.
| Year | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| History | 9 | 13 | 16 |
Prelim Geography Trend Analysis
Geography paper holds a significant presence in the UPSC prelim pattern. The key areas include physical and social geography. Maps and climate patterns.
| Year | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Geography | 19 | 9 | 12 |
Prelim Polity Trend Analysis
Polity is another key area which includes understanding our constitution, its policies, amendments and structure.
| Year | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Polity | 18 | 14 | 13 |
Prelim Economy Trend analysis
Several economic topics like GDP, Inflation, government schemes can come in UPSC prelims exam. You should not miss out on this topic.
| Year | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Economy | 15 | 14 | 17 |
Prelim Environment and Ecology Trend Analysis
With the enhanced importance of environmental issues, the subject of environment and ecology can’t be missed in the UPSC prelims.
| Year | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Environment and Ecology | 10 | 21 | 17 |
Prelims Science and Technology Trend Analysis
Topics on Science and Technology test your awareness on recent advancements. These topics appear a lot in the UPSC Prelims exam.
| Year | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Science and Technology | 9 | 5 | 14 |
Prelim Current Affairs Trend Analysis
Current affairs is quite a wide topic for UPSC prelims exams. You can’t take a chance to miss topics on current affairs.
| Year | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Current Affairs | 20 | 24 | 11 |
