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 prelims pattern to pass this exam with flying colors. 

UPSC Prelims Pattern 2025 

UPSC prelims pattern 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 prelims pattern for 2025 lays down format to help you understand the exam pattern in a detailed way. 

Check out the article UPSC Prelims Cut off here.

UPSC Prelims Pattern 2025 GS Paper I 

• 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 Pattern 2025 CSAT Exam

• 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. 

Also Read: Qualifying marks for UPSC Prelims.

UPSC Prelims Pattern 2025 Key Instructions 

• Candidates are advised to see the UPSC 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 Prelims pattern exam duration for 2025 is 180 minutes for each paper.
• All the candidates must appear in both the papers of UPSC Prelims pattern for evaluation. 

Check out the article UPSC Prelims Answer Key here.

UPSC CSE Prelims Pattern – Marking Scheme 2025 

To get a clear-cut picture of the UPSC CSE prelims, it is crucial to know about the UPSC prelims marking scheme. As there are objective-type questions in both 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

UPSC Prelims Pattern 2025 – Subject Wise Weightage (Previous Year Trends)

For candidates who are grinding days and nights for the UPSC Prelims exam 2025, it is vital to understand the UPSC Prelims 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 based on 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.

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.

Prelim Polity Trend Analysis

Polity is another key area which includes understanding our constitution, its policies, amendments and structure.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

UPSC Prelims Pattern FAQs