UPSC Prelims Pattern 2025, Syllabus, Exam Structure, Marking Scheme

UPSC Prelims 2025 refers to the first stage of the Union Public Service Commission’s Civil Services Examination, which is conducted annually for recruitment to various services such as IAS, IFS, and IPS. The exam comprises two objective-type papers: General Studies (Paper I) and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT, Paper II).

We provide an in-depth look at the UPSC Prelims 2025, including the prelims exam pattern, syllabus, marking scheme, subject-wise weightage, and question format. It also outlines the duration of each paper and the structure of the examination to help candidates prepare effectively.

UPSC Prelims Pattern 2025 

UPSC Prelim 2025 main objective is to test the conceptual clarity of candidates alongside judging their analytical abilities and decision-making skills. UPSC Prelims is a one-day exam wherein two hours are dedicated to each exam. Prelims GS Paper I and CSAT is the qualifying exam. Both papers are considered objective-type, featuring multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

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. 
• Objective-type questions (Multiple Choice Questions).
• Duration: 2 hours.
• 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.
• Objective-type questions (Multiple Choice Questions).
• Duration: 2 hours.
• Benchmark of Qualification: 33% is considered a qualified score for this exam to move forward in the next stage.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025

UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025 provides an outline for both papers of the UPSC Prelims 2025, helping candidates understand the key topics and areas of focus for effective preparation.

Paper I: General Studies (GS)

• Current events of national and international importance.
• History: Covers Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History, with a focus on key events and figures from the Indian Freedom Struggle.
• Geography: Indian and World Geography, including physical, social, and economic geography, with an emphasis on natural resources, environment, and economic geography.
• Polity: Focuses on the Indian Constitution, governance, political system, and public policy, along with an understanding of political institutions and rights issues.
• Economy: Covers macroeconomics, sustainable development, poverty alleviation, economic reforms, growth strategies, and inclusive development.
• Environment: Biodiversity, climate change, and ecological issues, along with environmental policies, conventions, and sustainable practices.
• Science and Technology: General awareness of scientific advancements, applications, and developments in various fields.

Paper II: CSAT

• Comprehension: Tests the candidate’s ability to understand reading passages and draw factual and inferential conclusions.
• Interpersonal Skills: Focus on communication, emotional intelligence, and social sensitivity.
• Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability: Includes problem-solving, puzzles, decision-making, and deductive reasoning.
• Basic Numeracy: Covers arithmetic, number systems, time-related problems, and data interpretation.
• English Language Comprehension: Tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension of given passages.

UPSC Prelims 2025 Marking Scheme

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.

• Paper I (General Studies): +2 for each correct answer. There is a penalty of -0.66 marks for each incorrect answer.
• Paper II (CSAT): +2.5 for each correct answer, with a penalty of -0.83 marks for each incorrect answer. CSAT is qualifying in nature. A candidate needs to score at least 33% (66 marks out of 200) to pass this paper.

UPSC Prelims Marking Scheme:

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.

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 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 Prelims FAQ

Q1. Why is it important to know about the UPSC CSE prelim cut-off?

Ans. You should know about the UPSC prelim cut-off as it helps you set your realistic target score to ensure you can qualify for the mains exams.

Q2. How does negative marking work in UPSC CSE Prelims for GS Paper I?

Ans. In the GS Paper I, you should be rewarded with two marks for every right answer and 0.66 negative marking will be done for each wrong answer. 

Q3. Are only MCQ type Questions in the UPSC Prelims?

Ans. Yes, only MCQ type questions are asked in both the papers of UPSC prelims.

Q4. What is the marking scheme of the CSAT Exam?

Ans. For the CSAT exam, 2.5 marks are rewarded for each right answer and ⅓ of the negative marking is done for each wrong answer.

Q5. What is the format of the UPSC Prelims 2025 exam?

Ans. The UPSC Prelims 2025 consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies (Paper I) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT, Paper II). Both papers are multiple-choice questions (MCQs).