The UPSC Prelims 2024 has been conducted on 16th June 2024. The exam and questions asked therein have thrown up several crucial insights into the ever-evolving dynamics of the UPSC CSE. This article of NEXT IAS provides a detailed analysis of UPSC Prelims 2024, offering insights into the UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2024, subject-wise breakdown, difficulty level, category-wise expected cut-off, and key takeaways for future aspirants.
As the conclusion of UPSC Prelims 2024 marks completion of the first stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 (UPSC CSE 2024), a detailed analysis of the same is imperative to gain crucial insights into the current trends and patterns of the UPSC Prelims. This, in turn, can help aspirants align their preparation with the current expectations of the UPSC. In the sections that follow various aspects of the UPSC Prelims 2024 have been analyzed in detail.
UPSC Prelims Analysis 2024: Highlights
| Exam Date | 16th June, 2024 |
| Announcement of Results | First Week of July 2024 (Expected) |
| Overall Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate |
| Number of Vacancies | 1056 |
| Estimated Number of Candidates Appeared for UPSC Prelims 2024 | 5-6 lakhs |
UPSC Prelims 2024 Overall Difficulty Level
Based on the thorough analysis of the General Studies and CSAT question papers of the exam, the UPSC Prelims 2024 can be categorized as lying somewhere between “Easy to Moderate”.
UPSC Prelims 2024 Subject-wise GS Question Paper Analysis
The subject-wise weightage in the General Studies-I (GS-I Paper) of UPSC Prelims 2024 can be seen as follows:
| Subject | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Economy | 14 |
| Environment & Ecology | 15 |
| Geography | 18 |
| History | 12 |
| Polity | 15 |
| Science & Technology | 13 |
| Miscellaneous (IR, Society, etc) | 13 |
| Total Questions | 100 |
UPSC Prelims Subject-wise GS Question Paper Analysis: Past Years’ Trends
| Subject | Number of Questions |
| Year | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 14 | 17 | 15 |
| Environment & Ecology | 12 | 22 | 16 |
| Geography | 16 | 8 | 14 |
| History | 13 | 15 | 20 |
| Polity | 12 | 9 | 17 |
| Science & Technology | 15 | 11 | 12 |
| Miscellaneous (IR, Society, etc) | 18 | 18 | 06 |
| Total Questions | 100 | 100 | 100 |
UPSC Prelims 2024 Subject-wise CSAT Question Paper Analysis
A total of 80 questions from different topics of the CSAT syllabus for the UPSC Prelims were asked. Topic-wise details of these questions will be updated soon.
UPSC Prelims Cut Off 2024: Category-wise Estimates
The exact cut-off for the UPSC CSE Prelims 2024 will be known only after the UPSC releases it officially in around April-May 2025. However, based on factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, the number of vacancies, and past years’ cut off trends, the expected cut-off for UPSC Prelims 2024 for different categories could fall as follows.
| Category | Expected Cut Off for UPSC Prelims 2024 |
|---|---|
| General Category | 95 +/- 3 Marks |
| OBC Category | 92 +/- 3 Marks |
| EWS Category | 85 +/- 3 Marks |
| SC Category | 83 +/- 3 Marks |
| ST Category | 77 +/- 3 Marks |
Note: The above-estimated figures for the UPSC Prelims Cut Off 2024 are based on a primary analysis of various parameters related to the exam. These figures will be updated as more details emerge.
Expected UPSC Prelims Cut Off 2024: General Category
The UPSC CSE Prelims 2024 cut off for the General Category is expected to be around 95 +/- 3 marks.
Expected UPSC Prelims Cut Off 2024: OBC Category
The UPSC CSE Prelims 2024 cut off for the OBC Category is expected to be around 92 +/- 3 marks.
Expected UPSC Prelims Cut Off 2024: EWS Category
The UPSC CSE Prelims 2024 cut off for the EWS Category is expected to be around 85 +/- 3 marks.
Expected UPSC Prelims Cut Off 2024: SC Category
The UPSC CSE Prelims 2024 cut off for SC Category is expected to be around 83 +/- 3 marks.
Expected UPSC Prelims Cut Off 2024: ST Category
The UPSC CSE Prelims 2024 cut off for ST Category is expected to be around 77 +/- 3 marks.
UPSC CSE Prelims Cut-off: Past Years’ Trends
Past years’ trends of cut-off marks for the UPSC Prelims Exam can be seen as follows:
| Category | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 75.41 | 88.22 | 87.54 | 92.51 | 98 | 98 |
| OBC | 74.75 | 87.54 | 89.12 | 89.12 | 95.34 | 96.66 |
| ST | 47.82 | 69.35 | 70.71 | 68.71 | 77.34 | 83.34 |
| SC | 59.25 | 74.08 | 75.41 | 74.84 | 82 | 84 |
| PWD 1 | 40.40 | 49.84 | 68.02 | 70.06 | 53.34 | 73.34 |
| PWD 2 | 47.13 | 58.59 | 67.33 | 63.94 | 44.66 | 53.34 |
| PWD 3 | 40.40 | 40.40 | 43.09 | 40.82 | 61.34 | 40.00 |
| PWD 5 | 33.68 | 41.76 | 45.80 | 42.86 | 61.34 | 45.34 |
| EWS | 68.02 | 82.83 | 80.14 | 77.55 | 90 | — |
UPSC Prelims Analytica 2024
The candidates are advised to use Prelims Analytica in order to get a finer analysis of the UPSC Prelims 2024. This will also help them get a clear idea of the UPSC Prelims Cut Off 2024 and their performance and chances in the exam.
Here are the steps to access and use Prelims Analytica 2024:
- Go to the NEXT IAS Prelims Analytica.
- Select your Question Booklet Series/Set.
- Input your answers for all the questions that you have attempted.
- Click on “Generate Report”.
- A comprehensive report of your performance in the UPSC Prelims 2024 will appear on your screen.
- The report also includes a detailed analysis of UPSC Prelims 2024.
Learnings for Future Aspirants
- Holistic Preparation: Focus on an integrated preparation strategy covering static subjects and current affairs.
- Conceptual Clarity: Develop a strong foundation in basic concepts across subjects.
- Regular Revision: Consistent revision of important topics and current events is crucial.
- Mock Tests: Regular practice with mock tests and previous years’ papers to build exam temperament and time management skills.
- Perseverance and consistency: Perseverance and Consistency are the keys to good performance in the UPSC Prelims.
- Right Guidance: Clearing such a dynamic and ever-evolving exam requires smart work done in the right direction. This, in turn, requires the right guidance so as to convert your hard work into smart work.
Conclusion
The UPSC Prelims 2024 was a well-rounded and challenging examination, testing aspirants across a broad spectrum of topics. The balanced nature of the questions ensured that candidates needed a comprehensive understanding of the subjects along with a keen awareness of current affairs. Now that the first stage of UPSC CSE 2024 is over, all the aspirants are advised to continue with their Mains preparation irrespective of their good or bad performance in the Prelims Exam 2024.
We wish you good luck on the UPSC Prelims Result 2024!
Team NEXT IAS.
FAQs on UPSC Prelims 2024
Was UPSC Prelims 2024 tough?
Based on the analysis of the question paper, the UPSC Prelims 2024 can be categorized as lying between “easy to moderate”.
What is the safe score for UPSC Prelims 2024?
95 +/- 3 Marks for the General Category, 92 +/- 3 Marks for the OBC Category, 85 +/-3 for EWS Category, 83 +/- 3 Marks for the SC Category, and 77 +/- 3 Marks for the ST Category can be called as a safe score for UPSC Prelims 2024.
What is the expected cut off for UPSC Prelims 2024?
Expected cut off for UPSC Prelims 2024 depends on the category of the candidate. A detailed analysis of the same is given in our category-wise expected cut off for UPSC Prelims 2024.
