How Many Questions to Attempt in UPSC Prelims: Detailed Analysis

You've probably heard the stories: thousands of aspirants, one coveted IAS post. 

The UPSC Prelims is your first important step on this challenging journey. Before you start pouring over textbooks and question banks, let's get one thing straight: it's not just about knowing the answers. It's about outsmarting the questions.

This blog will cover everything you need to know, from how many questions in UPSC Prelims to strategies for maximizing your attempts and scoring higher. Keep reading!

Approaching UPSC Prelims: How many Questions to Tackle?

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Clearing the UPSC Prelims isn’t just about what you know—it’s about playing smart. One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is figuring out how many questions are there in UPSC Prelims and how many you should attempt. Get this right, and you’re on your way to the Mains. Get it wrong, and you might miss the mark. So, let’s break it down together.

First things first, the UPSC Prelims consists of two papers:

• General Studies Paper I: This one has 100 questions, each worth 2 marks. But here’s the catch: every wrong answer costs you 0.66 marks. So, every choice needs to be calculated.

• CSAT Paper II: This paper has 80 questions, each worth 2.5 marks. Here, a wrong answer deducts 0.83 marks. This means you need to be extra careful with your guesses.

Now, remember, CSAT is a qualifying paper. You only need 33% to pass. But don’t get too relaxed; it’s still important to clear it comfortably.

Alright, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty now—let’s talk strategy for General Studies Paper I, starting with understanding how many questions are there in UPSC Prelims GS Paper I and how to approach them effectively.

How Many Questions to Attempt in General Studies Paper I

General Studies Paper I in the UPSC Prelims covers a range of subjects, including:

• History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern
• Geography: Physical, Human, and Economic
• Polity: Indian Constitution and Governance, International Relations, and Organisations etc. 
• Economy: Basic Economic Concepts and Current Affairs
• Environment: Ecology and Biodiversity
• General Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology

Now let’s talk numbers. The General Studies Paper I can be a tricky one. So, how many questions are there in UPSC Prelims GS paper I?

You’ve got 100 questions, each worth 2 marks, totaling 200 marks. Sounds easy, right? Not so fast. Every wrong answer cuts into your score by 0.66 marks. 

How many should you attempt, then? Well, aiming to answer around 70 to 85 questions correctly is a good ballpark figure. Here’s why:

Cut-off Trends: The cut-off marks for GS Paper I change every year, depending on the difficulty level of the paper and the performance of candidates. For instance, in 2023, the cut-off for the General category was 75.41 out of 200. In 2020, it was higher at 92.51 out of 200. This makes it clear: you can’t afford too many wrong attempts.

Accuracy Over Guesswork: To be confident in your preparation, knowing how many questions are there in UPSC Prelims is really important. Aiming for 70-85 questions allows you to balance risk and reward. Attempting fewer might put you below the cut-off while attempting more without accuracy could lead to unnecessary deductions.

Here’s a practical example: If you attempt 80 questions, and 10 are incorrect, you’d lose 6.6 marks (10 x 0.66). If the cut-off is 100 marks, you’d need 53 correct answers to clear the cut-off safely. This is why aiming for 70-85 questions, with a focus on accuracy, is a solid strategy.

So, you've got your strategy down; now, let’s dive into the details, starting with how many questions are there in UPSC Prelims for each subject. Let’s break it down, subject by subject.

UPSC IAS Prelims Subject Wise Weightage For GS

Want to know where to focus your UPSC Prelims prep? Let's break down how many questions in UPSC Prelims GS Paper I by subjects. This will give you a clear picture of where to invest your time.

Key Observations:

• Current Affairs has consistently been a major part of the exam.

• Polity, Economy, and Environment have also been significant areas.
• There has been a fluctuating trend in the weightage of History and Geography.
• Science and Technology has seen variations in its weightage over the years.

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Now, let's shift our focus to the CSAT Paper II and figure out the optimal number of questions you should aim to attempt.

How Many Questions to Attempt in CSAT Paper II?

CSAT, or Civil Services Aptitude Test, is the second paper in the UPSC Prelims. It's designed to test your basic problem-solving and analytical skills. But before we dive into the details, you might be wondering, how many questions are there in UPSC Prelims CSAT paper?

This paper has 80 questions, each worth 2.5 marks, totaling 200 marks, with a negative marking of 0.83 marks for each wrong answer. 

CSAT covers a range of topics:

• Comprehension
• Reasoning
• Decision-making
• Basic numeracy (numbers and data)
• English language comprehension (classes IX to X level)

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Minimum Marks to Qualify: To pass CSAT, you need at least 33% of the total marks, which is about 66 marks. Focus on getting enough correct answers to hit this target. It’s more about being accurate than just trying to answer a lot.

Ideal Number of Questions: Aim to answer at least 50-55 questions accurately. By doing so, you not only clear the paper but also give yourself a better margin for error, ensuring a stronger overall performance.

What to Focus On: Focus your preparation on the Comprehension and Logical Reasoning sections. These areas tend to be more predictable and can significantly impact your score. For instance, if you excel in these sections, you'll be in a strong position even if Basic Numeracy is less familiar.

Here's a practical example: If you answer 55 questions correctly but get 10 wrong, you lose 8.3 marks (10 x 0.83). This approach helps you stay above the cut-off while managing the impact of incorrect answers effectively.

Alright, now that we've got a handle on question attempts, let’s dive into the subject-wise weightage to see where you should focus your energy.

UPSC IAS Prelims CSAT Subject Wise Weightage

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Wondering how many questions are there in UPSC Prelims, specifically in the CSAT paper? 

Let’s break down how these questions have been divided over the years, section by section, to help you understand where to focus your efforts.

Interesting patterns, right? Now, let's explore how these topics impact the cut-off scores.

Understanding UPSC Prelims Cut-off Trends

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Now that you know how many questions are there in UPSC Prelims, let’s move on to the cut-off marks for the UPSC Prelims. These cut-off marks vary each year based on the paper's difficulty and the candidate's performance. 

By examining past trends, you can get a clearer idea of what to aim for. This helps in determining how many questions you need to attempt and answer correctly to stay above the cut-off.

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Note: PWD in the UPSC exams refers to the five categories of Persons with Disabilities: (1) Blindness and Low Vision, (2) Deaf and Hard of Hearing, (3) Locomotor Disability including cerebral palsy, (4) Intellectual Disability, and (5) Multiple Disabilities.

See the pattern? It’s like trying to predict the weather – sometimes it’s hot, sometimes it’s cold. So, don’t just look at one year’s numbers. Check out the trend.

• The Cut-off marks can vary widely, from 33.68 for PWD 5 in 2023 to 98 for General in 2019.
• Your goal should be to answer enough questions correctly to cross that cut-off line comfortably. For example, if you see that cut-offs are generally around 75-90, aiming for accuracy in 70-85 questions can be a good strategy.
• Remember, different categories have different cut-offs.

Knowing the trends is great, but understanding how many questions are there in UPSC Prelims and the cut-off is even more crucial, dont you agree by now?

But what drives these cut-offs?  

Key Influencing Factors for UPSC Prelims Cut Off in 2024

When preparing for the UPSC Prelims, understanding what affects the cut-off is crucial for tailoring your strategy. The cut-off can vary each year based on several key factors. Knowing these factors helps you gauge the level of competition and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Here are the main factors that influence the UPSC Prelims cut-off:

Difficulty of the Paper

The difficulty level of the questions plays a major role. If a year's UPSC Prelims paper is easier than previous years, the cut-off might be higher as more candidates score well.

Number of Applicants

The cut-off is influenced by how many candidates take the exam. Around 13.4 lakh candidates appeared for the 2024 Prelims. With such a high number of participants, the competition is intense, which often leads to a higher cut-off.

Number of Vacancies

The total number of vacancies available impacts the cut-off. For the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024, there are 1,056 vacancies. More vacancies can sometimes lead to a higher cut-off, as more positions mean more candidates can qualify.

Overall Performance of Candidates

If most candidates perform well, the cut-off will be higher. When many candidates score above the average, the cut-off has to adjust accordingly. 

Previous Year Cut-Off Trends

Looking at past cut-off trends can give you clues. If the cut-offs have been rising over the last few years, this trend might continue. Keep an eye on historical patterns to adjust your preparation strategy.

Important: It's crucial to remember that out of the massive 13.4 lakh candidates who appeared for the UPSC Prelims 2024, only 14,627 qualified for the Mains stage. This stark reality underscores the intense competition and the need for a well-prepared and strategic approach.

Let's dive into the essential do's and don'ts while you're attempting questions to maximize your score.

Do's and Don'ts While Attempting UPSC Prelims Questions

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The UPSC Prelims is a battle against the clock and your own mind. To win, you need a smart strategy. Knowing how many questions are there in UPSC Prelims is a key part of that strategy. 

Let’s get into some essential do’s and don’ts.

Do's

• Read Questions Carefully: Spend about 1-2 minutes on each question to fully understand what’s being asked. Efficiently manage your time by not rushing through questions; this helps in better decision-making. 
• Practice Regularly with Mock Tests: Allocate 2-3 hours daily for mock tests to get accustomed to the exam format and timing. Regular practice helps in identifying weak areas. 

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• Focus on Key Areas: Identify and focus on critical areas of the syllabus that are frequently covered. Prioritize these areas during your study sessions to maximize your scoring potential. For example, subjects like Indian Polity and Geography are often crucial in the Prelims.
• Use the Process of Elimination: When unsure, narrow down your options by eliminating clearly incorrect answers. This increases your chances of selecting the correct option, especially in challenging questions.
• Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Keep abreast of current events and recent developments. This is crucial as questions related to current affairs often appear in the Prelims. Regularly read newspapers and reliable news sources to stay informed.

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• Manage Your Exam Strategy: Knowing how many questions are there in UPSC Prelims, start with the ones you are confident about to build momentum. Allocate time-based on the complexity of each question, and make sure to return to the challenging ones if time allows.

Also worth reading: UPSC Preparation Roadmap for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Start from Zero Level 

Don'ts

• Don’t Guess Recklessly: Avoid guessing answers without a reasonable basis, especially due to the negative marking scheme. It’s better to skip a question than to make a random guess that could potentially cost you valuable marks.
• Don’t Overlook the Basics: Don’t neglect fundamental topics in favor of more advanced or recent issues. Considering how many questions are there in UPSC Prelims, basic concepts often form the foundation for a significant number of them. Ensure you cover all aspects of the syllabus, including core subjects.
• Don’t Spend Too Much Time on One Question: In General Studies Paper 1, aim to spend no more than 1-1.5 minutes per question. In CSAT, try to limit yourself to 1-2 minutes per question. If you’re stuck, move on to the next question and return later if time allows. This helps manage your overall time effectively.
• Don’t Ignore Previous Years’ Papers: Not reviewing past years’ papers is a missed opportunity. They offer insights into how many questions are there in UPSC Prelims and the types of questions asked. These papers are available on the UPSC website. Make sure to analyze and practice with these papers.
• Don’t Rely Solely on One Source: Relying only on one study material can limit your preparation. Use multiple sources to get a comprehensive understanding of the subjects. Diversify your resources to cover all possible areas of the syllabus.

Also worth reading: Useful Websites For UPSC And IAS Preparation 

• Don’t Neglect Health and Well-being: Overworking yourself can lead to burnout. Ensure you maintain a healthy study routine with breaks and proper rest. Taking care of your well-being is crucial for maintaining focus and performance during the exam.

Speaking of staying sharp, it’s essential to keep in mind how many questions are there in UPSC Prelims as you prepare. Let’s wrap up with some closing insights.

Also read: How Many Hours Per Day Required To Study For UPSC IAS Exam?

Conclusion

There you have it! This guide has shown you how to approach the Prelims smartly.

Cracking the UPSC Prelims isn't rocket science, but it's no walk in the park either. You need a solid plan. We’ve given you the map—covering how many questions are there in UPSC Prelims, what to focus on, and where to aim.

Now, it’s time to get down to studying. Put in consistent effort, follow a smart study plan, and practice regularly. Keep an eye on the exam pattern and cut-off trends—they’re crucial for your success.

SuperKalam is here to be your partner in this journey. With our comprehensive study materials, expert guidance, and interactive platform, we'll help you crack the UPSC Prelims with flying colors.

Also read: Significance of Test Series in Clearing UPSC Prelims