UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2024 [GS Paper-I and II]

The UPSC Prelims is held on 16 June 2024 (Sunday). The exam will take place in two shifts. The first shift was held from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM while the second shift will be from from 2:30 AM to 4:30 AM.

The morning shift paper consists of General Studies I while the afternoon shift is devoted to CSAT (Civil Service Aptitude Test). Candidates can download the UPSC prelims 2024 question paper pdf once it is available in this post. For now, the candidates can download the UPSC Prelims 2023 question papers. Candidates can watch this space for more updates about the UPSC Prelims Question paper.

Candidates can download the UPSC Prelims Question Papers from the links below:

The UPSC Prelims exam is a highly competitive and sought-after examination in India. It is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and candidates who wish to become part of the Indian civil services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, etc. have to clear this first stage before applying for the second stage which is the UPSC mains exam. With the exam date fast approaching, the candidates are preparing diligently to crack the exam and secure their dream job in the civil services.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper Analysis 2024

It is very important to get a detailed analysis of the prelims question papers. This will help candidates in assessing their performance and predict their expected scores. It will also enable them to decide whether to continue preparing for the mains or start preparing for the subsequent year’s prelims exam. Additionally, aspirants who haven’t taken the exam but are preparing can benefit from the analysis tremendously. They can evaluate their preparation levels and make any course corrections if necessary.

Here, we are giving an analysis of the UPSC prelims 2023 question papers. Once the IAS prelims 2024 is completed, we will provide an analysis of that exam as well.

Topic-wise difficulty level for UPSC Prelims 2023 question paper

Watch this space for the UPSC prelims 2024 question paper analysis.

Check the UPSC 2023 exam analysis in the linked article.

The UPSC Prelims Answer Key, which is developed by CSE Experts will also be provided for the reference of candidates, allowing applicants to assess their performance and prepare for the Mains exams. 

UPSC Paper 2024 with Answer Keys will be available on the official website of the UPSC after the final results of the UPSC 2024 are released. For now, candidates can check the UPSC Prelims 2023 Answer Key, prepared by our experts in BYJU’S, from the linked article.

UPSC Prelims 2024: Expected Cut Off

The cutoff for the UPSC prelims varies from year to year. It depends on many factors such as the difficulty level of the questions, the performance level of the candidates, and the number of vacancies. The official UPSC Prelims Cut Off 2023 is 75.41 for the General Category.

In addition to the qualifying cut-off for GS Paper I, candidates are required to secure a minimum score of 33% in the GS II paper, to be eligible for the UPSC Mains 2024.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2024

The UPSC CSE Preliminary exam, a highly competitive exam, is comprised of two papers:

• Paper 1 of the UPSC Prelims General Studies
• Paper 2 of the UPSC Prelims General Studies (CSAT)

Both the UPSC Question Paper 2024 are conducted on the same day and are of equal weightage, with each paper carrying 200 marks and an exam duration of 2 hours. Negative marking is also applicable on both papers, thus emphasizing the importance of accuracy while attempting the questions. To ensure comprehensive preparation, aspirants should consult the IAS Prelims Syllabus to gain insight into the wide range of subjects covered in the exam.

UPSC Prelims 2024 General Studies Paper 1 

The UPSC 2024 Prelims Question Paper 1 is an objective paper with 100 questions and a total of 200 marks. It covers a wide range of subjects such as History, Economy, Politics, Geography, Science and Technology, Environment and Ecology. The scores obtained in the UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper 1 will determine the UPSC Prelims cut-off and serve as a criterion to determine if a candidate has successfully qualified for the next stage, i.e. UPSC Mains. To ensure accuracy, candidates must be careful while answering the questions since the paper includes negative marking and 1/3rd of the total marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.

Candidates can check the UPSC Prelims Marking Scheme, by visiting the linked article.

UPSC Prelims 2024 General Studies Paper 2 (CSAT)

After the UPSC GS Paper 1, candidates have to take the UPSC 2024 Prelims Question Paper 2, which is also an objective-type paper. It consists of 80 questions that carry a total of 200 marks. This paper is slightly different from General Studies Paper I as it tests candidates’ reasoning abilities, including comprehension, analytical and communication skills, decision-making skills, problem-solving skills, basic numeracy, and mental ability. Like Paper 1, there is a negative marking scheme in which 1/3rd of the total marks allotted to the question are deducted for every wrong answer. However, unlike Paper 1, the nature of Paper 2 is only qualifying, and candidates only need to score 33% of the marks to be eligible for the next stage.

Candidates must go through the One Week Before Prelims Exam article to check what to study and how to approach the UPSC Prelims 2024.

UPSC Prelims 2024 Paper PDF is an excellent preparation and self-assessment tool for applicants, allowing them to practise and comprehend the pattern of questions asked in prior years. 

The UPSC Question Paper 2024 is divided into two sections: General Studies-1 and General Studies-2 (CSAT). To practise the questions asked in the previous ten years, candidates can download the UPSC prelims question papers pdf with solutions from this article. UPSC prelims question papers to aid in understanding the trend of questions asked and the level of difficulty, as well as determining expected questions in the following exam.

The Commission will publish the UPSC prelims 2024 question paper pdf on its official website once the exam is successfully conducted.

Negative marking is also used on both sections of the exam, thus, applicants must ensure accuracy when answering the questions.

To thoroughly prepare and revise for the UPSC 2024 prelims, candidates can refer to the previous year’s question papers in addition to solving the current year’s paper. Analyzing the previous year’s question papers can help candidates understand the exam pattern, the type of questions asked, and the level of difficulty. This can also help them identify the important topics and focus on them accordingly. Additionally, solving previous year’s question papers can improve time management skills and build confidence in the candidates, enabling them to perform well in the actual exam.

You can access the article link to check the UPSC CSE Prelims Result, which will be released shortly after the completion of the examination. 

Steps to Download UPSC Prelims 2024 Question Paper PDF

Follow these steps to download UPSC Prelims 2024 Question Paper PDF from the official website.

1. Visit the official website of UPSC.
2. Click on the Examination tab and select “Active Examination” from the dropdown menu.
3. Click on the Civil Services Prelims 2024 link.
4. The page opens with all important information and links related to the exam.
5. Click on the question paper link based on the medium of your choice.
6. The UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2024 pdf will open in a new window.
7. Save and download the question paper for your reference.

UPSC Prelims 2024 Question Paper: Some Important Tips

Here are some important tips for UPSC Prelims 2024 question papers:

• Be familiar with the exam pattern and syllabus: Familiarise yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus to understand the type of questions asked and the topics that are covered.
• Practice time management: The UPSC Prelims has a strict time limit, so it is important to practice time management to ensure you can answer all the questions within the given time frame.
• Solve previous years’ question papers: Practicing previous years’ question papers will help you understand the exam pattern and gain insight into the types of questions asked.
• Focus on current affairs: Current affairs play a significant role in the UPSC Prelims. Stay updated with current events and read newspapers, magazines, and online sources to keep up with the latest news.
• Improve your analytical and reasoning abilities: The UPSC Prelims assesses analytical and reasoning abilities, so it is important to improve these skills. Practice solving puzzles, riddles, and logic-based questions to enhance your analytical and reasoning abilities. Visit Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) to learn more about the exam and get important information about the paper.
• Revise and practice regularly: Revision and practice are key to success in the UPSC Prelims. Regularly revise the topics and practice solving questions to improve your speed and accuracy.
• Stay positive and focused: Finally, stay positive and focused on your goal. Believe in yourself, stay motivated, and stay committed to your preparation strategy.

Candidates can check the Last 10 Days Prelims Strategy to perform well in the exam.

For any further assistance, the latest exam updates, study material or preparation tips, turn to BYJU’S for expert assistance.