UPSC CSE 2024 Analysis

UPSC CSE (Prelims) 2024 Analysis

The UPSC Civil Services Prelims exam, the initial step for aspiring IAS, IPS, and IFS officers, was conducted on June 16, 2024. This examination was divided into two sessions. The first session, General Studies (GS) Paper 1, occurred from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, followed by the second session, GS Paper 2, also known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Initial analysis indicates that both the GS and CSAT question papers were relatively easier compared to previous years, creating a positive sentiment among students.

[GS Paper 1 Analysis]

The following table shows how many questions were asked in each subject & their difficulty level.

      1. Economics

• In Prelims 2024, there are 12 questions from the Indian Economy. Out of it, 7 Questions are from Banking and Finance, 3 Questions related to Government schemes and rest of the questions are from other themes such as Taxation, Infrastructure etc. Overall, the Economy section was along the expected lines in terms of overall weightage to Economy and in terms of weightage to Themes (Majority of the questions were from Banking and Finance). Most of the questions have been asked from the Static/Core part and only a few questions have been asked from Current Affairs.

• UPSC has also continued with its previous pattern of asking questions related to Schemes (Digital India, PM-SYM, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan), Core Concepts (sectors of Economy, Types of Physical Capital), Important Economic Developments in other countries (Venezuela Crisis, US Debt Crisis).

• Most of the questions from the Economy section required the students to identify as to "which statements are correct?" rather than identifying "How many statements are correct?". Hence, an average well-read student could easily answer around 10 questions through the elimination method.

2. Science and Technology-

The Science and Technology questions are mostly easy. Approximately 12 questions were asked, consistent with the trends of recent years. Students with a basic understanding of key areas should be able to answer accurately.

3. Geography-

   This year’s UPSC exam, geography questions were easier compared to last year’s. The questions have largely remained concept-based. The majority of the questions could be answered through a basic understanding of the subject. Map-based questions (like Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East) were also asked consistent with the trends of recent years.

3. History-

The history questions are moderate compared to last year, with some repetition of themes. The weightage of art and culture is higher than modern history, similar to the previous year. Elements of current affairs are evident in the culture section, such as the question on UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

5. Polity & Governance:

This year Polity section comprised 16 questions. Of these, 10 were easy, 3 were of medium difficulty, and 3 were tough. Notably, 10-12 questions were drawn from the last two years. Although the tough questions were more challenging than last year’s, the remaining questions followed a predictable pattern.

6. IR and Security:

Approximately 10 questions were asked from IR and Security. The weightage of Security has increased this year. The questions coming from IR traditional areas like international organisations and conflict areas have taken a hit, though the questions coming from both sections are easy to moderate.

7. Environment and ecology:

Approximately 15 questions were asked from environment and ecology. The majority of questions are moderate in difficulty and inspired from current affairs.

Overall, the paper this year was simpler than those in recent years, with more straightforwardly framed questions. We anticipate that the cut-off for the prelims will be higher this year. The difficulty level is comparable to the 2021-22 exams, and we expect the cut-off to fall between 95 and 100.

Note: You can buy all the books of the UPSC CSE Examination from Disha Publication

• The overall difficulty level of the CSAT paper was “Moderate ”

• Quantitative Aptitude questions were found to be of moderate to difficulty.
• Candidates need to score a minimum of 33% marks to qualify for the CSAT paper.
• The Reading Comprehension part was lengthy.

Read More: #1 Best Books For UPSC: Top 10 Books For UPSC/IAS Exam