UPSC Prelims Subject-wise Weightage Syllabus and Strategy

UPSC Prelims exam is the first step in clearing the Civil Services Examination. Aspirants often find it difficult to know what to study and how to prepare. The actual key to success is understanding the UPSC Prelims syllabus subject-wise, focusing on high-weightage topics, and following a structured UPSC Prelims strategy.

In this, we will explain the UPSC prelims subject-wise weightage and share a simple prelims strategy for UPSC Exam 2025 that anyone can understand.

UPSC Prelims Include

The UPSC Prelims exam is the first step for many who dream of becoming civil servants. It is divided into two papers:

• General Studies Paper I (GS I): This paper is very important and is based on many subjects.

• General Studies Paper II (CSAT): This paper is qualifying, which means you need to score a minimum to pass, but it does not decide your overall marks.

A common question for beginners is how many subjects are in the UPSC prelims. GS I generally covers History, Geography, Politics, Economy, Environment, Science, and Current Affairs, which are the key prelims subjects for UPSC.

Total Marks of UPSC Prelims & Marking Scheme

• Total Marks of UPSC Prelims: 400 (200 marks per paper)

• Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks are deducted for wrong answers in GS Paper I.

• CSAT (Paper II): Needs 33% marks to qualify, but it doesn’t affect the final cut-off.

This means you should focus more on GS Paper I while ensuring you qualify for CSAT.

UPSC Prelims Subject Wise Weightage 2025

Many aspirants wonder about the total marks of UPSC. In the prelims, each paper carries 200 marks, making it 400 marks in total. However, GS I is the paper that counts for selection.

It is very important to know the subject-wise weightage in UPSC prelims. Here’s a simple breakdown:

This breakdown helps you understand the UPSC prelims syllabus subject-wise and guides you on which areas to focus more on. For example, since Current Affairs takes a big portion of the exam, giving it extra time can be a good idea.

Check Out: UPSC Question Banks

Detailed Analysis of Each Subject

1. Polity (18-20% Expected)

• Dominates the Prelims paper with questions on constitutional amendments, governance, and landmark judgments.

• Focus areas: Indian Constitution (Preamble, Articles, Amendments)

• Parliament & Judiciary

• Fundamental Rights & Duties

• Governance and Policies

2. History (16-18% Expected)

• Mix of Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History, with an emphasis on freedom struggle.

• Art & Culture (heritage sites, paintings, festivals) is also gaining importance.

3. Geography (15-17% Expected)

• Covers Physical, Indian, and World Geography.

• Map-based questions and environmental geography trends (e.g., climate change) are crucial.

4. Economy (13-15% Expected)

• Includes banking, taxation, fiscal policy, economic reforms, and budget-related concepts.

• Recent trends: Application-based questions on monetary policy, RBI, and government initiatives.

5. Current Affairs (22-24% Expected)

• Most important section, contributing almost one-fourth of the paper.

• Covers government schemes, international relations, national & global events, and reports.

6. Environment & Ecology (13-15% Expected)

• Gaining weightage due to climate change, biodiversity, conservation initiatives, and international treaties.

• UPSC often frames application-based questions on ecological concepts.

7. Science & Technology (7-9% Expected)

• Focus on space technology, biotechnology, health science, and ISRO missions.

• UPSC asks both basic science concepts and recent innovations.

Check Out: PW UDAAN Combo Set of 11 Books

UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper Analysis

UPSC Prelims Cutoff Analysis

The cutoff varies each year based on difficulty level, vacancies, and number of aspirants.

UPSC Prelims Preparation Strategy for 2025

1. Focus on High-Weightage Subjects

• Prioritize Polity, History, Current Affairs, and Geography, as they constitute over 60% of the paper.

2. Revise NCERTs & Standard Books

We bring the right books for you that cater to your needs. Find the name below.

• PWONLYIAS UPSC Wallah Prelims Special Combo

The syllabus covers all topics according to the exam syllabus. Visual aids like maps, diagrams, flowcharts, and timelines are used extensively for easy understanding and revision. Thought-provoking questions, including 'Ignite Your Mind', stimulate thinking and improve critical thinking skills. Stay updated with the latest current affairs and data for current insights.

• UDAAN (Prelims Wallah Static) Combo 

This resource is designed for focused preparation and quick revision. It covers subjects such as Science & Technology, Indian Polity, Physical Geography, Indian Geography, Human & Economic Geography, Modern India, Environment, Economy, Ancient India, Medieval India, Art and Culture, and CSAT. It will help you master the UPSC Prelims syllabus with clarity and confidence.

• NCERT Summary Books

 'NCERT Summary Books' provides comprehensive coverage of 50+ NCERT books, featuring 'Points to Ponder' to enhance critical thinking, along with maps, diagrams, and flowcharts for visual learners. The 'NCERT Workbooks serve as a concise practice resource for UPSC exams, offering chapter-wise prelims and mains questions to ensure mastery of key concepts for effective exam preparation.

3. Master Current Affairs

• Read The Hindu, PIB, and Yojana regularly.

• Revise monthly current affairs magazines.

• Monthly Current Wallah Magazine November 2024 Edition (look for other months also)

4. Solve Mock Tests & PYQs

• Attempt UPSC previous year papers and take regular mock tests.

• UPSC Prelims OMR Answer Sheets 

• UPSC Prelims Previous Years (2011-2023)

5. Don't Ignore CSAT

• Even though CSAT is qualifying, ensure you can secure 33% to avoid elimination.

Success in the UPSC Prelims comes from smart planning and regular practice. When you know the subject-wise weightage in UPSC prelims, you can focus on what matters most. By following a step-by-step plan and using our simple UPSC prelims strategy, you can build a strong foundation and work your way toward success. 

Always remember that every great journey starts with small steps. With dedication and a clear plan, you will learn to effectively prepare for the UPSC prelims and achieve your dream of serving the nation.

Read More: How Reference Books Help in UPSC Prelims 2025 Exam

UPSC Prelims Syllabus FAQs

1. How many subjects are there in UPSC Prelims?

The General Studies Paper I covers Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, and Current Affairs. Paper II (CSAT) tests reasoning, comprehension, and aptitude.

2. What are the total marks of UPSC Prelims?

The total mark of UPSC Prelims is 400 (200 marks for General Studies Paper I and 200 marks for CSAT). However, only Paper I determines qualification for Mains.

3. How can I prepare for UPSC Prelims effectively?

Try to follow a structured UPSC Prelims strategy, covering high-weightage subjects, solving previous years’ papers, revising regularly, and staying updated with Current Affairs.

4. Is there a negative marking in UPSC Prelims?

Yes, 1/3rd of the marks are deducted for incorrect answers in General Studies Paper I.