Physics Wallah

UPSC Prelims Subject-Wise Weightage

UPSC Prelims Subject-Wise Weightage will help in understanding the marks distribution. Focus on key topics based on their UPSC Prelims subject-wise weightage from previous years.
authorImageBhavya Upadhyay20 May, 2025
Share

Share

UPSC Prelims Subject-Wise Weightage

 

UPSC Prelims Subject-Wise Weightage refers to the distribution of questions across different subjects in the General Studies Paper I and II, helping aspirants identify the most frequently tested areas and prioritize their preparation accordingly. To increase your chances of success, understanding the UPSC Prelims Subject-Wise Weightage is essential. Read on to understand the breakdown of the subject-wise weightage, analyze the UPSC Prelims syllabus, and gain insights into UPSC Prelims preparation tips!

UPSC Prelims Subject-Wise Weightage 2025

The UPSC Prelims Subject-Wise Weightage 2025 refers to the distribution of marks across various subjects in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Understanding the subject-wise weightage is crucial for candidates to plan their preparation effectively. While the exact weightage for 2025 will be available after the exam on May 25th, candidates can use the previous years' weightage as a reference.

Previous Year's UPSC Prelims Subject-Wise Weightage

For candidates who are effectively preparing for UPSC Prelims, it is necessary to understand the UPSC Prelims Subject-Wise Weightage across different topics. Here's a breakdown based on previous years' trends:

1. History

Year 2024 2023 2022
History 9 13 16

History, particularly Modern History, is a critical part of the UPSC Prelims syllabus. Focus on significant events, freedom movements, and key personalities.

2. Geography

Year 2024 2023 2022
Geography 19 9 12

Geography has a significant presence in the UPSC Prelims question paper pattern. Key areas include physical geography, climate patterns, and maps.

3. Polity

Year 2024 2023 2022
Polity 18 14 13

Polity is another important area. Understanding the Constitution, its amendments, and governance structures is essential for your UPSC Prelims strategy.

4. Economy

Year 2024 2023 2022
Economy 15 14 17

Economy-related questions generally focus on understanding concepts like GDP, inflation, and government schemes. Keeping up-to-date with current economic affairs is essential.

5. Environment and Ecology

Year 2024 2023 2022
Environment and Ecology 10 21 17

With the increasing significance of environmental issues, this subject has gained dominance in the 

6. Science and Technology

Year 2024 2023 2022
Science and Technology 9 5 14

Science and Technology questions test your awareness of recent advancements and their implications.

7. Current Affairs

Year 2024 2023 2022
Current Affairs 20 24 11

Current Affairs is an area where candidates need to stay updated continuously. The weightage of current affairs can vary, but it generally plays a significant role in the UPSC Prelims syllabus analysis.

UPSC Prelims Subject-Wise Weightage for CSAT

The table below presents the year-wise distribution of questions in the UPSC Prelims CSAT Paper (2011–2024) across five key subjects to help in analysing high-weightage topics:

Year Math & Basic Numeracy Logical & Analytical Reasoning Reading Comprehension Data Interpretation Decision Making
2011 11 17 39 5 8
2012 3 28 40 0 9
2013 11 21 33 9 6
2014 20 23 31 6 0
2015 30 18 30 2 0
2016 31 21 28 0 0
2017 28 22 30 0 0
2018 18 22 26 14 0
2019 32 18 30 0 0
2020 42 12 26 0 0
2021 33 18 27 0 2
2022 25 22 30 0 3
2023 37 15 28 0 0
2024 25 18 27 10 0

How to Utilize the UPSC Prelims Subject-Wise Weightage in Preparation?

Here’s a strategy to make the most out of the UPSC Prelims subject-wise distribution:

  1. Prioritize High-Weightage Subjects: Based on the UPSC Prelims subject-wise weightage, allocate more time to subjects like History, Geography, Polity, and Economy. These subjects collectively cover a more significant portion of the paper.
  2. Focus on Current Affairs: Due to the dynamic nature of current affairs, daily reading newspapers and following reliable current affairs magazines is necessary.
  3. Revise Regularly: Subjects like Polity and Geography require regular revision to retain facts and concepts. Make use of short notes and mind maps for quick revision.
  4. Practice Previous Year Question Papers: Analyzing previous year's question papers helps in understanding the UPSC Prelims question paper pattern and prepares candidates for the actual exam.
  5. Practice with PW Marks Booster: Physics Wallah offers Prelims Marks Boosters, which help in time management and assessing preparation level. It helps in identifying weak areas that need more attention.

Understanding the UPSC Prelims subject-wise weightage is a critical aspect of your preparation strategy. By focusing on high-weightage subjects, staying updated with current affairs, and regularly practising with mock tests, you can enhance your chances of clearing the Prelims. Remember, consistency and dedication are key to cracking the UPSC Prelims. 

Looking for guidance in UPSC preparation? Enroll in the online courses offered by Physics Wallah!

UPSC Prelims Subject-Wise Weightage FAQs

Q.1 Which subject has more weightage in UPSC Prelims?

Ans. History and Polity generally have the highest weightage in the UPSC Prelims syllabus, with Modern History and Indian Polity being particularly important.

Q.2 Which subject is most scoring in UPSC Prelims?

Ans. Subjects like Polity and Geography are considered most scoring in the UPSC Prelims question paper pattern due to their straightforward concepts and factual nature.

Q.3 Which subjects are most important for UPSC Prelims?

Ans. History, Polity, Geography, and Economy are the most important subjects for UPSC Prelims as they cover a significant portion of the syllabus and frequently appear in the exam.

Q.4 How can I prepare for high-weightage subjects in UPSC Prelims?

Ans. Focus on detailed study, regular revision, and practicing previous years' papers. A solid understanding of UPSC Prelims Subject-Wise Weightage helps in prioritizing these areas.

Q.5 What is the best strategy for tackling current affairs in UPSC Prelims?

Ans. Regularly reading newspapers, following current affairs magazines, and revising important events are crucial. Current affairs often integrate with traditional subjects in the exam.
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.