Physics Wallah

UPSC Mains GS Paper Exam Analysis 2024, Check Trends

UPSC Mains GS Paper exam analysis can help in making the right preparation strategy. The UPSC Mains GS Paper exam analysis for all 4 papers is discussed here.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit30 Sept, 2024
Share

Share

UPSC Mains GS Paper Exam Analysis

UPSC Mains GS Paper Exam Analysis: The UPSC CSE Main Examination is one of the most crucial stages in the selection process for IAS, IPS, and IFS officers, which has started from September 20th onwards. In this stage , 9 descriptive-type papers evaluate them on several skills. UPSC GS 1 and GS 2 papers were conducted on September 21st and GS Paper 3 and Paper 4 were held on September 22, 2024.

The marks from two papers (qualifying language papers) are not considered for the merit list, and candidates need to score a minimum of 750+ marks out of 1750 in the remaining papers to be assured of being selected for the interview stage. Among all 9 papers, four UPSC Mains GS papers are significantly important, with a weightage of 1000 marks. The UPSC Mains GS Paper exam analysis is a useful tool to sail through these papers.

UPSC Mains GS Paper Exam Analysis 2024 Overview

As we dwell on the UPSC Mains GS Paper exam analysis, we must first understand the pattern of this stage. UPSC Mains exam has 9 pen and paper-based descriptive papers, each lasting 3 hours. In each paper, the knowledge and analytical skills of candidates are assessed in various subjects. The UPSC Mains exam was based on the given pattern:
UPSC Mains Exam 2024 Format
Forenoon Session (9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon) Afternoon Session (2:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M)
Paper-I: Essay No Paper
Paper-II: General Studies-I Paper-III: General Studies-II
Paper-IV: General Studies-III Paper-V: General Studies-IV
Next Weekend
Paper-A: Indian Language Paper-B: English
Paper-VI: Optional Paper 1 Paper-VII: Optional Paper 2
The UPSC Mains GS Papers 2024 analysis is available here. PW OnlyIAS experts have provided subject-wise UPSC GS papers analysis giving an idea about the exact difficulty level, number of questions, and right approach to each question. Stay tuned for the UPSC Mains exam analysis!
Check UPSC Mains GS Paper Analysis 2024
UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 Analysis UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 Analysis
UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Analysis UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 Analysis

UPSC Mains 2024 GS Papers PDF Download Link

To analyze the subject-wise weightage candidates must go through the UPSC Mains 2024 GS papers. The direct link to download the UPSC Mains question  papers is given in the below table for 2024 GS papers:
UPSC Mains 2024 GS Papers PDF Download
Paper Download Link
UPSC Mains GS 1 Paper 2024 General Studies I
UPSC Mains GS 2 Paper 2024 General Studies II
UPSC Mains GS 3 Paper 2024 General Studies III
UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper 2024 General Studies IV
All UPSC Mains PYQ Papers Click Here

UPSC Mains Subject Wise Weightage

In the UPSC Mains exam, different subjects have specific weightage that varies yearly. UPSC Mains 2024 General Studies papers covered important topics like history, governance, geography, and current events, each with a significant number of questions. Knowing the weightage of each subject helps candidates plan their study time better and improve their chances of doing well in the exam. Here is the UPSC Mains analysis subject wise weightage for GS papers based on 2024 exam:
UPSC Mains Subject Wise Weightage 2024 - GS Papers
Paper Subject Questions
GS 1 Paper History/Art & Culture 6
Geography 7
Society 7
GS 2 Paper Indian Polity 10
Governance and Social Issues 6
International Relations 4
GS 3 Paper Economics and Agriculture 8
Bio-diversity and Environment, Disaster Management, Science & Technology 8
Security 4
GS 4 Paper Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude 13
Case Studies 6

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 Analysis

The UPSC Mains GS paper exam analysis for General Studies I paper highlights the current affairs-related questions in the Indian Society section that have increased in the past few years. On the other hand questions from Geography have stayed constant over the years since 2019 after a dramatic rise from the 2018 exam. The UPSC Mains GS paper exam analysis is as follows for past question papers:
  • Open-ended questions have been asked in the UPSC Mains GS 1 Paper in recent years.
  • Candidates must not limit themselves to the timeline in the history section and focus on analytical themes such as the socioeconomic effects of Colonial rule.
  • It is advisable to take an integrated approach to the Art and Culture section and revise repeating themes multiple times.
  • Candidates must be well-versed in social issues and the impact of modernization and globalization on them.
  • Contemporary topics such as climate change have become significant in Geography.
Stay tuned to get detailed UPSC GS 1 Paper Detailed Analysis 2024 by the PWOnlyIAS experts. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvtOoiEBHa0[/embed] The subject-wise trend in this paper from 2018 to 2023 as per UPSC Mains GS paper exam analysis is as follows: UPSC Mains GS paper exam analysis

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 Analysis

In UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 , the Indian Polity and Constitution remained a dominant subject over the years. According to the UPSC Mains GS paper exam analysis, the questions are generally inspired by the current themes in this paper. Also, the questions in the section have seen a sudden rise in 2021 and 2023, indicating that this trend may continue in the future. The UPSC Mains GS paper exam analysis of the past five years of General Studies II papers is given below:
  • To tackle the questions in this paper, candidates must be updated with the latest current affairs.
  • While studying polity topics relate to the news and events, such as recent judgements. This will help correlate the themes and develop the necessary analytical skills.
  • In the past few years, questions based on laws and social justice have been frequently asked. Therefore, make note of important Supreme Court/High Court judgments and the consequences of same.
  • Similarly, in the International Relations section candidates must take an integrated approach by studying changes in foreign policy with the latest developments.
Stay tuned to get detailed UPSC GS 2 Paper Detailed Analysis 2024 by the PWOnlyIAS experts. https://www.youtube.com/live/BpTSRd6e3h8?si=rdnE6f6bYIanKOHd The year wise trend of questions in GS 2 as per UPSC Mains GS paper exam analysis is as follows:

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Analysis

The UPSC General Studies 3 paper is considered challenging for two reasons: the higher number of subjects and the dynamic questions. Generally, question distribution varies in this paper but in 2019 all major sections witnessed an even distribution of questions. As per the UPSC Mains GS paper exam analysis, the Economics subject can be considered an important subject in the UPSC Mains GS 3 paper. The past five years UPSC Mains GS paper exam analysis for this paper is as follows:
  • Candidates must follow the government website in order to be updated with the latest trends, such as agriculture policies, new breakthroughs in science and technology, etc.
  • Follow the latest budget and Economic survey for analytical questions in the economics section of the GS 3 paper.
  • Questions in sections like Security are generally straightforward and can be answered with decent preparation of current affairs.
  • Take an integrated approach to Economy, Agriculture, Environment, Disaster Management, and Science and Technology. For example, while studying AI, think about how it can be useful in Agriculture. Since such questions are being asked in the exam.
Stay tuned to get detailed UPSC GS 3 Paper Detailed Analysis 2024 by the PWOnlyIAS experts. https://www.youtube.com/live/UdBGHBk9drg?si=ADW3rKGJI2tSUtTh The UPSC Mains GS paper exam analysis is presented below for the General Studies 3 paper:

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 Analysis

The UPSC Ethics Paper has two parts: theory and case studies. In the Theory section of UPSC GS 4 candidates need to answer 13 questions worth 10 marks and in Case studies, the practical approach is assessed by giving questions related to Ethical dilemmas. As per the UPSC Mains GS paper exam analysis, a high number of subjective questions are asked in this paper. The UPSC Mains GS paper exam analysis for the previous year's GS Paper 4 is discussed below:
  • A variety of questions related to basic Ethics theories, Attitudes, and quotes by great personalities are generally asked.
  • This paper evaluates the critical thinking and decision-making skills of candidates, hence they must develop these skills while answering questions in mock tests.
  • To get ready for real-world questions, candidates can follow reputed IAS and IPS officers and learn from their practical experience through case studies.
  • Questions related to Probity in governance focus on themes like corruption, citizen charter, the role of RTI, code of conduct, etc. which has been rising in recent years.

Stay tuned to get detailed UPSC GS 4 Paper Analysis 2024 by the PWOnlyIAS experts!

https://www.youtube.com/live/Dmv0TOAynv4?si=iFAlISqr-IJA5IGI Here are the marks-wise trends of topics in the GS 4 paper in recent years as per the UPSC Mains GS paper exam analysis:

UPSC Mains GS Papers Syllabus 2024

The UPSC Mains GS Paper exam analysis suggests that the syllabus is one of the most important aspects of this exam. Without knowing the UPSC Mains syllabus for GS papers, candidates can not score well in any subject. All four GS papers can be divided into multiple subjects, as displayed below:
UPSC Mains GS Papers Syllabus 2024
Paper Syllabus Subjects
UPSC GS 1 Syllabus Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
  1. Art & Culture
  2. History
    1. Ancient and Mediaeval History
    2. Modern History
    3. Post Independence
    4. World History
  3. Geography
    1. Indian Geography
    2. World Geography
  4. Indian Society
UPSC GS 2 Syllabus Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations
  1. Indian Polity & Constitution
  2. Governance
  3. Social Justice
  4. International Relations
UPSC GS 3 Syllabus Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
  1. Economics
  2. Agriculture
  3. Science & Technology
  4. Security
  5. Bio-diversity and Environment
  6. Disaster Management
UPSC GS 4 Syllabus Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
  1. Ethics and Human Interface
  2. Attitude, Aptitude, and Foundational Values
  3. Emotional Intelligence
  4. Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration
  5. Probity in Governance
Master the concepts of the UPSC Mains exam. Enroll in the best courses by Physics Wallah today!
UPSC Related Articles
UPSC Interview UPSC Optional Subject UPSC Cut off Trends
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern UPSC Mains Time Table UPSC Mains Syllabus

UPSC Mains GS Papers Exam Analysis 2024 FAQs

What is UPSC Mains GS Paper Analysis for 2024?

The UPSC Mains GS Paper analysis suggests that the UPSC Mains 2024 exam was moderate to tough in difficulty level.

What are GS 1, 2, 3, and 4 in UPSC Mains?

The GS 1, 2, 3, and 4 are four General Studies papers in UPSC Mains that are worth 250 marks each.

Which GS paper is tough in UPSC Mains?

All papers are equally challenging in UPSC Mains; however, due to the subjective nature of the answer, GS 4 can be considered tough.

Which is the toughest subject in UPSC Mains?

History, Geography, and Economics are some of the toughest subjects in UPSC Mains.

Which subject has the highest weightage in UPSC Mains?

Polity, Economics, Geography, and History are the subjects with the highest weightage in UPSC Mains.

How to analyse UPSC Mains GS question papers?

Solve questions and identify the recurring pattern to analyse UPSC Mains GS question paper.
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.