UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023 Subject Wise, Difficulty Level
Review UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023 to understand the difficulty level of the UPSC Prelims. Get the comprehensive UPSC Prelims 2023 analysis subject wise from here.
Sheetal Gaur10 Sept, 2025
Share
UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023: The UPSC Prelims 2023 was held across two sessions, each lasting two hours. Session 1 covered Paper 1, focused on General Studies (GS), while Session 2 was dedicated to Paper 2, the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Building on insights from the previous year, the 2023 UPSC Prelims question papers were evaluated as moderately difficult to challenging. The Prelims 2023 cut-off was 75.41 for the General Category, showing a slight decrease compared to the previous year's cut-off of 88.22. Keep on reading to get complete insights into UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023 which can help candidates anticipate their 2024 preparation.
UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023 Highlights
The UPSC Prelims consist of two mandatory papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT). Both papers play a critical role in screening candidates for the Mains examination.|
UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023 Highlights |
|
| Particular | Details |
| Exam | Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination |
| Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Mode | Pen and Paper Based |
| Exam Date | May 28, 2023 |
| Format | MCQ Based |
| Total Marks | 200 Each |
| Total Questions |
|
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd (0.66 in GS and 0.83 in CSAT) |
| Papers |
|
| UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2024 | After the UPSC CSE Prelims |
| GS 1 Cut off | 75.41 for General |
| CSAT Cut off | 33% |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023
The UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023 suggests the new pattern of MCQs further makes it challenging to apply the elimination technique to the majority of questions. The table below provides an analysis of the UPSC Prelims 2023, broken down by subject for both the General Studies (GS) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). This analysis includes questions that were primarily based on factual knowledge and memory. General Studies Paper I: UPSC Prelims exam analysis 2023 paper 1 Focuses on history, geography, economics, polity, environment, science and technology, and current affairs.| UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023 | ||
| UPSC Prelims Analysis 2023 – Paper 1 (GS) | ||
| Subjects | Total Questions | Difficulty Level |
| Polity | 14 | Easy to Moderate |
| Economy | 14 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Modern History | 3 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Ancient, Medieval History and Culture | 10 | Difficult |
| Science & Technology | 5 | Moderate |
| Geography | 9 | Moderate |
| Environment | 21 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Current Affairs /Misc. | 24 | Moderate |
| Total | 100 | Difficult |
| UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023 | ||
| UPSC Prelims Analysis 2023 – Paper II (CSAT) | ||
| Reasoning Ability | 13-14 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Reading Comprehension | 27 | Moderate |
| Numerical Ability | 39-40 | Difficult |
| Total | 80 | Difficult |
Section-Wise UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023
This detailed analysis of the UPSC Prelim Exam 2023 aims to help candidates understand the nuances of the UPSC prelims 2023 subject-wise questions and better prepare for future examinations. The insights provided here should guide aspirants in fine-tuning their preparation strategy and improving their chances of success in this highly competitive exam.UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023 Paper 1
This paper typically sets the tone for the overall difficulty of the exam. In 2023, the paper leaned towards moderate to difficult, with a significant number of questions rooted in current affairs and traditional UPSC favourites like polity and history. Current Affairs: Continued to dominate, reflecting global and national events from the past 18 months. Polity: Featured questions on constitutional articles, government schemes, and policies. History: Saw a balanced mix of ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, with a few questions on world history.UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023 Paper II (CSAT)
The CSAT paper was comparatively easier, designed to test the candidates' aptitude rather than their memorization skills. Key areas included: Comprehension: Multiple passages with medium to difficult questions. Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability: Puzzles, arrangements, and logical links. Quantitative Aptitude: Basic numeracy and data interpretation with moderate difficulty.Factors Affecting the UPSC Prelims 2023 Cut-Off
Several factors play into the determination of cut-off marks each year:- A tougher paper generally leads to lower cut-offs and vice versa.
- Fewer vacancies push the cut-off higher as competition intensifies.
- Higher average performance can raise the cut-off threshold.
UPSC Prelims 2023 Cut-Off
Given the exam's moderate difficulty level and historical trends, the cut-off for the general category was 75.41 marks out of 200 for General Studies Paper I. Check out the complete category-wise cut-off from below:|
UPSC Prelims Cut Off 2023 Category-wise |
|
| Category | Cut off |
| General | 75.41 |
| EWS | 68.02 |
| OBC | 74.75 |
| SC | 59.25 |
| ST | 47.82 |
| PwBD 1 | 40.40 |
| PwBD 2 | 47.13 |
| PwBD 3 | 40.40 |
| PwBD 5 | 33.68 |
|
Other UPSC Related Links |
|
| UPSC Prelims Cut-off Analysis | UPSC Prelims Exam 2024 |
| UPSC Prelims Test Series | Important UPSC Prelims Topics |
| UPSC Prelims Exam Centre | UPSC Prelims Previous Year Papers |
UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023 FAQs
What was the most challenging section in the UPSC Prelims 2023?
As per UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2023, many candidates found the Current Affairs section to be the most challenging due to its depth and the breadth of issues covered.
How can I improve my performance on the CSAT paper?
Practice is key for CSAT; focus on enhancing your problem-solving speed and comprehension skills through regular practice tests.
Is it necessary to attempt all questions in the UPSC Prelims?
No, due to negative marking, it is advisable to attempt only those questions you are reasonably sure of.
How does the UPSC determine the cut-off for Prelims?
The cut-off is determined based on the difficulty level of the exam, the performance of all candidates, and the number of vacancies.
Can good performance in Paper II compensate for Paper I in Prelims?
No, Paper II is qualifying in nature; you must meet the cut-off in Paper I to advance to the Mains regardless of your score in Paper II.
🔥 Trending Blogs
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
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.