UPSC CSE 2025 Prelims: Which sections of the preliminary exam this year were easy, moderate, and challenging? What is this year’s cut-off dilemma? According to previous trends, the actual answer key won’t be released until the following year, and when it does, there might be a few surprises. Let’s examine the May 25 UPSC Civil Services Prelims exam.
The most important question that everyone has is now: How were the UPSC CSE Prelims 2025? Was this year’s paper really simple enough to get you over the cutoff line, despite the rumors in study circles that it was anything but easy, particularly in light of the CSAT paper? Did UPSC live up to its infamous unpredictability once more, or did it finally play fair?
UPSC Prelims 2025 Subject-Wise Question Distribution
| Section/Subject Areas | Questions in 2025 | Questions in 2024 | Questions in 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECONOMY | 17 | 14 | 14 |
| ENVIRONMENT | 10 | 15 | 12 |
| GEOGRAPHY | 14 | 18 | 16 |
| HISTORY ART & CULTURE | 16 | 12 | 13 |
| POLITY & GOVERNANCE | 15 | 15 | 12 |
| GENERAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY | 15 | 13 | 15 |
| MISCELLANEOUS | 13 | 13 | 18 |
1. History & Art & Culture
Easy section overall — described as a “warm hug” for aspirants.
Modern Indian History dominated (9 questions), focusing on Gandhi and the Independence Struggle.
Interesting curveballs like the Portuguese origin of fruits, and a straightforward question on the Indus Valley Civilization’s ‘Dancing Girl’.
No Buddhism this year, which is unusual.
Ancient India questions included rulers and geography (rivers with territorial regions).
Civil services mentor called it the easiest in five years, but still a “don’t mess up” area.
2. Polity
Traditional topics: President, Governor, Panchayati Raj, Centre-State relations.
Slight drop in questions (12 vs. 15 last year).
Tricky “statement-based” questions designed to confuse aspirants, making it more time-consuming.
UPSC’s classic mind games with statements that appear easy but have complex nuances.
Official answer key release next year could bring surprises.
3. Economy
Mix of conceptual questions and numerical problems (deficit calculations).
RBI-related questions featured prominently.
Focus on green economy resources like lithium, and finance topics such as RTGS, NEFT, UPI, bonds, stocks, and agricultural income taxation.
Paper required versatility from candidates.
Level ranged from moderate to difficult.
4. Science & Technology
17 questions combining buzzwords (EVs, GAGAN, deep learning) and core concepts (viruses, cement, coal gasification).
A balance between current affairs and static knowledge.
Questions crafted to confuse with tricky wording and options.
Challenging but rewarding for well-prepared candidates.
5. International Relations
Only 5 questions, relatively easier compared to other sections.
Focused on known international groups: BIMSTEC, BRICS, INSTC, NATO.
A tricky question on the EU’s Nature Restoration Law tested climate diplomacy awareness.
Fewer questions but manageable if you keep up with global affairs.
6. Miscellaneous
Included sports (Chess, Kho Kho), summits, and awards like Gandhi Peace Prize.
Topics linked with current affairs (AI Action Summit, Critical Minerals).
Questions on boards and NE states tested thorough preparation.
Wise candidates knew which questions to skip.
7. Geography & Environment
Often treated separately but blended here due to overlapping questions.
Map-based and conceptual environment questions emphasized the importance of NCERT basics.
Mixed with current affairs to cover world geography and environment topics.
8. CSAT
Traditionally qualifying, but this year was surprisingly tough—more “eliminating” than qualifying.
Far above Class 10 level, causing concern among aspirants.
9. Overall Difficulty
The paper was tough as expected from UPSC, combining knowledge, speed, and mental stamina.
Frequent use of “how many statements are correct?” questions added confusion.
It tested clarity and composure under pressure, not just rote learning.
10. Cut-off Prediction
With a tough GS and a difficult CSAT, cut-off predictions are uncertain.
Official answer keys to be released much later, adding to the suspense.