Data-derived GS Paper I breakdown
UPSC Prelims 2018 paper analysis
This analysis counts 100 questions in our 2018 GS Paper I library. It shows the recorded subject mix, canonical topic distribution, and changes in counts versus 2017 where comparison data is available. It does not infer difficulty or predict a future paper.
Subject distribution in 2018
| Subject | Questions | Share | vs 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|
| History | 22 | 22% | +9 |
| Economy | 20 | 20% | +4 |
| Polity | 15 | 15% | -7 |
| Environment | 14 | 14% | 0 |
| Current Affairs | 13 | 13% | -7 |
| Science | 9 | 9% | +1 |
| Geography | 7 | 7% | 0 |
Most represented canonical topics
These are conservative category counts based on enriched topic and sub-topic labels, not official UPSC syllabus tags.
Representative solved questions
The sample starts with one graded question from each available subject, then fills remaining slots without repeating identical prompt text.
Polity
If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then
History
Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran Satyagraha ?
Economy
Consider the following countries : 1. Australia 2. Canada 3. China 4. India 5. Japan 6. USA Which of the above are among the 'free-trade partners' of ASEAN ?
Geography
With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements : 1. A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity. 2. Soil d...
Environment
Consider the following statements : 1. The definition of "Critical Wildlife Habitat" is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006. 2. For the first time in India, Baigas hav...
Science
The identity platform 'Aadhaar' provides open "Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)". What does it imply? 1. It can be integrated into any electronic device. 2. Online au...
Current Affairs
Consider the following pairs: Regions sometimes mentioned in news : Country 1. Catalonia : Spain 2. Crimea : Hungary 3. Mindanao : Philippines 4. Oromia : Nigeria Which of the...
History
With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world ?
Polity
Consider the following statements : 1. The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India. 2. The validity of a law placed i...
Economy
With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements: 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. 2. It, among o...
Environment
With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements : 1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in...
Economy
Increase in absolute and per capita real GNP do not connote a higher level of economic development, if
Method and limitations
Counts come from the live PYQ database snapshot reviewed on 12 August 2026. Subject, topic, and concept classifications are independent, AI-assisted enrichment rather than official UPSC labels. We publish descriptive counts—not predictions—and correct classification errors when found. Read the complete methodology and correction policy.