Data-derived GS Paper I breakdown
UPSC Prelims 2021 paper analysis
This analysis counts 99 questions in our 2021 GS Paper I library. It shows the recorded subject mix, canonical topic distribution, and changes in counts versus 2020 where comparison data is available. It does not infer difficulty or predict a future paper.
Subject distribution in 2021
| Subject | Questions | Share | vs 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environment | 21 | 21.2% | +3 |
| History | 20 | 20.2% | +7 |
| Current Affairs | 15 | 15.2% | +6 |
| Polity | 14 | 14.1% | -3 |
| Economy | 13 | 13.1% | -7 |
| Science | 10 | 10.1% | -4 |
| Geography | 6 | 6.1% | -3 |
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
Consider the following statements : 1. In India, there is no law restricting the candidates from contesting in one Lok Sabha election from three constituencies. 2. In 1991 Lok...
History
With reference to India, the terms 'Halbi, Ho and Kui' pertain to
Economy
Consider the following statements : 1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government. 2. Certain provisions in the Constitution of Ind...
Geography
Consider the following rivers : 1. Brahmani 2. Nagavali 3. Subarnarekha 4. Vamsadhara Which of the above rise from the Eastern Ghats?
Environment
Which one of the following is a filter feeder?
Science
With reference to street-lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps? 1. Sodium lamps produce light in 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps. 2. As str...
Current Affairs
Consider the following statements : Statement 1 : The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the Arbor Day Foundation have recently recognized Hyderabad as 2020 T...
Polity
Under the Indian Constitution, concentration of wealth violates
History
Consider the following statements : 1. St. Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Jesuit Order. 2. St. Francis Xavier died in Goa and a church is dedicated to h...
Economy
With reference to 'Urban Cooperative Banks' in India, consider the following statements : 1. They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments....
Economy
In India, the central bank's function as the 'lender of last resort' usually refers to which of the following? 1. Lending to trade and industry bodies when they fail to borrow...
History
With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the correct sequence in ascending order in terms of size?
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.