How Much Percentage of Current Affairs Are Asked in IAS Prelims?

The percentage of current affairs questions in the IAS Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Prelims exam can vary from year to year. Typically, current affairs questions might constitute around 20-30% of the General Studies paper. These questions cover a wide range including national and international events, government policies, and significant socio-economic issues. For the most accurate insights, it is best to review the specific question papers from recent years as the focus on current affairs can shift based on the prevailing events and trends.

Although the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) does not provide an exact percentage marking for current affairs, questions asked in the exam are usually based on recent news. For example, the ongoing 'Russia-Ukraine War ' might lead to the examination of country locations and boundaries. Current affairs are typically asked in the context of main subjects or interconnected topics, reflecting the broader image of the exam's focus.

For IAS Prelims, under the General Studies Paper - I, there are 100 questions. The number of questions asked from current affairs varies year to year but based on the analysis of the last few years, the number of questions from current affairs lies in the range of 12 to 27. UPSC CSE combines current issues alongside static portions, and then frames questions in the Prelims.

Proper preparation for current affairs not only helps in fetching good marks in the Mains but also aids in the GS Paper - II and GS Paper - III. In fact, it extends further to the final stage of the Exam, the Interview. Hence, it is crucial to plan a systematic preparation for current affairs, allocating some time for its preparation on a daily basis.

Current Affairs Question Analysis of Previous Question Papers

As mentioned earlier, the current affairs section was included in the UPSC Exam from 2011 onwards. Let us look at the previous year question papers to analyze the weightage of current affairs questions in the Prelims exam.

The following graph and table will give you a clear picture of the importance of current affairs in the context of the UPSC exam.

By examining these resources, one can see a consistent pattern in the inclusion of current affairs questions, reinforcing the importance of staying updated and prepared.

In conclusion, while the exact percentage of current affairs questions may fluctuate, the consistent inclusion of these questions highlights their significance in the IAS Prelims. Effective preparation for current affairs is an essential part of the overall strategy for success in IAS exams.