UPSC Prelims 2025 exam analysis: 2nd shift paper review, difficulty level, answer key & students' reactions
UPSC Prelims 2025 exam analysis: Get the detailed review of the 1st shift paper held on May 25, 2025, including difficulty level, answer key release, and students' reactions. UPSC Prelims 2025 is today on May 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM.
UPSC Prelims 2025 exam analysis: The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 was conducted on May 25, 2025, in two shifts. The second shift, starting at 2:30 PM, saw candidates tackling the General Studies Paper 2 (CSAT).
UPSC Prelims 2025 2nd Shift Exam
The UPSC Prelims 2025 exam is an important step for those aiming for top civil services posts. The second shift focused on Paper 2, also known as CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test). This paper tests aptitude, reasoning, and comprehension skills. Candidates had to carry their admit cards. They were required to report 30 minutes before the exam started.
UPSC Prelims 2025 2nd Shift Paper Analysis & Difficulty Level
The CSAT Paper 2 is expected to be of moderate difficulty, just like previous years. Candidates can expect questions mainly from comprehension, logical reasoning, and basic quantitative aptitude. The reading comprehension passages are likely to be straightforward but will need careful reading.
Some questions may take more time, so managing time will be important. Overall, the paper is expected to test understanding, accuracy, and speed in a balanced way.
Subject-Wise Analysis of UPSC Prelims 2025 2nd Shift
Below is the Subject-Wise Analysis of UPSC Prelims 2025 2nd Shift listed:
| Subject | Difficulty Level (Expected) | Key Focus Areas (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehension | Moderate | Passages on social issues, environment |
| Logical Reasoning | Moderate | Puzzles, seating arrangements, syllogisms |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Moderate | Arithmetic, percentages, data interpretation |
| Decision Making | Moderate | Situational judgment and ethics scenarios |
Types of Questions in CSAT Paper 2
The question types included:
- Reading comprehension
- Logical reasoning puzzles
- Basic numeracy and data interpretation
- Decision-making and problem-solving scenarios
UPSC Prelims 2025 Paper 1 vs Paper 2 Difficulty Level
Paper 1 was known for its conceptual depth. Questions from Geography and Science were more detailed. Paper 2 had moderate difficulty level. It was similar to the pattern seen in previous years.
Below is the required UPSC Prelims 2025 Paper 1 vs Paper 2 Difficulty Level listed:
| Particular | Paper 1 (GS) | Paper 2 (CSAT) (Expected) |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to moderately demanding | Moderate |
| Focus Areas | Polity, History, Geography, Science | Aptitude, reasoning, comprehension |
| Time Consumption | Time-consuming for some | Time management critical |
| Question Types | Multi-statement, map-based | Comprehension, reasoning puzzles |
| Student Feedback | Easier than last year in History | Balanced and fair |
Official UPSC Prelims 2025 Answer Key (out soon)
The official UPSC Prelims 2025 answer key will be released after the full exam cycle is over. This includes the Mains and Interview stages. UPSC will upload the answer keys on its official website. Candidates can download the keys for both General Studies Paper 1 and CSAT (Paper 2) from there.
Download UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 (Unofficial)
Here we will share the unofficial answer key 2025 soon after today's exam conclusion.
Students¡¯ Reactions on UPSC Prelims 2025 Paper 2
Students are expected to respond tensed yet relaxed after the UPSC Prelims 2025 first shift. Many may find the paper challenging but still manageable. Reactions are likely to reflect balanced difficulty. We will soon share student responses for the 1st shift once the exam ends at 2:00 PM.
UPSC 2025 Expected Cutoff
The UPSC Prelims 2025 cutoff will depend on a few key factors. These include the difficulty level of the paper and the number of vacancies. As the vacancies are expected to be around 1000, like previous years, the cutoff will mostly depend on how tough the paper is.
| Category | Expected UPSC Prelims Cut off 2025 |
|---|---|
| General | TBU |
| OBC | TBU |
| EWS | TBU |
| SC | TBU |
| ST | TBU |
For more news and updates from the world of Education, keep reading Indiatimes education.
Shivani, is an accomplished SEO content writer with 3 years of experience working with leading companies like Info Edge and PW. She holds a master¡¯s degree in history and specializes in research paper & article writing. She is also experienced in webinars & blog posts, combining her love for storytelling with creative writing. Her passion for crafting impactful content makes her work stand out, helping brands connect with their audience and achieve goals.
Read More