UPSC Prelims 2025 exam analysis: 2nd shift paper review, difficulty level, answer key & students' reactions

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).


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.

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.


Below is the Subject-Wise Analysis of UPSC Prelims 2025 2nd Shift listed:



The question types included:

• Reading comprehension
• Logical reasoning puzzles
• Basic numeracy and data interpretation
• Decision-making and problem-solving scenarios

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:




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.

Here we will share the unofficial answer key 2025 soon after today's exam conclusion.


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.

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.


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