The Civil Service Preliminary Examination 2019 was conducted on Sunday by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The number of aspirants who applied for the exam this year is expected to be around 13 lakh.

According to experts, the general studies question paper pattern this year was more current affairs focussed. Also, more numbers of questions were asked from the Environment & Biodiversity section as compared to previous years.

According to online exam preparation firm NeoStencil, the CSAT paper was relatively difficult as compared to last year. UPSC is known for varying the exam pattern every year to test students on their comprehensive preparation including static and dynamic knowledge.

UPSC Prelims 2019 Paper Analysis

One of the students, Shubhra Jain, who appeared for today's UPSC Prelims 2019 exam mentioned that paper was difficult compared to the previous year with more questions from the Environment part related to current affairs.

The faculties involved in framing the expected cut off are India's top mentors for Civil Services Exam who have taught more than 5000 UPSC toppers among them in the last 15 years.

Those who qualify Civil Services Preliminary Exam will appear for the main exam which is scheduled to begin from 20th September 2019.

Answer Key Prelims 2019

The examination was conducted in two phases – the first paper (General Studies) was held from 9:30 – 11:30 AM and the second (CSAT) from 2:30 to 4:30 PM. UPSC's official answer key for Prelims exam will be released in 2020 after the announcement of the final merit list.

The candidates, however, can check the answers of Prelims right after their exam to know their marks and plan their preparation for the Main examination.