BharatNotes The relevant current affairs window for UPSC Prelims and Mains is approximately 12–18 months prior to the exam date. Analysis of PYQs shows 80–85% of CA-linked questions come from the last 12–15 months. Events from 2–3 years prior appear rarely and usually only if they have ongoing policy significance.
The CA Window: What Data Shows
Based on analysis of UPSC PYQs from 2018–2024 by coaching institutes and independent analysts:
- Last 12 months: ~60–65% of CA-linked Prelims questions
- 12–18 months prior: Additional 15–20% of questions
- 18–24 months prior: ~10–15% (typically ongoing policy developments)
- Beyond 24 months: Rare; usually static knowledge, not current affairs
Combined 12–18 month window accounts for approximately 80–85% of CA-linked questions.
Practical Implications by Exam
For Prelims (June 2026):
- Primary window: June 2025 – June 2026 (12 months)
- Extended window: December 2024 – June 2026 (18 months)
- Start intensive CA coverage: at least by December 2024
For Mains (October–November 2026):
- Primary window: November 2025 – November 2026
- Extended window: May 2025 – November 2026
- Mains requires depth on fewer events, not breadth on all events
Common Mistake: Starting Too Early (or Too Late)
Starting 3 years before the exam: Events from 3 years ago will have low relevance by exam time and will have decayed from memory regardless. Intensive CA coverage more than 18 months before the exam is not productive.
Starting 3 months before the exam: Insufficient time to build a coherent CA base — you need to have been following events in real time to understand their context.
The Events That Transcend the Window
Some events are relevant regardless of when they occurred:
- Constitutional amendments
- Landmark Supreme Court judgments (which become static knowledge over time)
- Major international treaties with long-term implications
- Scheme launches that remain operative and are being expanded
These must be covered regardless of when they happened.
