Introduction

The Uttar Pradesh Review Officer (RO) and Assistant Review Officer (ARO) examination, conducted by UPPSC, is one of the most competitive state-level exams. To crack this exam, aspirants must understand not only the syllabus and books but also the trend of previous year papers.

Analyzing previous year papers helps aspirants:

This article provides a detailed analysis of UP RO/ARO papers from 2020 to 2024, covering question distribution, syllabus coverage, and key learnings for the upcoming exam.

1. UP ARO/RO Exam Pattern Recap

Prelims Exam

Mains Exam

Note: ARO candidates also face a typing test in Hindi.

2. Importance of Previous Year Paper Analysis

3. Year-wise Analysis of UP RO/ARO (2020–2024)

(A) UP RO/ARO 2020 Paper Analysis

Observation: Paper was moderate, Current Affairs-heavy. Hindi required practice in grammar and idioms.

(B) UP RO/ARO 2021 Paper Analysis

Observation: More static questions compared to 2020. Current Affairs still crucial.

(C) UP RO/ARO 2022 Paper Analysis

Observation: Balanced paper with equal weightage for static and current. Hindi was slightly tougher.

(D) UP RO/ARO 2023 Paper Analysis

Observation: Current Affairs dominated Prelims. Hindi remained moderate but required practice in essay & precis.

(E) UP RO/ARO 2024 Paper Analysis

Observation: Paper tilted heavily towards Current Affairs. Static subjects still had importance but needed integration with contemporary events.

4. Comparative Trend (2020–2024)

Subject/Year20202021202220232024Trend

History

25

28

25

22

20

Stable but slightly declining

Polity

18

20

20

18

15

Moderate decline

Geography

20

22

20

18

20

Consistent

Economy

12

10

15

12

14

Slight increase

Current Affairs

28

25

22

27

30

Rising sharply

Science/Tech

15

14

16

12

12

Stable

Hindi Grammar

Strong

Strong

Tough

Moderate

Strong

Consistent focus

Key Takeaways:

Current Affairs weightage is increasing every year.

History and Polity remain important but not as dominant as earlier.

Hindi section consistently demands grammar + essay practice.

Precis and Essay writing topics were more contemporary (AI, Digital India, Climate Change).

Major focus on grammar rules and official drafting style.

General Hindi

Science: 10–12 questions.

Geography: 18–20 questions.

Economy: 12–14 questions.

Polity: 15 questions.

History: 18–20 questions.

Current Affairs: 30 questions (highest weightage in 5 years).

General Studies

Translation-based practice in Mains.

Idioms & Proverbs: 6 questions.

Sentence correction: 8 questions.

Vocabulary: 12 questions.

General Hindi

Miscellaneous GK: 10–12 questions.

Current Affairs: 25–27 questions.

Environment/Ecology: 12 questions.

Geography: 15–18 questions.

Polity: 18 questions (Constitution + Governance).

History: 20–22 questions (with focus on Medieval).

General Studies

Essay topics in Mains connected to Indian society and environment.

Sentence rearrangement introduced.

High weightage of Sandhi, Samas, Alankaar.

General Hindi

General Science: 14–16 questions.

Current Affairs: 20–22 questions.

Geography + Environment: 20+ questions.

Economy: 12–15 questions.

Polity: 18–20 questions.

History & Freedom Movement: 22–25 questions.

General Studies

Essay topics in Mains focused on social issues.

Synonyms/Antonyms – 12 questions.

Strong focus on grammar.

General Hindi

Miscellaneous (Sports, Awards): 10 questions.

Science: 12–14 questions.

Current Affairs: 22–25 questions (National + International).

Geography (Physical + Indian): 18–22 questions.

History (Modern + Medieval): 25–28 questions.

Polity: 20+ questions (many from Laxmikant basics).

General Studies

One-word substitution: 6–7 questions

Sentence correction: 8–10 questions

Idioms & Phrases: 6–8 questions

Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms): 10–12 questions

Grammar: 15–18 questions

General Hindi

Reasoning/Maths: 10–12 questions

General Science: 12–15 questions

Current Affairs: 25–28 questions

Economy: 10–12 questions

Geography & Environment: 18–20 questions

Polity & Governance: 15–18 questions

History & Culture: 20–25 questions

General Studies

Useful for practicing MCQs and answer-writing styles.

Provides trend insights on difficulty level.

Helps identify focus areas for GS and Hindi.

Shows topic-wise weightage (History, Polity, Geography, etc.).

Total = 340 marks

Paper III – Hindi Essay: 120 marks | 3 hours

Paper II – General Hindi & Drafting: 100 marks | 2.5 hours

Paper I – General Studies: 120 marks | 2 hours

Total = 200 marks

Paper II (General Hindi): 60 marks | 1 hour

Paper I (General Studies): 140 marks | 2 hours

Plan a smart preparation strategy.

Spot repeating questions and themes.

Understand difficulty level.

Identify important topics.