An improved process for preparing a water-soluble polymer having an excellent water solubility and a high molecular weight, which comprises subjecting a thin layer of an aqueous solution of a water-soluble vinyl monomer to polymerization on a solid support, covering the thin layer with a substantially water-insoluble organic material, e.g. a paraffin, a silicone oil or a low molecular polyethylene, and/or a slightly water-soluble or substantially water-insoluble alkylene oxide adduct at least at a point of time when the aqueous monomer solution has not freely flowed, and further continuing the polymerization.