UPSC Mains previous year questions
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers: Essay and GS I to IV
Every UPSC Civil Services Mains paper from 2014 to 2026, read from the official question papers: Essay and General Studies Papers I to IV. Practise with a writing timer set to UPSC's time per answer; Mains 2025 and 2026 are also in Hindi.
- Mains papers2014 to 2026
- Every paperEssay and GS I to IV
- Writing timerUPSC time per answer
- Also in HindiMains 2025 and 2026
Mains
UPSC Mains Question Papers, Latest First
Mains 2026 has an answer framework for every question. Answer frameworks for earlier years are being added, latest first: how to approach the answer, the points to cover and the diagram to draw.
Read the full paper with the answer frameworks: Mains 2026
How it works
How to Practise UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions
- Time each answerAbout 8 minutes 45 seconds for each GS I to III answer: 175 minutes shared by 20 answers, with 5 minutes to review.
- Write, then checkWrite on paper or type in the box, then compare with the framework and the key points it lists.
- Revise by themeFilter by paper and subject to see how UPSC asks about one theme across years.
Questions students ask
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers: Common Questions
How many questions are there in a UPSC Mains GS paper?
GS Papers I, II and III have 20 questions each, 10 of 10 marks and 10 of 15 marks, for 250 marks in three hours. GS Paper IV (Ethics) has short questions in Section A and case studies in Section B, also for 250 marks.
How is the UPSC Mains Essay paper set?
Paper I (Essay) gives eight topics in two sections of four. You write two essays, one from each section, for 125 marks each, in three hours.
Does UPSC publish model answers for Mains?
No. UPSC publishes only the question papers. The answer frameworks here are written by Digitally Learn and are its copyright.
Can I practise the UPSC question paper in Hindi?
Yes. Recent papers are also in Hindi, in UPSC's own printed Hindi (UPSC prints every paper in Hindi and English): Prelims 2025 and 2026, CSAT 2020 to 2026 and Mains 2025 and 2026; switch the language at the top of the practice screen.
Is practising the previous year questions here free?
Yes. Every paper can be practised free, with timing, marking and a score report. Progress is kept in your browser.