Official papers, organised for preparation

UPSC Previous Year Question Papers

Download UPSC CSE PYQ PDFs for Prelims, Mains General Studies, Essay and Optional subjects. Use the year-wise archive to understand the exam’s demand before planning books, notes and tests.

Download latest PYQs How to analyse PYQs
Quick answer

UPSC previous year question papers are the most reliable source for understanding CSE question framing and syllabus depth. As of 16 August 2026, the newest available papers are Prelims 2026 GS Paper I and CSAT; the newest Mains set is 2025.

Start with the newest papers

Latest UPSC CSE PYQ PDFs

The 2026 Prelims papers are linked to the official UPSC source. The 2025 Mains set is hosted in the dedicated PYQ folder for fast access.

P26
Prelims 2026

General Studies Paper I

Objective paper used for the Prelims merit cut-off.

Official PDF
C26
Prelims 2026

GS Paper II (CSAT)

Qualifying aptitude paper; minimum 33% required.

Official PDF
GS1
Mains 2025

General Studies I

History, culture, society and geography.

Download PDF
GS2
Mains 2025

General Studies II

Polity, governance and international relations.

Download PDF
GS3
Mains 2025

General Studies III

Economy, technology, environment and security.

Download PDF
GS4
Mains 2025

General Studies IV

Ethics, integrity, aptitude and case studies.

Download PDF
E25
Mains 2025

Essay Paper

Two sections testing coherence, depth and expression.

Download PDF

Source check: The latest-paper availability was verified from the Union Public Service Commission’s Previous Question Papers and examination pages on 16 August 2026.

Stage one archive

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Papers

Download GS Paper I and GS Paper II (CSAT). For best results, attempt both papers in the actual two-hour time limit before checking solutions.

YearGeneral Studies Paper IGeneral Studies Paper II (CSAT)
2026 LatestOfficial PDF ↗Official PDF ↗
2025Download GS IDownload CSAT
2024Download GS IDownload CSAT
2023Download GS IDownload CSAT
2022Download GS IDownload CSAT
2021GS I answer keyCSAT answer key
2020GS I answer keyCSAT answer key
2019GS I answer keyDownload CSAT
2018Download GS IDownload CSAT
2017Download GS IDownload CSAT
2016Download GS IDownload CSAT
2015Download GS IDownload CSAT
2014Download GS IDownload CSAT
2013Download GS IDownload CSAT
2012Download GS IDownload CSAT
2011Download GS IDownload CSAT
2010Download General Studies paper
2009Download General Studies paper
Stage two archive

UPSC Mains General Studies PYQs

Use recent papers to study directive words, issue-linking and the expected depth of a 10-mark or 15-mark answer.

Open Mains GS archive: 2009–2017
2017 GS I2017 GS II2017 GS III2017 GS IV2016 GS I2016 GS II2016 GS III2016 GS IV2015 GS I2015 GS II2015 GS III2015 GS IV2014 GS I2014 GS II2014 GS III2014 GS IV2013 GS I2013 GS II2013 GS III2013 GS IV2012 GS I2012 GS II2011 GS I2011 GS II2010 GS I2010 GS II2009 GS I2009 GS II
Essay archive

UPSC Mains Essay Previous Year Papers

Analyse how UPSC balances philosophical and issue-based topics, then practise complete essays with a clear thesis, multidimensional arguments and a coherent conclusion.

2025Essay PDF2024Essay PDF2023Essay PDF2022Essay PDF2021Essay PDF2020Essay PDF2019Essay PDF2018Essay PDF2017Essay PDF2016Essay PDF2015Essay PDF2014Essay PDF2013Essay PDF2012Essay PDF2011Essay PDF2010Essay PDF2009Essay PDF
Optional papers

UPSC Optional Subject Previous Year Papers

Use the official UPSC archive for the complete current list. The links below connect popular optionals with their syllabus and course guidance on this website.

AnthropologyPaper I & II preparationGeographyPaper I & II preparationHistoryPaper I & II preparationPolitical Science & IRPaper I & II preparationPublic AdministrationPaper I & II preparationSociologyPaper I & II preparation
Need another optional subject?Open the complete UPSC previous-question-paper archive.
Turn papers into marks

How to analyse UPSC PYQs effectively

Do more than read old papers. Build a repeatable system that links questions to the syllabus, sources, practice and revision.

  1. 01

    Tag every question to the syllabus

    Write the exact syllabus phrase beside each question. This reveals recurring areas and prevents vague preparation.

  2. 02

    Separate theme from exact wording

    UPSC rarely repeats a question verbatim, but constitutional ideas, governance challenges, geography concepts and ethical dilemmas recur.

  3. 03

    Attempt before reading solutions

    Use exam timing, mark uncertain answers and record why an option or argument was selected.

  4. 04

    Maintain an error and gap log

    Classify mistakes as knowledge, interpretation, elimination, recall, time management or answer-structure gaps.

  5. 05

    Revise through questions

    Return to the same paper after revision and compare accuracy, speed, coverage and answer quality.

Prelims

Two-pass practice

First solve without notes. Then map every option—not only the correct one—to the syllabus and source.

Mains

7- and 11-minute drills

Practise 10-mark and 15-mark answers using directive words, subheadings, evidence and a short conclusion.

Essay

Theme bank

Group topics into philosophical, social, political, economic, scientific and ethical themes; prepare examples across dimensions.

Frequently asked questions

UPSC PYQ FAQs

Where can I download UPSC previous year question papers?

Use the year-wise Prelims, Mains GS and Essay sections on this page. The newest 2026 Prelims papers open from the official UPSC website; hosted recent Mains PDFs are kept in a dedicated PYQ folder.

What are the latest UPSC CSE papers available?

As of 16 August 2026, UPSC has published the 2026 Prelims GS Paper I and GS Paper II (CSAT). The 2026 Mains examination is not yet complete, so 2025 remains the latest available Mains question-paper set.

How many years of UPSC PYQs should an aspirant solve?

Analyse at least ten recent years for pattern and topic trends. Solve recent papers under timed conditions and use older papers for broader theme recognition.

Do questions repeat in the UPSC examination?

Exact questions rarely repeat, but concepts, themes, areas of the syllabus and analytical skills recur. PYQs clarify how UPSC reframes familiar topics.

Should I use PYQs before finishing the syllabus?

Yes. Scan PYQs while reading the syllabus, solve topic-wise questions during study and attempt full papers during revision. Waiting until the end removes their value as a preparation guide.

Continue preparing

Related UPSC resources

UPSC SyllabusMap every PYQ to the official syllabusUPSC BooksChoose sources after PYQ analysisMains Answer WritingBuild structure, speed and feedbackPrelims Test SeriesApply PYQ patterns under exam conditionsUPSC Test SeriesIntegrated testing for Prelims and MainsUPSC Cut OffRead score trends with paper difficulty