UPSC Previous Year Question Papers PDF with Downloaded Solutions

UPSC Previous Year Question Papers PDF: The UPSC notification 2025 was released by the officials on January 22, 2025. The application process started the same day and ended on February 11, 2025. The Preliminary Exam was held on May 25, 2025, and now the focus is on the upcoming Main Exam, which is scheduled for August 22, 2025. This year, a total of 979 vacancies have been announced for top services like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and others. 

For those planning to appear in the UPSC 2026 exam, the notification is still awaited, so this is a good time to begin preparation. One of the most effective ways to prepare is by practising with the UPSC previous year question paper. These papers help you understand what kind of questions are asked, which topics are important, and how to manage time. Check out the article below for UPSC Previous year Question Papers PDF with Downloaded Solutions.

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UPSC 2025-26

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025–26 is conducted to recruit candidates for top government posts like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A and B services. These posts are allotted based on the final merit rank, which depends on your performance in the Mains (1750 marks) and Interview (275 marks), a total of 2025 marks. The higher your score, the better your chances of getting the post you aim for.

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions

1. With reference to the scientific progress of Ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct? (2012)

Different kinds of specialised surgical instruments were in common use by the 1st century AD

• Tr ansplant of internal organs in the human body began in the 3rd century AD

• The concept of sine of an angle was known in the 5th century AD

• The concept of cyclic quadrilateral was known in the 7th century AD

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

2. With reference to the Guilds (Shrenis) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements is/are true? (2012)

• Every Guild was registered with the central authority of the state and the King was the chief administrative authority on them

• The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the Guild

• The guild had judicial powers over its own members

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

3. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelising water into connected reservoirs? (2021)

(a) Dholavira

(b) Kalibangan

(c) Rakhigarhi

(d) Ropar

4. Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? (2019)

(a) Chanhudaro

(b) Kot Diji

(c) Sohgaura

(d) Desalpur

5. Which of the following characterises/characterise the people of the Indus Civilization? (2013)

• They possessed great palaces and temples

• They worshipped both male and female deities

• They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) None of the statements given above is correct

Check out UPSC Previous Year Question Papers PDF with Downloaded Solutions for prelims here:

UPSC Main Previous Year Question Paper

1. How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanising landscape?”

2. Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy in India.’ Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies.”

3. What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism?

4. Distinguish between 'Capital Budget' and 'Revenue Budget'. Explain the components of both with suitable examples.

5. What does this quotation mean to you in the present context?” – 

“Real liberty means the ability to act according to the dictates of one’s conscience within the framework of the law.

For more such UPSC PYQs, Check out PW’s UPSC Main Previous Year Question Paper

How to Prepare for UPSC Exam Using PYQs

1. Understand the Pattern and Syllabus

Start by comparing the UPSC previous year question paper pdf with the latest syllabus. This will help you know which parts of the syllabus are frequently asked and which topics are not so important. It also helps you learn how to link static topics with current affairs.

2. Practice Answer Writing (for Mains)

For the UPSC Mains exam, writing good answers is very important. Take one IAS question paper pdf at a time and try writing short answers under time limits. Compare your answers with model ones to see where you can improve.

3. Know the Importance of Keywords

Previous year questions show how UPSC frames questions using simple but tricky language. Solving UPSC CSE PYQ papers regularly trains you to identify keywords in a question like "discuss," "critically evaluate," or "elaborate", this helps shape your answer accordingly.

4. Practice Mock Tests Based on PYQs

Many coaching platforms and websites prepare mock tests based on real questions from PDF UPSC question paper sets such as PW. Attempt these in exam-like conditions to improve speed, accuracy, and time management.

5. Use PYQs for Revision

In the final months before the exam, stop collecting new study material. Instead, revise from UPSC previous year question papers with answers. This will strengthen your grip on commonly asked themes and help you stay focused.

Read More: Important Topics for UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam

UPSC Previous Year Question Papers FAQs

1. Why should I solve UPSC previous year question papers?

Solving previous year papers helps you understand the exam pattern, question style, and the kind of topics UPSC focuses on. 

2. How do PYQs improve time management?

When you practise under timed conditions, you learn how to manage your time better during the actual exam and avoid last-minute stress.

3. How many years of PYQs should I cover?

It’s best to go through at least the last 7 to 10 years of UPSC previous year question papers for both Prelims and Mains.

4. Can PYQs help in Prelims MCQ strategy?

Yes. They help you develop techniques like eliminating wrong options, understanding tricky language, and focusing on high-weightage topics.

5. How do PYQs benefit Mains answer writing?

By solving Mains PYQs, you learn how to write structured, relevant, and analytical answers.