UPSC Preliminary Examination

Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination — Stage 1 of the IAS/IPS/IFS selection

Two objective papers of 200 marks each. Choose a paper below to take full-length mock tests with UPSC-style questions and a detailed explanation for every answer.

Part 1

Paper I — General Studies I

20 Mock Tests × 100 questions

History & Culture, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Technology and current-affairs-linked topics.

  • › 100 questions · 120 minutes · 200 marks
  • › +2 correct, −0.67 wrong (one-third penalty)
  • › Merit paper — decides the Prelims cut-off
  • › Practice Mode with “Show Answer” and detailed explanations
Start GS Paper I Mock Tests

Part 2

Paper II — CSAT (General Studies II)

20 Mock Tests × 80 questions

Reading comprehension, logical reasoning & analytical ability, basic numeracy and data interpretation (Class X level).

  • › 80 questions · 120 minutes · 200 marks
  • › +2.5 correct, −0.83 wrong (one-third penalty)
  • › Qualifying paper — need 66 marks (33%)
  • › Practice Mode with “Show Answer” and detailed explanations
Start CSAT Mock Tests

UPSC Prelims — Exam Pattern

PaperQuestionsMarksDurationNegative markingNature
Paper I — General Studies I1002002 hours−0.67 per wrongCounted for merit
Paper II — CSAT (General Studies II)802002 hours−0.83 per wrongQualifying (33%)
Both papers on the same day, 2 hours each One-third of the question’s marks deducted for a wrong answer; none for unattempted

Prelims marks are used only for qualifying to the Main Examination; they are not added to the final merit. Always check the latest UPSC notification for official details.

Syllabus — Paper I — General Studies I

  • Current events of national and international importance
  • History of India and Indian National Movement
  • Indian and World Geography — physical, social, economic
  • Indian Polity and Governance — Constitution, Panchayati Raj, public policy, rights issues
  • Economic and Social Development — sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics
  • Environmental ecology, biodiversity and climate change
  • General Science

Syllabus — Paper II — CSAT (General Studies II)

  • Comprehension
  • Interpersonal skills including communication skills
  • Logical reasoning and analytical ability
  • Decision making and problem solving
  • General mental ability
  • Basic numeracy (Class X level)
  • Data interpretation — charts, graphs, tables (Class X level)
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