UPSC Mains Question Paper | IAS Mains Question Papers | Self Study UPSC | UPSC Mains Paper | IAS Mains Question Paper | UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers

Preparing for the UPSC Mains examination is a challenging journey that requires strategic preparation, and one of the most valuable resources for aspirants is the UPSC Mains Question Paper. These question papers are not just documents, but comprehensive roadmaps that offer deep insights into the examination pattern, question types, and critical topics that the Union Public Service Commission considers important. By systematically analyzing UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers from 2013 to 2025, candidates can develop a robust understanding of the exam’s nuances, improve their answer-writing skills, and significantly enhance their chances of success.

Paper wise, Subject wise and Topic wise collection

UPSC Mains Question Paper (2013 – 2025)

UPSC Mains Question Paper | IAS Mains Question Papers | Self Study UPSC | UPSC Mains Paper | IAS Mains Question Paper | UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers

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UPSC Mains Exam Pattern

Paper	Subject	Duration	Total marks	Time Allotted
Paper A Qualifying	Compulsory Indian language	3 hours	300	3 hours
Paper B Qualifying	English	3 hours	300	3 hours
Paper I	Essay	3 hours	250	3 hours
Paper II	General Studies I	3 hours	250	3 hours
Paper III	General Studies II	3 hours	250	3 hours
Paper IV	General Studies III	3 hours	250	3 hours
Paper V	General Studies IV	3 hours	250	3 hours
Paper VI	Optional I	3 hours	250	3 hours
Paper VII	Optional II	3 hours	250	3 hours

UPSC Mains Question Paper | IAS Mains Question Papers | Self Study UPSC | UPSC Mains Paper | IAS Mains Question Paper | UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers

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UPSC Mains Question Paper GS I (2013 – 2025)

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UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2025

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2024

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2023

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2022

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2021

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2020

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2019

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2018

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2017

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2016

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2015

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2014

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2013

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UPSC Mains Question Paper GS II (2013 – 2025)

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UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2025

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2024

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2023

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2022

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2021

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2020

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2019

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2018

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2017

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2016

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2015

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2014

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2013

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UPSC Mains Question Paper GS III (2013 – 2025)

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UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2025

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2024

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2023

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2022

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2021

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2020

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2019

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2018

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2017

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2016

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2015

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2014

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2013

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UPSC Mains Question Paper GS IV (2013 – 2025)

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UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2025

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2024

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2023

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2022

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2021

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2020

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2019

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2018

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2017

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2016

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2015

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2014

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2013

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UPSC Mains Question Paper Essay (2013 – 2025)

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2025

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2024

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2023

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2022

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2021

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2020

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2019

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2018

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2017

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2016

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2015

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2014

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2013

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UPSC Mains Question Paper Hindi Compulsory (2013 – 2025)

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UPSC Mains Hindi Compulsory Paper 1 2025

UPSC Mains Hindi Compulsory Paper 2024

UPSC Mains Hindi Compulsory Paper 2023

UPSC Mains Hindi Compulsory Paper 2022

UPSC Mains Hindi Compulsory Paper 2021

UPSC Mains Hindi Compulsory Paper 2020

UPSC Mains Hindi Compulsory Paper 2019

UPSC Mains Hindi Compulsory Paper 2018

UPSC Mains Hindi Compulsory Paper 2017

UPSC Mains Hindi Compulsory Paper 2016

UPSC Mains Hindi Compulsory Paper 2015

UPSC Mains Hindi Compulsory Paper 2014

UPSC Mains Hindi Compulsory Paper 2013

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UPSC Mains Question Paper English Compulsory (2013 – 2025)

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UPSC Mains English Compulsory Paper 1 2025

UPSC Mains English Compulsory Paper 2024

UPSC Mains English Compulsory Paper 2023

UPSC Mains English Compulsory Paper 2022

UPSC Mains English Compulsory Paper 2021

UPSC Mains English Compulsory Paper 2020

UPSC Mains English Compulsory Paper 2019

UPSC Mains English Compulsory Paper 2018

UPSC Mains English Compulsory Paper 2017

UPSC Mains English Compulsory Paper 2016

UPSC Mains English Compulsory Paper 2015

UPSC Mains English Compulsory Paper 2014

UPSC Mains English Compulsory Paper 2013

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Mastering the UPSC Mains examination is a transformative process that demands consistent effort, strategic preparation, and comprehensive study. The UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers from 2013 to 2025 serve as an invaluable repository of knowledge, helping aspirants understand the evolving examination trends, refine their answer-writing techniques, and build a comprehensive approach to each paper. By diligently studying and practicing with these question papers, candidates can gain a competitive edge, boost their confidence, and inch closer to their dream of serving the nation through the prestigious civil services. Remember, success in the UPSC Mains is not just about accumulating information, but about developing a holistic understanding and the ability to articulate knowledge effectively.

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UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Paper – eBook

UPSC Mains Question Paper (2013 – 2025)

UPSC Mains Question Paper | IAS Mains Question Papers | Self Study UPSC | UPSC Mains Paper | IAS Mains Question Paper | UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers

How to Use IAS Mains Question Papers for Preparation

Simulate Exam Conditions

Set a 3-hour timer and attempt the paper in one sitting — no breaks, no phone, no distractions.

Avoid referring to notes, books, or online sources during writing.

Use an OMR-like structured answer sheet with margins and space for diagrams to mimic the official format.

Benefits: Builds time management, improves writing speed, and trains the mind to think under exam pressure.

Extra Tip: Practice sectional timing (e.g., 10 questions in 1 hour) to avoid rushing towards the end.

Self-Evaluate

Compare your answers with official model answers, UPSC toppers’ copies, or trusted coaching institute solutions.

Look for:

Content Gaps: Missing key points, facts, or examples.

Structural Issues: Lack of logical flow or poor organization.

Language & Clarity: Overly long sentences, repetition, or jargon.

Maintain a Mistake Logbook where you record:

Common errors (e.g., missing conclusion, weak introduction, not linking with current affairs).

Topics that repeatedly trouble you.

Review this log weekly to track improvement.

Improve Presentation Skill

Follow a clear answer structure:
Introduction → Body (with subheadings) → Conclusion.

Use flowcharts, diagrams, and maps for geography, economy, and environment-related answers.

Highlight keywords and key phrases to catch the evaluator’s attention.

Keep handwriting legible and consistent; avoid cramped writing.

Maintain balanced content: Don’t overload with facts; blend analysis + examples + theory.

Integrate Current Affairs

Link static topics with recent events, government schemes, reports, and data from sources like:

NITI Aayog

Economic Survey

Union Budget

International organisations (UN, WHO, World Bank)

Use relevant case studies (e.g., Kerala’s flood management, Delhi’s air pollution control) to enrich answers.

For ethics and essay papers, add real-life examples from governance, civil service stories, or global events.

Peer Review for Feedback

Exchange answer sheets with serious aspirants or mentors.

Study different writing styles to learn multiple approaches to the same question.

Ask for specific feedback — e.g., “Are my introductions strong?” instead of generic “How’s my answer?”

Be open to criticism and make changes in the next practice round.

Analyse Question Trends

Study past 5–10 years of papers to spot recurring themes and evolving patterns.

Identify:

High-frequency topics (e.g., federalism in GS 2, climate change in GS 3).

Shifting focus areas (e.g., ethics case studies becoming longer).

Align your preparation accordingly.

Build a Personal Question Bank

While practicing, compile a topic-wise list of important questions.

For each, write at least two versions:

Full-length answer (for exam simulation).

Short notes (for last-minute revision).

Revise and Retest

After feedback, rewrite at least a few of your weakest answers.

Retake old papers every 4–6 weeks to check improvement.

Treat revision as active practice, not passive reading.

Pro Tip

From the last 3 months before the Mains, practice at least one full-length paper every week and one sectional test mid-week, while revisiting previous mistakes. Over time, your content depth, structure, and speed will align perfectly with UPSC’s expectations.

The UPSC Mains 2025 Question Papers are not just a record of exam questions – they are a blueprint for success in the Civil Services Examination. By studying them in depth, aspirants can identify patterns, master answer writing, and align their preparation with the UPSC’s expectations.

We recommend that every aspirant download, print, and practice these papers regularly. Combine them with current affairs, revision, and mock tests to maximize your performance in the Mains exam.

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