UPSC Prelims 2026 Question Paper [GS Paper I and II]

Download UPSC Prelims 2026 Question Paper (General Studies Paper 1 and Paper 2) as PDF. Read to know more about the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 Question Papers and Answer Keys.

The date of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 is May 24, 2026 (Sunday).

The examination comprises two objective-type papers: GS Paper I and GS Paper II.

Download UPSC Prelims 2026 Question Paper PDF: General Studies Paper 1

The schedule of the General Studies Paper 1 exam is in the morning slot between 9.30 AM and 11.30 AM.

Students can download the PDF of  UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Question Paper: GS Paper 1 by clicking the button below.

Submit the form details to download the PDF.

Download UPSC Qn Paper

Download UPSC Prelims 2026 Question Paper PDF: General Studies Paper 2 (CSAT)

The schedule of the General Studies Paper 2 exam is in the afternoon slot between 2.30 PM and 4.30 PM.

Students can download the PDF of  UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Question Paper: GS Paper 2 by clicking the button below.

Submit the form details to download the PDF.

Download UPSC Qn Paper

UPSC Prelims 2026 Answer Key

Are you searching for the answer key for UPSC CSE Prelims 2026?

ClearIAS Answer Key for both papers of UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 will be available as soon as the exam is over.

Students may note that, like all unofficial keys, the ClearIAS key may vary from the official UPSC key in a few questions.

Download UPSC Prelims 2026 Answer Key: GS Paper 1

Students can download the PDF of the UPSC Prelims 2026 answer key from this page once the exam is over.
Download UPSC Answer Key

Download UPSC Prelims 2026 Answer Key: GS Paper 2

Students can download the PDF of the UPSC Prelims 2026 answer key from this page once the exam is over.
Download UPSC Answer Key

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How to cover UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains Topics systematically?

ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Course provides well-organised subject-wise videos which cover the entire syllabus of UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains systematically.

ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Course for UPSC CSE provides a highly-effective study plan, well-organised subject-wise videos, study materials, mock exams, and guidance to cover the entire GS syllabus of UPSC CSE Prelims, Mains, and Interview systematically.

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How to practice UPSC Prelims Mock Exams?

UPSC aspirants can enroll in the ClearIAS Prelims Test Series, and get instant access to already uploaded exams and automatic access to upcoming exams.

You can cover the entire UPSC CSE Prelims GS Syllabus multiple times by practising 40 ClearIAS online mock exams.

Click here to join the ClearIAS Prelims Test Series.

UPSC Prelims 2026 Cut-Off

The official cut-off of UPSC CSE Prelims 2024 was 87.98/200, while the official cut-off of UPSC CSE Prelims 2023 was 75.41/200.

In 2024, UPSC dropped 3 questions from General Studies Paper 1, while 1 question was dropped in 2023.

UPSC usually declares the official cut-off only after the whole exam cycle is over.

Read: UPSC Prelims 2026 Cut Off Marks Analysis

Conclusion

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a prestigious, all-India level competitive examination that requires thorough preparation and a strategic approach.

With professional guidance like that from ClearIAS experts, aspirants can enhance their chances of success.

Stay motivated, stay disciplined, and give your best effort in this significant journey towards becoming a civil servant.

We at ClearIAS wish all aspirants the very best for the UPSC Prelims 2026!

Frequently Asked Questions about UPSC Prelims 2026 Question Paper

Please find answers to some of the Frequently Asked Questions about the UPSC Prelims 2026 Question Paper.

(1) Which are the papers in UPSC CSE Prelims?

There are two papers – General Studies Paper 1 and General Studies Paper 2.

(2) What will be the cut-off score in both papers in UPSC CSE Prelims?

The General Studies Paper 1 cut-off score varies every year. Considering the previous year’s trends, any score above 85/200 is good, and a score above 100/200 can be considered to be a safe score.

For General Studies Paper 2, the minimum qualifying marks needed are 66.67/200.

(3) What is the general feedback about the UPSC Prelims 2026 Question Paper?

We will update our comment after collecting wider feedback. Readers of the website can post their feedback in the comment section below.

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026: Important Posts

• UPSC Prelims 2025 Question Paper [GS Paper I and II]
• UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Live Updates and Polls
• UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Paper 1 Question Paper Out: Download as PDF
• UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Paper 2 Question Paper Out: Download as PDF