UPSC previous year question bank
UPSC PYQ: Previous Year Questions
Browse 1,760 UPSC Civil Services Examination previous year questions from 2016–2026, covering both Prelims and Mains papers in one place. Every question is labelled with its stage and opens a dedicated page with its answer and explanation.
- Questions
- 1,760
- Years covered
- 2016–2026
- Subjects
- 154
- With answers
- 1,760
Practise UPSC PYQs by stage
This page lists every stage together. Open one stage to focus your practice.
UPSC question papers year-wise
Pick a year to solve that paper's questions.
Subject-wise UPSC PYQ
Revise one subject at a time.
Economy190
Geography164
History159
Environment145
Science and technology144
Polity132
International relations89
Indian economy71
Polity and governance70
Agriculture64
Governance59
Indian society53
Art and culture43
Modern india43
Environment and ecology42
Internal security41
Polity & governance37
Ancient india34
Latest UPSC Prelims and Mains Previous Year Questions
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What are the challenges before the Indian economy when the world is moving away from free trade and multilateralism to protectionism and bilateralism? How can these challenges be met? (Answer in 150 words)
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Explain the factors influencing the decision of the farmers on the selection of high value crops in India. (Answer in 150 words)
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Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India. (Answer in 150 words)
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The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India’s contributions to the international fusion energy project-International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy? (Answer in 150 words)
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How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology can play a crucial role in this endeavour? (Answer in 150 words)
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What is Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change? (Answer in 150 words)
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Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard? (Answer in 150 words)
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Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)
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The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE? (Answer in 150 words)
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Explain how the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) can be used as a tool for assessing the fiscal performance of states in India. In what way would it encourage the states to adopt prudent and sustainable fiscal policies? (Answer in 250 words)
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Discuss the rationale of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. What are its achievements? In what way can the functioning and outcomes of the scheme be improved? (Answer in 250 words)
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Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater? (Answer in 250 words)
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Examine the scope of the food processing industries in India. Elaborate the measures taken by the government in the food processing industries for generating employment opportunities. (Answer in 250 words)
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How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers? (Answer in 250 words)
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India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission. (Answer in 250 words)
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Mineral resources are fundamental to the country’s economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining. (Answer in 250 words)
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Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended by India been updated in 2022? (Answer in 250 words)
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What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade. (Answer in 250 words)
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Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward. (Answer in 250 words)
1440 more questions are premium
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UPSC Prelims and Mains PYQs in one place
This page combines objective Prelims questions and descriptive Mains questions so you can see how the same topics are tested at both stages. To practise only one stage, open the Prelims or Mains collection.
Why UPSC previous year questions matter
Previous year questions are the most reliable guide to how UPSC frames questions: the depth of concepts, the style of statements and the topics that keep returning. Solving them early tells you what to read; solving them again near the exam tells you what to revise.
How to use these PYQ papers
Pick one year or one subject, attempt the questions without looking at the answer, then open each question to read the explanation. Note the concept behind every mistake and revisit that topic before moving to the next paper.
Year-wise and subject-wise practice
Use the year list to solve complete papers and understand how the exam has evolved, and the subject list to revise one area such as polity, economy, history, geography or environment in depth.
Frequently asked questions
What is UPSC PYQ?
UPSC PYQ means previous year questions: the actual questions asked in earlier UPSC Civil Services Examination papers. Aspirants use them to understand the exam pattern and to practise with real questions.
Are UPSC previous year questions available with answers?
Yes. 1,760 of the 1,760 questions here include an answer or explanation. Open any question to see its answer and explanation.
What is the difference between UPSC Prelims and Mains PYQs?
Prelims questions are objective multiple-choice questions with four options, while Mains questions are descriptive and answered in writing. This page shows both, and each has its own dedicated page.
How many years of UPSC PYQ are covered?
The question bank currently covers 2016–2026, and new papers are added after each examination.
Is Padhlona the official UPSC website?
No. Padhlona is an independent preparation platform and is not affiliated with UPSC. Official question papers are published on the UPSC website.
Padhlona is an independent preparation platform and is not affiliated with UPSC or the Government of India.