UPSC Prelims 2026 Question Paper Out, Download GS & CSAT Paper PDF

Today’s first shift (Paper 1- General Studies) of the Civil Services Examination (Prelims) is over now, it was concluded from 9:30 to 11:30 am, and the second shift will be held from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. As the exam is conducted in offline mode, the candidates are provided a hard copy of the UPSC Prelims 24 May Question Paper 2026. The question paper PDF of General Studies (Paper 1) is attached below, and the CSAT paper will be provided after the exam is over.

UPSC Prelims 2026 Question Paper Out

The UPSC Prelims Question Paper PDF is helpful for candidates who are planning to prepare for the UPSC CSE exam next year. It’ll help the candidates to understand the difficulty level and the types of questions asked in the examination.

As reviwed, questions asked in General Studies exam were of Moderate level with current affair questions asked form last 6 months. 

UPSC CSE Question Paper 2026- Overview

The question paper PDF for the UPSC CSE Prelims Exam 2026 is being conducted on 24th May 2026. The exam includes 2 papers, i.e., paper 1 (General Studies) and paper 2 (CSAT). The Paper 1 includes a total of 100 questions, and the Paper 2 includes a total of 80 questions. The duration to solve the complete question paper is 2 hours each.

UPSC Prelims 2026 Question Paper PDF

The first shift paper pdf is provided below. Candidates must download the question paper to have a realistic insight into the exam pattern, marking scheme, type of questions asked, and the difficulty level of the exam.

General Studies Paper 1 PDF

The GS paper included 100 questions from subjects such as History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, and Current Affairs. Candidates can download the question paper to understand the topic-wise weightage and the overall trend followed by UPSC this year along with any new changes.

UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2026 (Unofficial)- Click to Check

UPSC Exam Analysis 2026- Difficulty Level & Good Attempts

Based on the feedback of the candidates, we are sharing the difficulty level of each paper and also, based on that, good attempts will also be discussed.

Connect with the faculty of StudyIQ for live analysis of UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2026 through their youtube channel. 

UPSC CSE Prelims Exam Schedule & Timing

The UPSC CSE Prelims Exam 2026 is scheduled for a single day, 24th May 2026. The morning shift for the General Studies exam is held from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, and the Afternoon session for CSAT from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.