UPSC IAS Mains Question Paper - Download here

UPSC IAS Mains Question Paper - Download here

Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on Sep 20, 2024 02:13 PM IST | #UPSC CSE

Candidates who qualify in the prelims exam are required to appear in the main examination. While preparing for the UPSC IAS 2024 mains exam they should go through the IAS mains previous year question papers to get an idea about the question paper level of IAS exam. The commission releases the UPSC mains question paper on the official website.

This Story also Contains
  1. IAS Mains Question Paper 2024 (Official) - Direct Download Links
  2. UPSC IAS Mains Previous Year Question Papers
  3. UPSC IAS mains exam pattern
  4. IAS Books for Mains
UPSC IAS Mains Question Paper - Download here
UPSC IAS Mains Question Paper - Download here

Candidates will be able to download the UPSC IAS 2024 mains question paper at upsc.gov.in. The commission will release the UPSC mains paper separately for all the papers. The UPSC 2024 mains question paper will also be released for language and optional subjects. Aspirants can download last 10 years UPSC mains question papers pdf here.

IAS Mains Question Paper 2024 (Official) - Direct Download Links

Papers

Download link

UPSC IAS Mains Paper I

Essay

UPSC IAS Mains Paper II

General Studies - Paper I

General Studies - Paper II

General Studies - Paper III

General Studies - Paper IV

How to Download the Official UPSC IAS Mains Question Paper?

Candidates can download the IAS mains question papers by following the steps given below.

Step 1: Visit the UPSC upsc.gov.in.

Step 2: Click on the “Examinations” tab on the homepage.

Step 3: Select “Previous Year Question Papers” from the dropdown menu.

Step 4: Search Civil Services mains previous year's question papers.

Step 5: Click on the IAS main question paper PDF.

Step 6: Download UPSC mains previous year question papers PDF for future reference.

UPSC IAS Mains Previous Year Question Papers

Candidates who appearing for UPSC IAS mains exam 2024 can download the UPSC mains previous year question papers here. Check the tables below for direct links to previous years' UPSC IAS mains question paper.

UPSC IAS 2023 Mains Question Papers Direct Download Links

Papers

Download link

UPSC IAS Mains Paper I

Essay

UPSC IAS Mains Paper II

General Studies - Paper I

General Studies - Paper II

General Studies - Paper III

General Studies - Paper IV

UPSC IAS 2022 (Official) - Mains Question Papers Direct Download Links

UPSC Mains Question Papers (2016 to 2020)


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Benefits of Solving UPSC Mains Question Paper

Candidates can gain many benefits while referring the UPSC Mains question papers. Some of the advantages of solving UPSC mains question paper are mentioned below

  • It helps to understand about UPSC mains exam pattern

  • It helps to know about what types of topics are frequently asked in the exam.

  • It also helps us in time management while solving UPSC mains previous year question papers.

UPSC IAS mains exam pattern

Number of papers

9

Language of paper

English

Hindi

Descriptive paper: Candidates can appear for language paper in 22 languages mentioned in schedule 8 of the Indian constitution

Duration of exam

3 hours each

Subjects

Compulsory Indian language

English

Essay

  • General Studies I

  • General Studies II

  • General Studies III

  • General Studies IV

  • Optional I

  • Optional II

Number of questions

Part A and B: 300 each

General studies and optional paper: 250 each

Sub Total (Mains)

1750 marks

Other exams conducted by UPSC

IAS Books for Mains

GS Paper 1 (History, Indian Heritage & Culture)

  • Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania

  • India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra

  • India after Independence by Bipan Chandra

  • History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra

  • Ancient India by R.S Sharma

GS Paper 1 (Geography)

  • Geography of India by Majid Husain

  • World Geography by Majid Husain

  • World Atlas (Orient Black Swan)

  • Certificate Physical and Human Geography – G C Leong

  • Fundamentals of Physical Geography NCERT Class 11

GS Paper 2 (Polity & International Relations)

  • Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

  • Introduction to the Constitution of India by DD Basu

  • International Relations: Pushpesh Pant

GS Paper 3 (Economy)

  • Indian Economy – Nitin Singhania

  • Environment and Disaster Management – Tata McGraw Hill

  • Challenges to Internal Security of India – Ashok Kumar

GS Paper 4 (Ethics)

  • Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude for Civil Services Main Examination by Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chaudary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where can I get the IAS mains questions pdf?

Aspirants can download the UPSC mains question papers from the official website at upsc.gov.in.

2. When will the UPSC IAS mains question paper be released?

The commission will upload the IAS mains question paper 2024 two to three days after completion of exam.

3. Will the commission release all the UPSC mains papers on the official website?

Yes, the commission will upload UPSC IAS mains question paper for all the subjects including language and optional subjects.

4. Are there any login credentials required to download the IAS mains question papers?

No, aspirants can directly download the IAS mains question paper on the official website by following the steps given above in this article.

5. What is the time period between prelims and mains exam of IAS?

The commission provides approximately 4 months time duration for mains exam after completion of prelims exam.

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Questions related to UPSC CSE

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For becoming an IAS officer you have to give UPSC exam , and focus on excelling in academics, particularly in subjects like History, Geography, Political Science and English. Maintain a strong foundation in these areas and stay updated on current events and national/international issues. After 10th standard, choose the Humanities or Social Sciences stream, then graduate from a recognized university. Prepare for the UPSC and for studies you have to focus on excelling in academics, particularly in subjects like History, Geography, Political Science and English. Maintain a strong foundation in these areas and stay updated on current events and national/international issues. After 10th standard, choose the relevant subject and complete your higher education and graduation then prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, which includes preliminary, main and personality tests. Join coaching classes, develop skills like communication, leadership and problem-solving and stay motivated. And also research more about that exam.


Have a great day

Steps to become an IAS officer


Graduation


You should have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a known university

Arts: History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, Sociology

Science: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology

Commerce: Economics, Accountancy, Business Studies

Preparation for UPSC Civil Services Examination:


Study the Syllabus: Learn the syllabus for Preliminary and Main exams.

Choose Elective Subjects: Take elective subjects that you enjoy and have expertise in

Study Material: Reference textbooks, handouts distributed during the coaching and internet resources.

Practice: Previous years' question paper, mock tests, etc

Coaching Institutes: Join a good coaching institute for formal guidance 3. UPSC Civil Services Examination:

Prelims Exam: An objective-type qualifying test that will make you eligible to appear in the Main examination.

Main Exam: Very subjective test which includes all subjects.

Interview: Personality test by a panel of experts.

Important Tips:


Start Early: Better preparation starts early.

Time Management: Manage your time very efficiently.

Consistency: Follow a regular study routine.

Stay Updated: Current affairs and news.

Seek Guidance: Who have an experience can be consulted upon for guidance.

Practice Regularly: Solve the previous year's paper and mock tests.

Stay Positive: Believe in yourself and work hard.

Hence, with these steps and dedication and perseverance, you're sure to achieve your end as an IAS officer.

Hello,

Yes, while IAS (Indian Administrative Services) preparation requires a graduation degree, here are steps you can take to start your IAS journey after completing your 11th standard (BiPC):

  1. Focus on Graduation : Choose a stream for your higher studies that aligns with your interest. Graduation is a mandatory qualification for IAS eligibility.
  2. Early Preparation : Start building a strong foundation in subjects like History, Geography, Economics, and Political Science, which are part of the IAS syllabus.
  3. Develop General Knowledge : Read newspapers daily and follow current affairs magazines to stay updated with national and international news.
  4. Improve Language Skills : Enhance your proficiency in English and one Indian language as per the Civil Services syllabus.
  5. Join Study Circles or Coaching : Enroll in pre-IAS foundation courses available for school students for a head start.
  6. Time Management : Create a balanced study schedule alongside your schoolwork to gradually prepare for the IAS exam.
  7. Participate in Competitions : Engage in essay writing and debates to boost your analytical skills and confidence.

To get more help, you can visit : https://www.careers360.com/careers/ias-officer

Hope it helps 1

Hello there,

Becoming both an IAS officer and a doctor is achievable but requires dedication and clear planning, as each career has distinct educational and examination paths. Here’s a roadmap to help you achieve both:

1. Complete Your MBBS to Become a Doctor

  • Enroll in an MBBS Program : First, you need to qualify for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and get admission to a medical college.

  • Complete Your Medical Degree : The MBBS program typically takes 5.5 years, including an internship.

  • Gain Experience (Optional) : You may choose to practice medicine for a few years to gain clinical experience, but it’s not mandatory if your goal is to pursue IAS right after MBBS.

    2. Prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)

  • Understand the UPSC Exam Structure : The UPSC CSE has three stages—Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview. You can start preparing while in medical school or after completing MBBS.

  • Choose Your Optional Subject : As a doctor, you may consider taking medical science as your optional subject, though it’s not mandatory.

  • Develop a Study Plan : Balance your medical studies or job with UPSC preparation. Many doctors manage both by allocating dedicated study time each day.

  • Appear for the Exam : With a systematic approach, crack the UPSC exam and qualify for the IAS position.

    3. Career Path as a Doctor-IAS

  • IAS Training and Posting : After clearing UPSC, complete your training and take up your role as an IAS officer. You’ll have a broad scope to influence healthcare, public policy, and social development.

  • Consider Government Health Roles : In administrative roles, you could use your medical background to work in health-related departments, where your knowledge of medicine would be a unique asset.

    Additional Pathways

  • Alternative Approach : You could also join as a doctor in a government hospital and then transition to administration by appearing for the UPSC exam when ready.

  • Health Policy and Administration : Use your medical background in policy formulation or in roles within the Ministry of Health, combining both careers for impactful healthcare reforms.

This dual career path is ambitious but can be very rewarding, allowing you to serve in both the medical and administrative fields.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello aspirant, The answer to this question is no. Both of these areas require your complete commitment and dedication. You can not manage both of these together. Also it is not allowed to do any other profession while performing duties as a IAS officer. If you want to practice medical profession then you have to leave your job.

Thank you

Hope it helps you.

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