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UPSC IAS Mains Question Paper - Download here
Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on Sep 20, 2024 02:13 PM IST | #UPSC CSE
Upcoming Event
UPSC CSE Exam Date : 22 Aug' 2025 - 22 Aug' 2025
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.
UPSC IAS 2025: Admit Card Link | UPSC 2025 Annual Calender
Also See: UPSC IAS Mains QP's (2016-23) | Complete guide | UPSC CSE Sample Papers
This Story also Contains
- IAS Mains Question Paper 2024 (Official) - Direct Download Links
- UPSC IAS Mains Previous Year Question Papers
- UPSC IAS mains exam pattern
- IAS Books for Mains
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 | |
UPSC IAS Mains Paper II | General Studies - Paper IV |
UPSC IAS 2022 (Official) - Mains Question Papers Direct Download Links
Papers | Download link |
UPSC IAS Mains Paper I | |
UPSC IAS Mains Paper II |
UPSC Mains Question Papers (2016 to 2020)
| Year | IAS Mains Question Paper Download Link |
UPSC IAS 2020 Mains Question Papers | UPSC CSE mains essay question paper UPSC CSE mains GS paper 1 question paper UPSC CSE mains GS paper 2 question paper |
UPSC IAS 2019 Mains Question Papers | UPSC CSE mains essay question paper UPSC CSE mains GS paper 1 question paper UPSC CSE mains GS paper 2 question paper |
UPSC IAS 2018 Mains Question Papers | UPSC CSE mains essay question paper UPSC CSE mains GS paper 1 question paper UPSC CSE mains GS paper 2 question paper |
UPSC IAS 2017 Mains Question Papers | UPSC CSE mains essay question paper UPSC CSE mains GS paper 1 question paper UPSC CSE mains GS paper 2 question paper |
UPSC IAS 2016 Mains Question Papers | IAS English Question Paper 2016 PDF IAS Essay Question Paper 2016 PDF IAS GS 1 Question Paper 2016 PDF IAS GS 2 Question Paper 2016 PDF |
Quick links:
UPSC CSE Preparation Strategy and Best Books
UPSC CSE preparation strategy along with best books for prelims as well as mains exam for sure success.
Download EBookBenefits 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
|
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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Have a question related to UPSC CSE ?
Hello ,
If you want to give IAS exam then you should complete your graduation first or also if you are in your last year of graduation then you can fill the application form.
To know more, refer this:
https://competition.careers360.com/articles/upsc-ias-application-form
I hope this helps you!
Sakshi Sharma 27 May,2025
If you want to become an IAS or IPS officer after completing your 12th in PCMC , focus on graduation because the UPSC Civil Services exam requires you to have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. You can choose any graduation stream, but many students prefer degrees like Political Science, Public Administration, History, or Sociology because these subjects help build a strong foundation for the UPSC syllabus. it’s not mandatory to pick these; you can also pursue Science, Commerce, or Arts as long as you complete your graduation. Along with your degree, start preparing for the UPSC exam early by reading newspapers, improving your general knowledge, and practicing answer writing. So, after 12th, pick a degree you are comfortable with, and plan your UPSC preparation alongside
Brajeshna Snehadarshinee 20 May,2025
Hii,
Yes, even if you have an ECE diploma, you can still become an IAS officer. However, you must graduate from an accredited college in any field in order to apply for the IAS exam (UPSC). A diploma is insufficient on its own.
First, enroll in a degree program such as a B.A., B.Sc., or B.Tech (lateral entry is acceptable). You can then get ready for the IAS exam. Many IAS officers have backgrounds in the arts, sciences, or diploma programs. So don't worry, just finish your graduation first and move on.
Saurabh Yadav 27 May,2025
Hello!
IRAS (Indian Railway Accounts Service) officers can be posted in both cities and rural areas since Indian Railways has offices and operations nationwide. They typically work in divisional offices, zonal offices, workshops, and production units. Transfers do happen but are usually not very frequent and depend on government policies and organizational needs.
Hope this helps!
Kishan Bhakat 24 April,2025
To become an IAS officer, you must clear the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and then undergo training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA). While any bachelor's degree is acceptable, choosing a degree that aligns with the UPSC syllabus, particularly in humanities and social sciences, can be advantageous.
UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE):
This is the primary exam for becoming an IAS officer, involving three stages: Preliminary, Main, and Personality Test (Interview).
Any Bachelor's Degree:
A graduate degree from a recognized university is the basic requirement to be eligible for the CSE.
Beneficial Degrees:
Degrees in humanities and social sciences, such as Bachelor of Arts (BA), can be helpful due to the syllabus overlap with subjects like History, Political Science, Sociology, and Economics.
Optional Subject:
You can choose an optional subject in the Mains exam, and a BA degree can provide a wide range of options.
Hope it helps!!
sadafreen356 22 April,2025
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