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UPSC IAS Mains Question Paper 2026 - Download Unofficial Question Paper PDFs
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Candidates who qualify in the prelims exam 2026 are required to appear in the main examination. They can check the unofficial UPSC Mains question paper 2026 after the conclusion of the exam. While preparing for the UPSC IAS 2026 mains exam, they should go through the IAS mains previous year question papers to get an idea about the question paper level of the IAS exam. The commission will release the UPSC mains 2026 question paper on the official website.
This Story also Contains
- UPSC IAS Mains Previous Year Question Papers
- IAS Mains Question Paper 2025 (Unofficial) - Direct Download Links
- UPSC IAS mains exam pattern 2026
- IAS Books for Mains
Candidates will be able to download the UPSC IAS 2026 mains question paper at upsc.gov.in. The commission will release the UPSC mains paper separately for all the papers. The UPSC 2026 mains question paper will also be released for language and optional subjects. Aspirants can download the last 10 years of UPSC mains question papers pdf here.
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 at 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 are appearing for the UPSC IAS mains exam 2026 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.
IAS Mains Question Paper 2025 (Unofficial) - 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 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 2026
Candidates can gain many benefits while referring to the UPSC Mains question papers. Some of the advantages of solving UPSC mains question paper are mentioned below
It helps to understand the UPSC mains exam pattern 2026.
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 2026
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)
Q: Where can I get the IAS mains questions pdf?
A:
Aspirants can download the UPSC mains 2026 question papers from the official website at upsc.gov.in.
Q: When will the UPSC IAS mains question paper be released?
A:
The commission will upload the IAS mains question paper 2026 two to three days after completion of the exam.
Q: Will the commission release all the UPSC mains papers on the official website?
A:
Yes, the commission will upload UPSC IAS mains question paper for all the subjects including language and optional subjects.
Q: Are there any login credentials required to download the IAS mains question papers?
A:
No, aspirants can directly download the IAS mains question paper on the official website by following the steps given above in this article.
Q: What is the time period between prelims and mains exam of IAS?
A:
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 ?
Hi Basar,
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Hello,
After Class 10, it will take 2 years to complete Class 11 and 12, followed by 3 years of graduation, which is the minimum requirement for UPSC.
UPSC preparation and clearing the exam may take 1–2 years. After selection, IAS training takes about 2 years. Overall, it takes around
Hello Aspirant
As your question is not clear, you are asking how to become an IAS, which course or degree you should pursue, and all the related details regarding the IAS. So, I can suggest you choosing the right stream in Intermediate is important.
The Arts/Humanities stream is most helpful
Hello Aspirant
All colleges are the best, and selection mainly depends on you and your consistency. But I can help you regarding this :
After the 10th, you can join PU (11–12th) colleges that offer strong academics and an early IAS foundation.
Some good options are Delhi’s Rajendra Prasad Sarvodaya
Hello
If you want to become an IAS officer, you can choose any group CEC, MPC, or BiPC as IAS does not require a specific subject stream.
However, many students prefer CEC (Commerce, Economics, Civics) or MPC (Maths, Physics, Chemistry) because they help build analytical and general knowledge skills useful
Applications for Admissions are open.
Apply for Online M.Com from Manipal University
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