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Union Public Service commission will release the official UPSC IAS 2025 question paper for prelims on their website after the conclusion of the exams. Candidates will be able to download the IAS prelims 2025 question paper for prelims at upsc.gov.in. The IAS question paper can be downloaded in PDF format. To improve their preparation for the IAS exam, candidates can refer to previous years' IAS question papers with answers. They can download the previous years IAS question papers in this article in the form of PDF.
By solving UPSC CSE question papers and sample papers, aspirants can give an extra boost to their preparation. They can also get direct links to download last 10 years UPSC question papers with answers pdf here. To know more about the UPSC IAS prelims question paper, read the article below.
Subject | Unofficial Quetion Paper with Answer Key | Official Question Paper |
Paper 1 - General Studies | Download link | |
Paper 2 | Download link |
Applicants appearing for the UPSC IAS 2025 exam can download the previous year question papers here for prelims exam. Check the tables below for direct links to previous years' IAS exam question papers.
Year | UPSC IAS Question Paper (GS Paper 1) | CSE Question Paper (GS Paper 2) |
2023 | ||
2022 | ||
2021 | ||
2020 | ||
2019 | ||
2018 | ||
2017 | ||
2016 |
The nine papers in the IAS mains exam are Compulsory Indian language, English, Essay, General Studies 1, 2, 3 & 4, Optional 1 & 2. Each IAS paper is for 250 marks. The total mark for the IAS Mains exam is 1750 marks.
Candidates who are preparing for the UPSC Civil Services exam can make use the previous year's solved IAS question papers PDF from the table below.
Year | Links |
2017 | |
2018 | |
2019 | |
2020 |
There are many other advantages of solving UPSC Prelims Question Papers as these papers are prepared directly by the Commission. Some of the advantages of solving the UPSC IAS question paper are mentioned below
UPSC previous year question paper helps applicants to get an idea of the UPSC exam pattern, types of questions asked, marking criteria and difficulty level of the questions asked in the exam.
Candidates can evaluate their progress and preparation level for the IAS 2025 exam by solving the previous year question papers and sample papers.
The concentration and accuracy level of candidates is increased by solving IAS questions and sample papers.
Previous year's IAS question papers also help aspirants to learn about time management during the UPSC IAS exam.
To predict possible areas where questions can be asked
It helps to know about which topics are frequently asked.
It also helps us in time management while solving UPSC's previous year question papers.
List of Other Government Exams
Follow the below-mentioned steps to download the IAS 2025 question papers.
Step 1: Visit the official website - 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 UPSC previous year question papers.
Step 5: Click on the UPSC prelims 2025 or mains question paper PDF.
Step 6: Download UPSC previous year's question papers PDF for future reference.
Subject | Download links |
Ecology and Environment | |
Current Affairs | |
Polity | |
History | |
Economics | |
Geography | |
General Science |
The Union Public Service Commission mentioned the UPSC syllabus for both prelims and mains exam in the official notification. The topics for all the subjects like history, geography, economy, current affairs, optional subjects and more, is prescribed in the UPSC IAS 2025 syllabus. For more detailed information on the UPSC IAS 2025 syllabus applicants check the official notification.
Quick links:
Applicants preparing for the exam must refer to the UPSC IAS 2025 best books for exam preparation. Check the table below to learn about the most preferred and the best books for the UPSC prelims 2025 and mains exam preparation.
Sr. No. | Books |
1 | India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipan Chandra Modern India – Spectrum |
2 | NCERT 6th to 12th (Geography/ History/ Economics/ Environment, etc.) |
3 | Indian Polity – M Laxmikanth |
4 | Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh Economic Development & Policies in India – Jain & Ohri |
5 | Current Affairs |
6 | Tata McGraw Hill CSAT Manual CSAT – Arihant |
UPSC IAS 2025 selection process has three stages. They are Prelims, Mains and Interview.
UPSC IAS prelims and mains exam is conducted in offline mode.
Yes, UPSC releases the UPSC IAS question paper after the conclusion of the exam.
The UPSC prelims 2025 will be held on May 25, 2025.
The upper age limit to apply for the UPSC IAS exam is 32 years for General category applicants.
M Laxmikanth - Indian Polity is the best book to prepare Indian polity for prelims and mains.
The Hindu and Indian Express are both good newspapers, candidates can refer to either one of them.
The UPSC IAS 2025 mains exam will be conducted from August 22, 2025.
The last date to apply for UPSC IAS 2025 exam was on February 11, 2025.
Others:28 January,2025 - 30 April,2025
Others:31 January,2025 - 30 April,2025
Application Date:28 March,2025 - 29 April,2025
Application Date:07 April,2025 - 03 May,2025
If your goal is to become an IAS officer, choose a degree that supports UPSC preparation and also provides a good backup:
BA in Political Science, History, Geography, or Economics is ideal for IAS.
BSc or BCom is fine too, but you'll need to study humanities separately for UPSC.
For backup, pick a subject with good job prospects like BBA or Computer Science.
KCET is required only if you're planning professional courses like Engineering or Agriculture. It's not needed for BA or general degrees.
Hello aspirant,
For becoming IAS , you have to first complete your graduation from any background from any recognised university or college. If you are in your final year, then also you are eligible. After that you have to give an entrance exam name UPSC . If you will clear this exam then according to your marks you may get the IAS position.
To know about UPSC entrance exam, kindly go through the given link:
https://competition.careers360.com/exams/upsc-cse
All the best!!
Hello Rishika,
You can take any stream for becoming IAS. As per the eligibility criteria of UPSC IAS , student have to graduate from any stream from any recognised university or college. So it's doesn't matter from which stream you choose. But if you really want to become IAS, then humanities , arts related subject helps you alot.
To know more, kindly go through the given link:
https://competition.careers360.com/exams/upsc-cse
Good luck!
Greetings! Here's a detailed response to your query
To start your prep for IAS exams without any coaching and free of cost here are some pointers you can follow :-
1.Understand the exam- To get started with IAS prep, first grab the official UPSC syllabus for both the first exam (Prelims) and the main exam (Mains) from their website. Understand what you need to study and how important each topic is.
Next, learn how the exam is set up. There are three parts: a multiple-choice test (Prelims), a written exam with long answers (Mains), and an interview. Know how many papers are in each, how you get marks, and how much time you get.
Finally, look at old exam papers from the last 5 to 10 years. This will give you an idea of how tough the exam is, what kinds of questions they ask, and which topics you should really focus on.
2.Build a strong foundation-Begin your IAS study with NCERT books from classes 6 to 12 for subjects like History, Geography, Civics, Economics, and Science. These will give you a basic understanding. Once you know the basics well, switch to standard books for each subject. You can find lists of recommended books online from people who've cleared the exam. Some popular ones are mentioned for Polity, Economy, Modern History, and Geography.
3.Stay updated with current affairs- To stay updated for IAS, read a good national newspaper every day (like The Hindu or Indian Express) and jot down important news from India and the world. Also, read magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra to understand social and economic topics deeply. Check websites like PIB and those of research groups for info on government plans and reports.
4.Utilize free online resources-For IAS prep help, check out websites like BYJU'S, ClearIAS, and Mrunal. They have free study stuff. Also, watch YouTube channels by teachers and ex-IAS officers for tips and lessons. Join online groups to ask questions and learn from others preparing for the exam.
5.Mock tests and self assessment-Take free practice tests online for both Prelims and Mains to see how ready you are and what you need to work on. After each test, check what you did wrong and focus on fixing those things. Remember to study regularly, believe in yourself, and take breaks so you don't get too tired. Consistency is more important than studying for many hours at once.
I hope this helps . Financial problems can never stop one from dreaming and achieving things in their life. Stay motivated!!!
Hello Chetan,
IAS (Indian Administrative Service) is one of the top civil services in India. IAS officers work in various government departments, implementing policies, managing administration, and advising ministers. They hold key positions like District Collector, Secretary, or Commissioner and play a vital role in governance and public service. To become an IAS officer, one must clear the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE).
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.
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