UPSC Prelims 2016 — practice paper
Every question from UPSC Prelims 2016 (GS Paper I), with answers and explanations. The full 2016 paper is hosted on Sambodh IAS with concept tagging and adaptive revision. Below is a preview of three sample questions; create a free account to attempt the entire paper under timed conditions.
Sample questions from 2016
- A.1 and 3 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of (2) “Tabernacle of New Dispensation” and (3) “Indian Reform Association.” He laid the foundation stone of his Mandir called the “Tabernacle of New Dispensation” on 24 January 1868, and later formed the Indian Reform Association in October 1870, serving as its president ([sathee.iitk.ac.in](https://sathee.iitk.ac.in/sathee-railway-exams/student-corner/practice-set/rrb-gs-papers/general_studies/general_studies_ques_114/?utm_source=openai)). He was not connected with the Calcutta Unitarian Committee, which was founded in 1821 by Rammohun Roy and William Adam ([cambridge.org](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/itinerario/article/cosmotopia-delineated-rammohun-roy-william-adam-and-the-calcutta-unitarian-committee/1F3E6E6A5F7B6CCBD1F6C4BFA69DE102?utm_source=openai)).
- A.Georg Bühler
- B.James Prinsep
- C.Max Müller
- D.William Jones
James Prinsep was the first to decipher the edicts of Emperor Ashoka in the 1830s. He identified the script as Brahmi and translations revealed Ashoka's policies and insights into the Mauryan Empire ('NCERT Ancient India Ch. 7').
- A.Shramana
- B.Parivraajaka
- C.Agrahaarika
- D.Maagadha
In the cultural history of India, memorizing chronicles, dynastic histories, and epic tales was the profession of the Maagadha. UPSC’s Prelims 2016 official answer key lists (D) Maagadha as the correct option, stating that Maagadha were essentially historical storytellers who preserved chronicle and epic narratives ([api1.sosinias.com](https://api1.sosinias.com/media/notifications/UPSC_PRELIMS_2016__COMPLETE_ANSWER_KEY_WITH_EXPLANATIONS_AND_SOURCES.pdf?utm_source=openai)). Additional sources affirm that Maagadhas (often along with Sutas) recited dynastic histories, epics, and maintained genealogical lore in the oral tradition ([doubtnut.com](https://www.doubtnut.com/pcmb-questions/21657?utm_source=openai)).
Attempt the full 2016 paper
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FAQs about Prelims 2016
How many questions were asked in UPSC Prelims 2016?
UPSC Prelims GS Paper I in 2016 had 100 objective questions, each carrying 2 marks for a total of 200 marks, attempted in 2 hours. CSAT Paper II had 80 questions for 200 marks (qualifying at 33 percent).
What was the cut-off for UPSC Prelims 2016?
UPSC publishes the official cut-off for each Prelims after the cycle ends. Cut-offs typically range from 75 to 92 marks for the General category in recent years. Refer to the UPSC notification for the official 2016 cut-off.
Where can I solve UPSC Prelims 2016 questions online?
Sambodh IAS hosts the full UPSC Prelims 2016 paper with concept tagging, instant explanations, and adaptive revision. Create a free account to start practising.