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UPSC Prelims 2026 — practice paper

Every question from UPSC Prelims 2026 (GS Paper I), with answers and explanations. The full 2026 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.

99
Questions
200
Marks
2 hr
Duration

Sample questions from 2026

Q1 · history
Consider the following assertion : The genesis of political alliances based on community lay in the very nature of the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919. Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion ? 1. Reforms retained and extended the principle of separate electorates. 2. Separate electorates were supposed to counter Indian nationalism, which was growing stronger. 3. Deprived classes rallied around the favours inherent in separate electorates. Select the answer using the code given below : (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
  • A.1 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 2 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Explanation

“Reforms retained and extended the principle of separate electorates” and “Separate electorates were supposed to counter Indian nationalism, which was growing stronger” directly show how the 1919 scheme fostered community-based politics. “Deprived classes rallied around the favours inherent in separate electorates” is inaccurate for 1919; depressed classes got separate electorates only in 1932 (Communal Award).

Q2 · international_relations
Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists: List I (Project Supported by India) : List II (Country) A. Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project : 1. Maldives B. Restoration of Stor Palace : 2. Afghanistan C. District Hospital at Dickoya : 3. Bhutan D. Institute of Security and Law Enforcement Studies : 4. Sri Lanka Code:
  • A.A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
  • B.A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
  • C.A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
  • D.A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
Explanation

The 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project was built with Indian assistance in Bhutan. The historic Stor Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan was restored with Indian funding and reopened in 2016. India funded the District Hospital at Dickoya in Sri Lanka's plantation region, and the Institute of Security and Law Enforcement Studies was built with an Indian grant in Addu, Maldives. This gives A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1, option (B).

Q3 · polity
Which of the following statements with respect to the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) is/are correct ? 1. The period of its implementation is 1st April, 2021 to 31st March, 2026. 2. The key objective of the Revamped RGSA is to develop the governance capabilities of the Panchayati Raj Institutions to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals. 3. The share of the Central funding for the Revamped RGSA is 100% for all States and Union Territories. Select the answer using the code given below : (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3
  • A.1 and 2
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3
  • D.2 and 3
Explanation

Correct: 1 and 2. The Framework for Revamped RGSA sets the period as 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2026, and its key objective is to develop PRIs’ governance capabilities to deliver on SDGs. Statement 3 is wrong: funding is 60:40 for States, 90:10 for NE/Himalayan States, and 100% only for UTs—not for all States and UTs.

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FAQs about Prelims 2026

How many questions were asked in UPSC Prelims 2026?

UPSC Prelims GS Paper I in 2026 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 2026?

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 2026 cut-off.

Where can I solve UPSC Prelims 2026 questions online?

Sambodh IAS hosts the full UPSC Prelims 2026 paper with concept tagging, instant explanations, and adaptive revision. Create a free account to start practising.