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.

100

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 B C D (a) (b) (c) (d)

Explanation

A-3 Bhutan; B-2 Afghanistan; C-4 Sri Lanka; D-1 Maldives. Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project is in Bhutan; Stor Palace restoration was by India in Kabul, Afghanistan; the Dickoya District Hospital is an Indian-funded project in Sri Lanka; and the Institute of Security and Law Enforcement Studies (now NCPLE) was built with Indian support in Maldives.

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.

Attempt the full 2026 paper

Sign up free to practice all 100 questions, get instant explanations, and add your mistakes to an adaptive revision queue.

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.