The UPSC Mains 2026 question paper PDF set is out for Essay, GS Paper 1, GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3, GS Paper 4, and English Compulsory (Paper B). The Civil Services (Main) Examination opened on 21 August 2026 with Essay (9:00 AM–12:00 noon). General Studies I and General Studies II followed on 22 August 2026. General Studies III and General Studies IV (Ethics) were held on 23 August 2026. English Compulsory (Paper B) was conducted on 29 August 2026 (2:30 PM–5:30 PM). The written cycle runs through 30 August 2026. Use this hub to download available PDFs, read questions, and follow the remaining timetable on upsc.gov.in.
Key highlights
- Essay: 21 August 2026; 125 × 2 = 250 marks. Download the Essay PDF.
- GS Paper 1: 22 August, forenoon; 20 questions. Download GS 1 PDF.
- GS Paper 2: 22 August, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM; 20 questions. Download GS 2 PDF.
- GS Paper 3: 23 August, 9:00 AM–12:00 noon; 20 questions. Download GS 3 PDF.
- GS Paper 4: 23 August, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM; Ethics, 12 questions. Download GS 4 PDF.
- English Compulsory (Paper B): 29 August, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM; 300 marks (qualifying). Download English Compulsory PDF.
UPSC Mains 2026 exam overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 |
| Dates | 21 August 2026 to 30 August 2026 |
| Papers out | Essay, GS 1, GS 2, GS 3, GS 4, English Compulsory (Paper B) |
| Papers next | Indian Language (Paper A); Optional on 30 August |
| Written merit | 1,750 marks (seven papers) |
| Qualifying | Paper A (Indian Language), Paper B (English) — 300 marks each, not added to merit |
| Personality Test | 275 marks; CSE total 2,025 |
| Official source | upsc.gov.in → Examinations → Previous Question Papers |
UPSC Mains 2026 question paper PDF download
| Date | Paper | Marks | Question paper PDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 August 2026 | Essay | 250 | Download PDF |
| 22 August 2026 | General Studies I | 250 | Download PDF |
| 22 August 2026 | General Studies II | 250 | Download PDF |
| 23 August 2026 | General Studies III | 250 | Download PDF |
| 23 August 2026 | General Studies IV (Ethics) | 250 | Download PDF |
| 29 August 2026 | Indian Language (Paper A) | 300 (qualifying) | To be updated |
| 29 August 2026 | English (Paper B) | 300 (qualifying) | Download PDF |
| 30 August 2026 | Optional Paper I | 250 | Download PDFs & Subject List |
| 30 August 2026 | Optional Paper II | 250 | Download PDFs & Subject List |
Seven papers count for written merit (1,750 marks). Paper A and Paper B are qualifying only. The Personality Test adds 275 marks, taking the CSE final total to 2,025.
UPSC Mains 2026 Essay topics
Instruction: Write two essays, choosing one topic from Section A and one from Section B, in about 1,000–1,200 words each.
Section A
| Q | Topic (English) | Topic (Hindi) |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Oxymorons reflect the ironies of life. | विरोधाभास जीवन की विडंबनाओं को दर्शाते हैं। |
| Q2 | A grateful mind is very beautiful. | एक कृतज्ञ मन अति सुंदर होता है। |
| Q3 | A thorn is a changed bud. | काँटा, कली का बदला हुआ रूप है। |
| Q4 | When two elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled. | जब दो हाथी लड़ते हैं, तब घास ही रौंदी जाती है। |
Section B
| Q | Topic (English) | Topic (Hindi) |
|---|---|---|
| Q5 | Nature is the symbol of the spirit. | प्रकृति ही जीवात्मा का प्रतीक है। |
| Q6 | A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers. | एक अच्छे शिक्षित दिमाग में, हमेशा उत्तर से अधिक प्रश्न होंगे। |
| Q7 | Shelving hard decisions is the least ethical course. | कठोर निर्णयों को टालना सबसे कम नैतिक मार्ग है। |
| Q8 | A good leader is one who follows the followers. | उत्तम नेता वह है जो अपने अनुयायियों का अनुसरण करता है। |
All eight prompts are philosophical or proverb-style. There is no issue-based contemporary set (technology, federalism, climate as standalone titles). Section A leans on language, gratitude, transformation, and the cost of conflict. Section B leans on nature, education, ethical delay, and leadership. Pick one topic per section that you can sustain for 1,000 words with a clear thesis, not the one that merely “sounds deep.”
UPSC Mains 2026 GS Paper 1 questions
GS Paper 1 was held on 22 August 2026, 9:00 AM–12:00 noon. Twenty compulsory questions: Q1–Q10 (10 marks, ~150 words) and Q11–Q20 (15 marks, ~250 words). Download the GS Paper 1 PDF. The standalone list with syllabus notes is on the GS Paper 1 2026 page.
10-mark questions (150 words)
| Q | Question |
|---|---|
| Q1 | Analyze the importance of Ashokan inscriptions for reconstructing Mauryan history. |
| Q2 | Discuss the impact of Macaulay’s Minute on colonial administration and education in India. |
| Q3 | The significance of the Gandhian movements lay in the masses they mobilized. Elucidate. |
| Q4 | What is the Fujiwhara effect? Explain its impact on the movement and intensity of tropical cyclones. |
| Q5 | “Tundra regions are ecologically fragile but economically important.” Examine this statement critically. |
| Q6 | Discuss the role of aeolian processes in desertification and land degradation. |
| Q7 | “Water resources are both an asset and a source of conflict in South Asia.” Examine this statement giving examples. |
| Q8 | Unity in diversity remains the defining feature of Indian society despite the challenges from communalism and regionalism. Comment. |
| Q9 | How do you understand disability? Substantiate the need for inclusive policy framework in India in this regard. |
| Q10 | Do you think digital technology promotes social empowerment? Explain with examples. |
15-mark questions (250 words)
| Q | Question |
|---|---|
| Q11 | Vijayanagara architecture exemplifies the amalgamation of past traditions with contemporary practices. Elucidate with examples. |
| Q12 | Linguistic reorganization of Indian States was driven by popular pressure from below. Comment. |
| Q13 | The model of planned economy was adopted in India to address the regional imbalances left behind by colonial rule. Comment. |
| Q14 | Compare the Loo, Chinook and Foehn winds with respect to their regions of prevalence, their nature and climatic impacts. |
| Q15 | Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India. |
| Q16 | “The centre of global trade is gradually shifting from the Atlantic region to the Indo-Pacific region.” Examine this statement. |
| Q17 | Analyze the major drivers of human-induced land-use changes in India and their geographical consequences. |
| Q18 | Is caste disappearing in urban India? Illustrate your answer with examples. |
| Q19 | Critically examine the challenges of demographic transition in contemporary India. |
| Q20 | Evaluate the impact of globalization on Indian youths with reference to social, political, economic and cultural spheres. |
The 2026 GS I mix is history and culture, physical and human geography, and Indian society. Geography is slightly heavier. Society appears in both mark bands. Tag each item to a syllabus bullet before you write; see how to analyse Mains PYQs.
UPSC Mains 2026 GS Paper 2 questions
GS Paper 2 was held on 22 August 2026, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM. Twenty compulsory questions: Q1–Q10 (10 marks, ~150 words) and Q11–Q20 (15 marks, ~250 words). Download the GS Paper 2 PDF. The standalone list with syllabus notes is on the GS Paper 2 2026 page.
10-mark questions (150 words)
| Q | Question |
|---|---|
| Q1 | Right to privacy relating to self-identity is very dear to every human being and well protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. In this context, examine the effect of the amendment in 2026, to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. |
| Q2 | “Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class.” In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women’s reservation from local bodies to Parliament. |
| Q3 | Examine whether the constitutional office of the Lok Sabha Speaker has become vulnerable to partisan politics under the current anti-defection regime. What institutional changes are required to ensure the neutrality of the Lok Sabha Speaker in managing a polarised House? |
| Q4 | Is the right to vote a fundamental right? Discuss the position of the Election Commission of India while undertaking the revision of electoral rolls. Can it also examine the question of citizenship of voters? |
| Q5 | Do constitutional bodies like the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) possess adequate enforcement powers to secure substantive social equality? Suggest measures to enhance their institutional effectiveness. |
| Q6 | Does India’s tribal development policy reflect the aspirations for a socially grounded and equity-based governance? Justify your answer. |
| Q7 | Malnutrition in India is not merely a public health concern; it is also a challenge of social equity, human development and effective welfare governance. Discuss. |
| Q8 | Analyse the advantages and limitations of the generalist structure of the Indian Civil Services in contemporary governance. |
| Q9 | “IPMDA (Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness) bridges the gap between India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and the Quad’s collective Indo-Pacific strategy.” Make a critical assessment of the statement focusing on IPMDA. |
| Q10 | “BRICS acts as a powerful counterweight in global governance, actively amplifying the voice and influence of the Global South.” Explain the role of BRICS in projecting itself as an alternative to other groupings. |
15-mark questions (250 words)
| Q | Question |
|---|---|
| Q11 | Discuss the position of the Governor in the federal polity of India. What is the nature of his power while giving assent to a bill passed by the State Legislature? Is he bound by the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers in all his functions? |
| Q12 | What is meant by judicial legislation? In this context, discuss the verdicts of the apex court allowing “passive euthanasia” and a “living will”. |
| Q13 | How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective. |
| Q14 | Examine how the separation of powers is practised in India compared to the rigid presidential model of the United States of America. In this context, compare the actual authority of the Indian Prime Minister with that of the President of the USA. |
| Q15 | To what extent do pressure groups, social movements and corporate lobbies deepen pluralistic democracy in India by representing excluded interests? Analyse whether the growing convergence of corporate wealth and political power poses a threat to the autonomy of formal democratic institutions. |
| Q16 | “Transparency and accountability in governance are not about controlling corruption but about creating the trust of stakeholders in the policy process by following the Rule of Law and Participatory Governance.” Comment. |
| Q17 | Can the constitutional mandate of rights-based welfare be effectively realised in the context of non-integrated governance and minimal public investment? Examine. |
| Q18 | Should education be treated primarily as a welfare obligation of the state or as a strategic investment for building a globally competitive, knowledge-driven nation? Critically evaluate. |
| Q19 | “India’s global diaspora acts as a living bridge, as a critical economic factor and knowledge network in transforming cultural heritage into geopolitical influence and strategic leverage worldwide.” Critically examine this statement. |
| Q20 | “China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed South Asia from a regional space into a theatre of great power competition.” Analyse the strategic implications of the BRI for India’s security and regional influence in South Asia. |
The 2026 GS II mix is constitution and polity, welfare and governance, and India’s external groupings. Polity is the heaviest block. IR sits at the end of both mark bands. Tag each item to a syllabus bullet before you write.
UPSC Mains 2026 GS Paper 3 questions
GS Paper 3 was held on 23 August 2026, 9:00 AM–12:00 noon. Twenty compulsory questions: Q1–Q10 (10 marks, ~150 words) and Q11–Q20 (15 marks, ~250 words). Download the GS Paper 3 PDF. The standalone list with syllabus notes is on the GS Paper 3 2026 page.
10-mark questions (150 words)
| Q | Question |
|---|---|
| Q1 | What do you mean by Digital Rupee? In this context, explain the working and progress of India’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). |
| Q2 | Examine the view that financial inclusion is an integral part of social and economic inclusion in a country like India. Also throw light on the usefulness of the RBI’s Financial Inclusion Index. |
| Q3 | Describe the various Technology Missions initiated in Indian agriculture and examine their role in food security. |
| Q4 | Explain the factors responsible for inefficiency of agri-produce marketing. How does e-commerce help to reduce inefficiency of agri-produce marketing? Explain. |
| Q5 | Explain by giving two examples how biotechnology has helped the Indian farmers in processing their perishable crops. |
| Q6 | Distinguish between a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) and a thermal nuclear reactor. In the context of the first indigenously developed prototype FBR at Kalpakkam, explain the term ‘criticality’. What are its implications for the clean energy future of our country? |
| Q7 | Discuss how the contradiction between ‘rapid infrastructure development’ and ‘disaster-risk reduction’ in ecologically-sensitive areas of India can be managed, with suitable examples. |
| Q8 | Discuss the aim and goals of the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework. Mention India’s commitments and initiatives to achieve the goals and targets of this framework, giving suitable examples. |
| Q9 | Explain how fake news and disinformation pose a threat to internal security and public order in the Indian context. In this regard, discuss the salient features of amendments in respect of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. |
| Q10 | Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) of the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss the demand for promulgation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for Ladakh. |
15-mark questions (250 words)
| Q | Question |
|---|---|
| Q11 | Explain the key challenges for India’s energy security. What measures do you suggest for ensuring energy security along with economic growth and sustainability? |
| Q12 | How are startups in India promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and employment? Discuss the global and domestic challenges in their working and suggest suitable measures to overcome these challenges. |
| Q13 | How has Indian agriculture been transformed from food scarcity to a food-surplus level? Explain the various government policies implemented for diversification of Indian agriculture. |
| Q14 | Discuss the different types of subsidies and supports provided by the Government of India to the agricultural sector. Examine the related issues pertaining to the Agreement on Agriculture of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). |
| Q15 | Mention the salient features of ‘Mission Drishti’. Discuss the imaging techniques used in the satellite launched on 3 May 2026. Why is it being considered the world’s first satellite of its kind? |
| Q16 | What is agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Explain its working. Describe its applications with suitable examples. Discuss the advantages, risks and challenges associated with agentic AI systems. |
| Q17 | What are the challenges to solid waste management in India? Discuss the governmental policy framework on solid waste management. Highlight the success/failure cases of Delhi and Indore cities, bringing out the salient features of their solid waste management initiatives. |
| Q18 | “Community participation is the cornerstone of effective disaster management.” Analyse this statement with suitable examples from India. Also discuss the challenges to community participation and measures to strengthen it. |
| Q19 | Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Bring out the actions taken by the Government to bring J&K into the national mainstream. Discuss the pre- and post-abrogation status of Articles 370 and 35A. Also bring out the positive impacts of abrogation of both articles in mainstreaming the State. |
| Q20 | Discuss counterfeit currency and money laundering as major sources of terror funding in India. State the actions being taken at the international level to check these menaces. Highlight the role of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and methods of compliance by its member states in preventing terror funding. |
The 2026 GS III mix is economy and inclusion, agriculture, science and technology, environment and disaster management, and internal security. Agriculture is the heaviest block. Tag each item to a syllabus bullet before you write; see the GS Paper 3 2026 page.
UPSC Mains 2026 GS Paper 4 questions
GS Paper 4 (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) was held on 23 August 2026, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM. Twelve compulsory questions: Section A (Q1–Q6, 10-mark parts) and Section B (Q7–Q12, 20-mark case studies). Download the GS Paper 4 PDF. The standalone list is on the GS Paper 4 2026 page.
Section A (150 words)
| Q | Question |
|---|---|
| Q1(a) | A university professor generates a Ph.D. evaluation report using AI and submits it with modifications. Discuss from the perspective of accountability and integrity. |
| Q1(b) | A project may displace a forest community. As district administrative officer, what ethical challenges do you face? |
| Q2(a) | Should a DM permit untrialled mineral-supplement research on an endangered tribe with skeletal deformity? Discuss medical and administrative ethics. |
| Q2(b) | How can national security be balanced with human rights? |
| Q3(a) | Ambedkar warned that civil disobedience in a constitutional democracy is ‘anarchy’. How should democracies handle social-justice civil disobedience against contested policies? |
| Q3(b) | How can an IAS officer apply Gandhi’s trusteeship to ensure fairness in governance? |
| Q3(c) | Shakespeare: “The arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just.” Ethical implications for governance? |
| Q4(a) | A doctor convinces a family to choose surgery over the patient’s preferred medication. Explain paternalism and beneficence. |
| Q4(b) | How do you balance efficiency (doing things right) and effectiveness (doing the right thing)? |
| Q5(a) | Remote schools fail regulations; strict enforcement would close them. Balance rule enforcement and children’s educational rights. |
| Q5(b) | In IR, ethics are often subjugated to strategic interests. Discuss. |
| Q6(a) | A DM stops a teacher’s transfer at a PA’s request so the teacher can tutor a child with a learning disability. Empathy versus rules. |
| Q6(b) | Is spending some resources to help those who suffer a moral duty rather than charity? |
Section B case studies (250 words, 20 marks)
| Q | Case |
|---|---|
| Q7 | Hysterectomy during laparoscopy without the patient’s own consent (Lata / Dr Mansi). |
| Q8 | AI facial-recognition policing flagged as biased (SP Ravi). |
| Q9 | Change-of-land-use bribes and touts (Collector Seema). |
| Q10 | PDS biometrics failing for labourers, children and the elderly (Collector Vikas, Nainipura). |
| Q11 | Communal conflict in a border district (DM Rajan, Rajapuram; Jhara and Biru). |
| Q12 | Choosing one arms-export order between Country A and Country B (Ajit, defence production). |
The 2026 GS IV mix is integrity and AI, administrative empathy, thinkers (Ambedkar, Gandhi, Shakespeare), medical ethics, and applied cases on consent, surveillance, corruption, welfare tech, peace-building, and arms sales. Write the full cases from the GS Paper 4 2026 page.
UPSC Mains 2026 English Compulsory (Paper B) questions
English Compulsory (Paper B) was held on 29 August 2026, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM, for 300 marks (qualifying cutoff: 25% = 75 marks). Download the English Compulsory PDF. The complete question-by-question breakdown, grammar answer key, and précis guide are on the English Compulsory 2026 page.
Section-wise marks breakdown
| Section | Content | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Q1: Essay | 1 topic out of 4 (~600 words) | 100 |
| Q2: Reading Comprehension | 5 questions ($15 \times 5$) on India's global standing and empowerment | 75 |
| Q3: Précis Writing | Condensing a 773-word passage on history and Thucydides to one-third length (~255 words) | 75 |
| Q4: Grammar & Vocab (Part 1) | Sentence correction (10), prepositions (5), verb forms (5), antonyms (5) | 25 |
| Q5: Grammar & Usage (Part 2) | Transformations (10), frame sentences (5), confusable words (5), idioms (5) | 25 |
Question 1: Essay topics (600 words, 100 marks)
| Option | Essay Topic |
|---|---|
| (a) | The rise of Indian women in sports. |
| (b) | A thing of beauty is a joy forever. |
| (c) | Growth of influencer culture in India. |
| (d) | War is a problem, not a solution. |
Read the full text of the Reading Comprehension passage, Précis passage, and grammar answer key on the English Compulsory 2026 page.
UPSC Mains 2026 timetable
| Date | Day | Forenoon (9:00 AM–12:00 noon) | Afternoon (2:30 PM–5:30 PM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 August 2026 | Friday | Essay | — |
| 22 August 2026 | Saturday | General Studies I | General Studies II |
| 23 August 2026 | Sunday | General Studies III | General Studies IV |
| 29 August 2026 | Saturday | Indian Language (qualifying) | English (qualifying) |
| 30 August 2026 | Sunday | Optional Paper I | Optional Paper II |
There is no afternoon paper on 21 August. Language and Optional papers sit on the following weekend, not on consecutive weekdays.
What each paper covers
| Paper | What it tests |
|---|---|
| GS I | Indian heritage and culture, history, geography of the world and society |
| GS II | Constitution, polity, governance, social justice, international relations |
| GS III | Economy, agriculture, science and technology, environment, disaster management, internal security |
| GS IV | Ethics, integrity, and aptitude — theory plus case studies |
| Paper A / B | Indian language and English — qualifying; marks not added to merit |
| Optional I & II | Depth in the subject chosen in DAF; 250 marks each |
GS I, GS II, and GS III questions for 2026 are listed above; GS IV is on this hub and on the GS Paper 4 2026 page. English Compulsory is on this hub and on the English Compulsory 2026 page. Map remaining language and Optional papers as each sitting ends.
How to download UPSC Mains 2026 question papers from upsc.gov.in
- Open upsc.gov.in.
- Go to Examinations.
- Open Previous Question Papers.
- Find Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2026.
- Select the paper (Essay, GS I–IV, language, or Optional).
- Open the PDF and save it.
UPSC typically uploads papers after the examination for that paper is over. If the 2026 row is not yet listed, use the table on this page and check the Commission’s What’s New notices.
How to analyse the 2026 papers
- Read the full paper before hunting “important” questions — pattern sits in the mix, not in one headline question.
- Tag each question to a syllabus bullet (see how to analyse Mains PYQs).
- Circle the directive — discuss, examine, analyse, evaluate, critically examine. The verb decides the body structure.
- Split static / current / linked — a constitution question with a 2025–26 news hook is still a GS II syllabus item.
- Time one full paper in three hours. Reading a PDF is not the same as writing 20 answers.
For 2027 aspirants, the 2026 set is the newest signal of how UPSC frames Essay quotes and GS I–IV demand. Write selected answers; do not only annotate.
Frequently asked questions
When did UPSC Mains 2026 start?
The Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 started on 21 August 2026 with the Essay paper from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. There was no afternoon paper that day. The written examination continues through 30 August 2026.
Where can I download the UPSC Mains 2026 question paper PDF?
The Essay PDF, the GS Paper 1 PDF, the GS Paper 2 PDF, the GS Paper 3 PDF, the GS Paper 4 PDF, and the English Compulsory PDF are on this page. Official copies are published under Previous Question Papers on upsc.gov.in. Optional links on this page are updated after each sitting.
What are the UPSC Mains 2026 Essay topics?
Candidates write two essays of about 1,000–1,200 words, one from Section A and one from Section B. Section A includes oxymorons and irony, a grateful mind, a thorn as a changed bud, and elephants fighting while grass is trampled. Section B includes nature as the symbol of the spirit, a well-educated mind with more questions than answers, shelving hard decisions, and a leader who follows the followers.
When are GS Paper 1 and GS Paper 2 in UPSC Mains 2026?
General Studies I was held on 22 August 2026 in the forenoon (9:00 AM–12:00 noon). All 20 questions are listed above and on the GS Paper 1 2026 page. General Studies II was the same day in the afternoon (2:30 PM–5:30 PM); see the GS Paper 2 2026 page. Each paper carries 250 marks.
When are GS Paper 3 and GS Paper 4 in UPSC Mains 2026?
General Studies III was held on 23 August 2026 in the forenoon (9:00 AM–12:00 noon). All 20 questions are listed above and on the GS Paper 3 2026 page. General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude) was the same afternoon (2:30 PM–5:30 PM); see the GS Paper 4 2026 page. Both are 250-mark descriptive papers.
How many papers are there in UPSC Mains 2026?
There are nine descriptive papers: two qualifying language papers, Essay, four General Studies papers, and two Optional papers. Only seven count for merit.
Are the Indian Language and English papers counted in the final merit?
No. Paper A (Indian Language) and Paper B (English) are qualifying. Their marks are not added to the 1,750 written merit total. Failing either still blocks merit ranking, whatever the GS and Optional scores.
When are the UPSC Mains 2026 Optional papers?
Optional Paper I and Optional Paper II are on 30 August 2026 (forenoon and afternoon). Each carries 250 marks. Question papers differ by the subject chosen in DAF.
Is UPSC Mains 2026 GS Paper 2 out?
Yes. GS Paper 2 (General Studies II, Paper III) was held on 22 August 2026, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM. Download the GS Paper 2 PDF. All 20 questions are listed above and on the GS Paper 2 2026 page. The Commission also publishes papers under Previous Question Papers on upsc.gov.in.
Is UPSC Mains 2026 GS Paper 3 out?
Yes. GS Paper 3 (General Studies III, Paper IV) was held on 23 August 2026, 9:00 AM–12:00 noon. Download the GS Paper 3 PDF. All 20 questions are listed above and on the GS Paper 3 2026 page. The Commission also publishes papers under Previous Question Papers on upsc.gov.in.
Is UPSC Mains 2026 GS Paper 4 out?
Yes. GS Paper 4 (General Studies IV, Paper V) was held on 23 August 2026, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM. Download the GS Paper 4 PDF. All 12 questions are listed above and on the GS Paper 4 2026 page. The Commission also publishes papers under Previous Question Papers on upsc.gov.in.
Is UPSC Mains 2026 English Compulsory (Paper B) out?
Yes. English Compulsory (Paper B) was held on 29 August 2026, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM. Download the English Compulsory PDF. All questions (Essay, RC, Précis, and Grammar) are on the English Compulsory 2026 page. Paper B is qualifying (25% / 75 marks cutoff).
How should 2027 aspirants use the UPSC Mains 2026 papers?
Download each paper after it is released, tag questions to the syllabus, and write timed answers. Use the 2026 Essay set for quote-style topics, the GS Paper 1 2026 list for history, geography, and society, the GS Paper 2 2026 list for polity, governance, and IR, the GS Paper 3 2026 list for economy, agriculture, S&T, environment, and security, the GS Paper 4 2026 list for ethics and case studies, and the English Compulsory 2026 list for qualifying language practice. Pair Essay practice with the philosophical essay method.
Key takeaways
- Mains 2026 runs 21–30 August; Essay, GS Papers 1–4, and English Compulsory are out; Optional papers follow on 30 August.
- Download the Essay PDF, the GS Paper 1 PDF, the GS Paper 2 PDF, the GS Paper 3 PDF, the GS Paper 4 PDF, and the English Compulsory PDF; confirm official files on upsc.gov.in.
- 2026 Essay topics are all philosophical — one from Section A, one from Section B, 1,000–1,200 words each.
- GS I, GS II, and GS III are each 20 compulsory questions (10 × 10 marks, 10 × 15 marks). GS IV is 12 questions in two sections. English Compulsory is 300 marks qualifying (75 marks cutoff).
- Written merit is 1,750 (seven papers); language papers qualify only; interview adds 275.