Prelims GS Paper I
UPSC Prelims GS Previous Year Papers PDF
GS Paper I decides whether you sit Mains. Download the paper, then the key, then review why options survive elimination.
Last updated: 18 August 2026
In short: These files are UPSC Civil Services Prelims General Studies Paper I PDFs for 2015–2024, with answer keys for 2015–2023. Paper I is the merit paper. CSAT is separate. Confirm the latest pattern and cut-offs in the CSE notification on upsc.gov.in.
Download PDFs
| Year | Paper | Question paper | Answer key |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | GS Paper I | Download PDF 2.6 MB | — |
| 2023 | GS Paper I | Download PDF 3.0 MB | Answer key 197 KB |
| 2022 | GS Paper I | Download PDF 1.0 MB | Answer key 15 KB |
| 2021 | GS Paper I | Download PDF 1.5 MB | Answer key 175 KB |
| 2020 | GS Paper I | Download PDF 1.4 MB | Answer key 190 KB |
| 2019 | GS Paper I | Download PDF 1.1 MB | Answer key 122 KB |
| 2018 | GS Paper I | Download PDF 1.6 MB | Answer key 171 KB |
| 2017 | GS Paper I | Download PDF 1.7 MB | Answer key 90 KB |
| 2016 | GS Paper I | Download PDF 2.2 MB | Answer key 168 KB |
| 2015 | GS Paper I | Download PDF 616 KB | Answer key 146 KB |
These are hosted copies of public exam papers and keys for candidates. Official source: Union Public Service Commission. If a later official PDF differs, use that file. We do not host copyrighted textbooks or institute-branded mocks.
How to practise Prelims GS PDFs
Sit the paper in one stretch with the official duration. Mark questions you guessed. After the key, sort misses into syllabus headings — polity, economy, environment, history, geography, science, current events — not into “silly mistakes.”
- Two recent papers tell you more than ten unread PDFs
- Build a thin error log; do not rewrite entire chapters after one miss
- Map recurring themes back to NCERT and the current-affairs method
What the 2024 key gap means
The 2024 question paper is here. A hosted answer key for 2024 is not. Use UPSC’s published key when available. Coaching keys are unofficial until the Commission’s file is out.
FAQs
Is GS Paper I qualifying or for merit?
GS Paper I is the merit paper in Prelims. CSAT Paper II is qualifying. Failing CSAT ends the attempt even with a high GS-I score.
How many questions are in Prelims GS?
In the recent CSE pattern, Paper I has 100 objective questions. Confirm the count and negative marking in the latest official notification.
Should beginners start with 2015 or 2024?
Start with the latest two or three papers so you see current difficulty and theme mix, then work backwards if you have time.
Are these the official UPSC papers?
They are hosted copies of CSE Prelims GS papers used by candidates. UPSC remains the official publisher. Prefer the Commission file if anything conflicts.
