Previous Year Papers / UPSC GS Paper I / 2026

UPSC GS Paper I 2026 Question Paper & Answers

The official UPSC GS Paper I 2026 question paper, with the official answer key. Attempt as a real timed exam (with negative marking) or switch to practice mode for instant per-question answers and explanations.

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Official PYQ

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 - General Studies Paper I

120 Mins 198 Marks
99Questions
198Max Marks

Sample questions from UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 - General Studies Paper I

1Which one of the following Carnatic music ragas is similar to Raga Bilawal in Hindustani music ?
  • A) Nat Bhairavi
  • B) Kamavardhini
  • C) Hanumatodi
  • D) Dheera Shankarabharanam
Answer: D
2The artificially fixed rupee-sterling exchange rate prescribed by the Hilton-Young Commission (1926) was adopted by the British Government for which one of the following reasons ?
  • A) Aiding the flow of remittances from India and maintaining India's creditworthiness
  • B) Providing support to Indian importers
  • C) Encouraging export of cotton produce from India
  • D) Preventing depreciation of the Rupee in terms of gold
Answer: A
3Consider the following statements :
I. Pali texts contain the first definite references to coins, e.g., kahapana, nikkha, kamsa, and kakanika.
II. The literary evidence from Pali texts is corroborated by archaeological evidence of punch-marked coins from many sites, most of them made of silver.
The above statements have been associated with which of the following ?
  1. Emergence of urban life
  2. Transition to money economy
    Select the answer using the code given below :
  • A) 1 only
  • B) 2 only
  • C) Both 1 and 2
  • D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
4Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara ?
  1. Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami
  2. Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole
  3. Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh
  4. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal
    Select the answer using the code given below :
  • A) 1 and 2
  • B) 2 and 3
  • C) 3 only
  • D) 3 and 4
Answer: B
5Among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is not included ?
  • A) Deva (gods)
  • B) Yaksha (demi-gods)
  • C) Manushya (humans)
  • D) Tiryancha (animals and plants)
Answer: B

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UPSC GS Paper I 2026 Previous Year Question Paper with Answers (PYQ) | ClassScribe