UPSC Prelims: General Studies Paper I

Preliminary Examination, Paper I: General Studies. At a glance: • 200 marks, 2 hours. • Objective type: multiple choice questions, each with four answers to choose from. • A wrong answer costs one-third (0.33) of the marks for that question. Marking more than one answer counts as a wrong answer. A question left blank costs nothing. • Who goes on to the Main Examination is decided by this paper's marks, against a cut-off the Commission fixes, provided you also score at least 33% in Paper II (CSAT). • The Preliminary Examination is a screening test only: its marks are not counted in the final ranking. • You must sit both Prelims papers: missing either one disqualifies you. • The question paper is in Hindi and English. Topics: • Current events of national and international importance. • History of India and Indian National Movement. • Indian and World Geography: Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World. • Indian Polity and Governance: Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. • Economic and Social Development: Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc. • General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization. • General Science. Source: UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026, Examination Notice No. 05/2026-CSE, 4 February 2026.