UPSC CSE Prelims · Previous Year Questions

UPSC Prelims PYQs 2026

All 120 questions from the UPSC Prelims 2026 paper, tagged by subject and topic.

1. Q1

   Directions : Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-menti…
2. Q2

   Directions : Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-menti…
3. Q3

   Directions : Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-menti…
4. Q4

   Directions : Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-menti…
5. Q5

   Directions : Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-menti…
6. Q6

   Directions : Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-menti…
7. Q7

   Directions : Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-menti…
8. Q8

   Directions : Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-menti…
9. Q9

   Directions : Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-menti…
10. Q10

    Directions : Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-menti…
11. Q11

    Directions : Given below are idioms/phrases. Choose the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. To overplay one’s hand
12. Q12

    Directions : Given below are idioms/phrases. Choose the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Pass the buck
13. Q13

    Directions : Given below are idioms/phrases. Choose the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Over one’s head
14. Q14

    Directions : Given below are idioms/phrases. Choose the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Have a finger in every pie
15. Q15

    Directions : Given below are idioms/phrases. Choose the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. To go out on a limb
16. Q16

    Directions : Given below are idioms/phrases. Choose the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Live on your nerves
17. Q17

    Directions : Given below are idioms/phrases. Choose the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Lilly-livered
18. Q18

    Directions : Given below are idioms/phrases. Choose the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. To spill the beans
19. Q19

    Directions : Given below are idioms/phrases. Choose the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. To make one’s peace
20. Q20

    Directions : Given below are idioms/phrases. Choose the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Fall by the wayside
21. Q21

    Directions : In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein these words has been used, and underlined. You are required to identify those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your res…
22. Q22

    Directions : In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein these words has been used, and underlined. You are required to identify those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your res…
23. Q23

    Directions : In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein these words has been used, and underlined. You are required to identify those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your res…
24. Q24

    Directions : In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein these words has been used, and underlined. You are required to identify those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your res…
25. Q25

    Directions : In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein these words has been used, and underlined. You are required to identify those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your res…
26. Q26

    Directions : In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein these words has been used, and underlined. You are required to identify those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your res…
27. Q27

    Directions : In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein these words has been used, and underlined. You are required to identify those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your res…
28. Q28

    Directions : In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein these words has been used, and underlined. You are required to identify those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your res…
29. Q29

    Directions : In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein these words has been used, and underlined. You are required to identify those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your res…
30. Q30

    Directions : In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein these words has been used, and underlined. You are required to identify those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your res…
31. Q31

    Directions : In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet acc…
32. Q32

    Directions : In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet acc…
33. Q33

    Directions : In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet acc…
34. Q34

    Directions : In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet acc…
35. Q35

    Directions : In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet acc…
36. Q36

    Directions : In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet acc…
37. Q37

    Directions : In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet acc…
38. Q38

    Directions : In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet acc…
39. Q39

    Directions : In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet acc…
40. Q40

    Directions : In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet acc…
41. Q41

    Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Her ex…
42. Q42

    Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. They w…
43. Q43

    Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. She sa…
44. Q44

    Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. If you…
45. Q45

    Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. The sh…
46. Q46

    Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. If you…
47. Q47

    Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. The di…
48. Q48

    Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. The pa…
49. Q49

    Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. The ma…
50. Q50

    Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. She le…
51. Q51

    Directions : Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Switzerland lies ______ France, Germany, Austr…
52. Q52

    Directions : Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. May I pay ______ credit card ?
53. Q53

    Directions : Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. The information is available ______ the Intern…
54. Q54

    Directions : Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Didn't you borrow ______ books of mine ?
55. Q55

    Directions : Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. If you have any leftover milk, could you spare…
56. Q56

    Directions : Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. He sat ______ her all night.
57. Q57

    Directions : Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Talk me ______ your plans.
58. Q58

    Directions : Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. ______ people make their own bread today than…
59. Q59

    Directions : Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. This beautiful historical building shall soon…
60. Q60

    Directions : Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. I don't like being stared ______ .
61. Q61

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : A. Discreet — 1. Decaying B. Discrete — 2. Tactful C. Desecrate — 3. Defile D. Decrepit — 4. Separate Code : A B C D
62. Q62

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : A. Inflation — 1. Expansion B. Indentation — 2. Declension C. Infiltration — 3. Permeation D. Inflection — 4. Depression Code : A B C D
63. Q63

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : A. Polyglot — 1. Having more than one meaning B. Polymorphous — 2. A person of great and varied learning C. Polysemy — 3. A person knowing more than one language D.…
64. Q64

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : A. Philatelist — 1. A person who studies language B. Philanthropist — 2. A person who does not value art or culture C. Philologist — 3. A person who collects stamps…
65. Q65

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : A. Tabernacle — 1. Biased B. Tenuous — 2. Place of worship C. Tempestuous — 3. Stormy D. Tendentious — 4. Flimsy Code : A B C D
66. Q66

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : A. Sacred — 1. Oblation B. Desecration — 2. Consecrated C. Sacrosanct — 3. Defilement D. Sacrifice — 4. Inviolable Code : A B C D
67. Q67

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : A. Triumph — 1. Feeling great pride post victory B. Triumphant — 2. Act of celebrating a great success or victory C. Triumphal — 3. A show of smug superiority D. Tri…
68. Q68

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : A. Revel — 1. Unrestrained merriment B. Revelry — 2. To make merry C. Reveal — 3. Boisterous individual making merry D. Reveller — 4. Disclose Code : A B C D
69. Q69

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : A. Transmit — 1. To happen or occur B. Transmute — 2. To continue for only a short time C. Transpire — 3. To change into something different D. Transient — 4. To sen…
70. Q70

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : A. Emanated — 1. Liberated B. Emancipated — 2. Starved C. Empathised — 3. Originated D. Emaciated — 4. Commiserated Code : A B C D
71. Q71

    Direction : Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below based solely on the passage : Passage I When Elizabeth Long began investigating women's book groups in the mid-1980s, her research plan provoked two profoundly different sets of reacti…
72. Q72

    Direction : Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below based solely on the passage : Passage I When Elizabeth Long began investigating women's book groups in the mid-1980s, her research plan provoked two profoundly different sets of reacti…
73. Q73

    Direction : Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below based solely on the passage : Passage I When Elizabeth Long began investigating women's book groups in the mid-1980s, her research plan provoked two profoundly different sets of reacti…
74. Q74

    Direction : Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below based solely on the passage : Passage I When Elizabeth Long began investigating women's book groups in the mid-1980s, her research plan provoked two profoundly different sets of reacti…
75. Q75

    Direction : Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below based solely on the passage : Passage I When Elizabeth Long began investigating women's book groups in the mid-1980s, her research plan provoked two profoundly different sets of reacti…
76. Q76

    Direction : Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below : Passage II Christopher Columbus of Spain set foot in the New World in 1492. Six years later, Vasco da Gama of Portugal reached India. During the next two centuries the Spaniards and…
77. Q77

    Direction : Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below : Passage II Christopher Columbus of Spain set foot in the New World in 1492. Six years later, Vasco da Gama of Portugal reached India. During the next two centuries the Spaniards and…
78. Q78

    Direction : Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below : Passage II Christopher Columbus of Spain set foot in the New World in 1492. Six years later, Vasco da Gama of Portugal reached India. During the next two centuries the Spaniards and…
79. Q79

    Direction : Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below : Passage II Christopher Columbus of Spain set foot in the New World in 1492. Six years later, Vasco da Gama of Portugal reached India. During the next two centuries the Spaniards and…
80. Q80

    Direction : Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below : Passage II Christopher Columbus of Spain set foot in the New World in 1492. Six years later, Vasco da Gama of Portugal reached India. During the next two centuries the Spaniards and…
81. Q81

    Directions : Identify the most appropriate meaning for the words given below and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. Codex
82. Q82

    Directions : Identify the most appropriate meaning for the words given below and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. Ergonomics
83. Q83

    Directions : Identify the most appropriate meaning for the words given below and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. Sobriquet
84. Q84

    Directions : Identify the most appropriate meaning for the words given below and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. Viticulture
85. Q85

    Directions : Identify the most appropriate meaning for the words given below and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. Communiqué
86. Q86

    Directions : Identify the most appropriate meaning for the words given below and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. Sub-judice
87. Q87

    Directions : Identify the most appropriate meaning for the words given below and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. Manifesto
88. Q88

    Directions : Identify the most appropriate meaning for the words given below and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. Tapestry
89. Q89

    Directions : Identify the most appropriate meaning for the words given below and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. Connotation
90. Q90

    Directions : Identify the most appropriate meaning for the words given below and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. Alibi
91. Q91

    Directions: In this section each item consists of six sentences that comprise a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The sequence of the middle four sentences has been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. You are…
92. Q92

    Directions: In this section each item consists of six sentences that comprise a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The sequence of the middle four sentences has been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. You are…
93. Q93

    Directions: In this section each item consists of six sentences that comprise a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The sequence of the middle four sentences has been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. You are…
94. Q94

    Directions: In this section each item consists of six sentences that comprise a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The sequence of the middle four sentences has been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. You are…
95. Q95

    Directions: In this section each item consists of six sentences that comprise a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The sequence of the middle four sentences has been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. You are…
96. Q96

    Directions: In this section each item consists of six sentences that comprise a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The sequence of the middle four sentences has been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. You are…
97. Q97

    Directions: In this section each item consists of six sentences that comprise a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The sequence of the middle four sentences has been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. You are…
98. Q98

    Directions: In this section each item consists of six sentences that comprise a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The sequence of the middle four sentences has been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. You are…
99. Q99

    Directions: In this section each item consists of six sentences that comprise a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The sequence of the middle four sentences has been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. You are…
100. Q100

     Directions: In this section each item consists of six sentences that comprise a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The sequence of the middle four sentences has been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. You are…
101. Q101

     Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Presumptive and Presumptuous
102. Q102

     Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Tempestuous and Temperamental
103. Q103

     Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Voyager and Voyeur
104. Q104

     Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Differ and Defer
105. Q105

     Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Elegy and Eulogy
106. Q106

     Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Concord and Concourse
107. Q107

     Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Edify and Educe
108. Q108

     Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Flaunt and Flinch
109. Q109

     Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Ingenious and Ingenuous
110. Q110

     Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Nefarious and Nebulous
111. Q111

     Directions: In the following items a sentence or a phrase is given with a word that is underlined, followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordi…
112. Q112

     Directions: In the following items a sentence or a phrase is given with a word that is underlined, followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordi…
113. Q113

     Directions: In the following items a sentence or a phrase is given with a word that is underlined, followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordi…
114. Q114

     Directions: In the following items a sentence or a phrase is given with a word that is underlined, followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordi…
115. Q115

     Directions: In the following items a sentence or a phrase is given with a word that is underlined, followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordi…
116. Q116

     Directions: In the following items a sentence or a phrase is given with a word that is underlined, followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordi…
117. Q117

     Directions: In the following items a sentence or a phrase is given with a word that is underlined, followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordi…
118. Q118

     Directions: In the following items a sentence or a phrase is given with a word that is underlined, followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordi…
119. Q119

     Directions: In the following items a sentence or a phrase is given with a word that is underlined, followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordi…
120. Q120

     Directions: In the following items a sentence or a phrase is given with a word that is underlined, followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordi…