UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I Mock Tests: exam pattern, marking scheme, time per question and free mocks
UPSC CSE GS 1 is a 120-minute computer-based test with 100 questions for 200 marks. Marking: +2 for a correct answer and −0.66 for a wrong one, with no marks for unattempted questions. MockBazaar's UPSC CSE GS 1 mocks follow this pattern, with the same timer, question palette and negative marking, and a step-by-step solution for every question.
The merit paper of Civil Services Prelims: 100 questions in 2 hours. GS Paper I decides who clears Prelims; CSAT (Paper II) is qualifying at 33%. The share of each subject changes every year, so the areas below have no fixed question counts.
UPSC CSE GS 1 exam pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Polity & Governance | |||
| History of India & National Movement | |||
| Indian & World Geography | |||
| Economic & Social Development | |||
| Environment & Ecology | |||
| General Science and Current Events |
Official source: Union Public Service Commission (upsc.gov.in). Always confirm dates and vacancies in the latest notification there.
Practise section by section
- Indian Polity & Governance for UPSC CSE GS 1
- History of India & National Movement for UPSC CSE GS 1
- Indian & World Geography for UPSC CSE GS 1
- Economic & Social Development for UPSC CSE GS 1
- Environment & Ecology for UPSC CSE GS 1
- General Science and Current Events for UPSC CSE GS 1
UPSC CSE GS 1 syllabus by section and topic
Topics asked in UPSC CSE GS 1
- Indian Polity
- Indian Economy and Banking
- Environment and Ecology
- Indian History and National Movement
- Indian and World Geography
- General Science
Posts
IAS, IPS, IFS and other Group A and B central services
Tips
- Multi-statement questions reward elimination: rule out options, do not guess blind.
- One third of the marks (0.66) is lost per wrong answer.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are there in UPSC CSE GS 1?
UPSC CSE GS 1 has 100 questions for 200 marks.
What is the time limit for UPSC CSE GS 1?
UPSC CSE GS 1 is 120 minutes long.
Is there negative marking in UPSC CSE GS 1?
Yes. UPSC CSE GS 1 gives +2 for a correct answer and −0.66 for a wrong one, with no marks for unattempted questions.
Does CSAT count for merit?
No. Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying; you need 33% in it.