UPSC concludes CSE Prelims 2026: Check questions from GS Paper, and CSAT

Here are some of the questions asked in the UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 GS Paper-I

For Paper-I, candidates and experts noted that while the paper continued to cover conventional areas such as polity, history, geography, economy, environment and current affairs, a noticeable number of questions tested analytical thinking and administrative reasoning. Unlike previous years where elimination techniques and static concepts dominated the exam, the 2026 paper reportedly included more applied and scenario-based questions requiring candidates to evaluate situations and choose the most appropriate course of action.

Few questions asked in the UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 in CSAT (Paper-II)

UPSC has also introduced several changes in the Civil Services Examination process this year. One of the major additions was enhanced verification measures at examination centres, including biometric attendance and QR-code based admit card checks in several centres, aimed at improving transparency and preventing impersonation during the examination process.

Another significant change this year relates to answer keys. For the first time, UPSC is expected to release provisional answer keys shortly after the examination instead of waiting until the entire recruitment cycle concludes. Candidates will also be allowed to raise objections through the online representation portal, a move being seen as a major shift towards greater transparency in the examination system.