About the UPSC Prelims GS paper
General Studies Paper I is 100 questions in two hours, each worth 2 marks, with a third of a mark - 0.66 - deducted for a wrong answer. The generous clock is misleading: the questions are written so that two options survive a first reading, and the exam is really a test of how well you handle the ones you are unsure about. The same shape is used by most State PSC prelims.
This mock reproduces that structure question for question and minute for minute, with the same marking. Nothing is revealed while the paper runs; the score, the section-wise breakdown and a worked solution for every question all arrive together when you submit. It is free, there is no sign-up, and you can take it as often as you like - each attempt draws a fresh set of questions.
UPSC Prelims GS exam pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| History & Culture | 25 | 50 | Shared |
| Geography & Environment | 25 | 50 | Shared |
| Polity, Economy & Science | 25 | 50 | Shared |
| Current Affairs | 25 | 50 | Shared |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 120 min |
Marking: 2 marks for a correct answer, 0.66 deducted for a wrong one, nothing for a question left blank. This pattern reflects recent notification cycles - always confirm the current one in the official notification before you plan around it.
UPSC Prelims GS mock test - frequently asked questions
Is this an official UPSC mock test?
No. It is free practice built in the shape of General Studies Paper I - the question count, the clock, the 2 mark and 0.66 negative marking - using questions written around the static subjects the paper draws on. It is a drill in pattern and pacing, not a prediction of the paper.
How does negative marking work in UPSC Prelims?
One-third of the marks for that question are deducted, which on a 2-mark question is 0.66. Leaving a question blank costs nothing. Because of this, a blind guess between four options loses marks on average - but an educated guess after eliminating two options gains them, which is the calculation the paper is really testing.
What is a realistic Prelims score?
General category cut-offs have generally fallen between roughly 75 and 100 out of 200 in recent years, which surprises candidates coming from SSC or Banking. Around 45 per cent here is a competitive practice score; chasing 80 per cent is not how this paper is cleared.
Does this cover CSAT as well?
No, this is the General Studies paper only. CSAT is a separate qualifying paper of comprehension, reasoning and basic numeracy - the Reasoning Puzzles and Maths Speed Challenge on this site cover that ground better than a GS mock would.
Can State PSC aspirants use this?
Yes. Most State PSC prelims follow the same General Studies shape and the same negative marking, with a state-specific component added on top. The history, geography and polity practised here is common ground; supplement it with your state’s own material.
Other free mock tests
Same engine, same marking discipline - a different paper.
- SSC CGL Tier 1Four sections, 100 questions, 60 minutes, negative marking100 questions · 60 min · +2/−0.5
- SSC CHSL Tier 1The 10+2 level paper - same four sections, gentler difficulty100 questions · 60 min · +2/−0.5
- IBPS PO PrelimsThree sections, three separate 20-minute clocks100 questions · 60 min · +1/−0.25
- IBPS Clerk PrelimsSpeed over depth - the same three clocks, easier questions100 questions · 60 min · +1/−0.25
- RRB NTPC CBT 1100 questions, 90 minutes, a General Awareness section that decides it100 questions · 90 min · +1/−0.33