Thursday, 4 December 2025

UPSC Mains Mock Paper 1 (2025 Pattern)

UPSC Mains Mock Paper 1 (2025 Pattern)

Instructions:

·         Total Marks: 250 × 5 (GS Papers I–IV + Essay)

·         Duration: 3 hours per paper (Essay + each GS paper separately)

·         Answer all questions in each paper as instructed


Essay (250 Marks)

Instructions: Write any 2 essays out of 4 topics. Each essay: 125 marks, 3 hours for 2 essays

1.      Inclusive growth and sustainable development in India

2.      Role of technology in governance: Opportunities and Challenges

3.      Climate change and its impact on India

4.      Population explosion vs resources: Challenges and solutions


GS Paper I – Indian Heritage, History & Geography (250 Marks)

Answer all questions (approx. 12–15 min per question)

1.      Examine the contributions of the Bhakti and Sufi movements in medieval India. How did they influence social and cultural integration?

2.      Analyse the causes and consequences of the Revolt of 1857.

3.      Discuss the distribution of mineral resources in India and explain its impact on regional economic disparities.

4.      Examine the role of rivers and mountain ranges in shaping Indian civilization and human settlements.


GS Paper II – Polity, Governance, Social Justice & International Relations (250 Marks)

1.      Evaluate the effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in promoting transparency and accountability in India.

2.      Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in ensuring free and fair elections.

3.      Analyse India’s foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific region in the context of economic and strategic interests.

4.      Examine the challenges and measures for social justice and inclusion of marginalized communities in India.


GS Paper III – Economy, Science & Technology, Environment, Security (250 Marks)

1.      Assess the role of digital financial inclusion in India’s economic development.

2.      Discuss the measures to address climate change in India and evaluate their effectiveness.

3.      Analyse the impact of recent technological innovations on governance and public service delivery in India.

4.      Examine the challenges to internal security in India and suggest measures to strengthen national security.


GS Paper IV – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude (250 Marks)

Case Study 1:
You are a District Collector. A contractor with political connections offers a bribe to get a government contract. How should you respond? Analyse the ethical issues, possible courses of action, and justify your decision.

Case Study 2:
During a disaster relief operation, you discover corruption in fund distribution. How would you handle it while ensuring fairness and transparency?

Case Study 3:
A junior officer approaches you for guidance about reporting a senior officer’s misconduct. What steps would you take, considering ethics, integrity, and administrative propriety?


Preparation Tip for Mock 1:

·         Treat each paper as timed exam

·         Essay: 1–1.5 hrs per essay

·         GS Papers: ~12–15 min per question for planning, then write

·         Ethics: 30–35 min per case study

UPSC Mains Mock Paper 2 (2025 Pattern)

Instructions:

·         Total Marks: 250 × 5 (Essay + GS I–IV)

·         Duration: 3 hours per paper

·         Answer all questions as instructed


Essay (250 Marks)

Instructions: Write any 2 essays out of 4 topics. Each essay: 125 marks

1.      “Artificial Intelligence and its impact on governance and employment”

2.      “Water scarcity and sustainable management in India”

3.      “Globalization and its effects on Indian society”

4.      “Digital divide in India: Challenges and solutions”


GS Paper I – Indian Heritage, History & Geography (250 Marks)

1.      Discuss the role of women in India’s freedom struggle and analyze their impact on the nationalist movement.

2.      Examine the social and economic reforms introduced during the British colonial period and their long-term consequences.

3.      Explain the factors influencing the distribution of crops in India. How do climatic and geographical conditions affect agriculture?

4.      Analyze the impact of urbanization on India’s environment and society.


GS Paper II – Polity, Governance, Social Justice & International Relations (250 Marks)

1.      Critically examine the role of the Finance Commission in India’s fiscal federalism.

2.      Discuss the challenges of implementing social welfare schemes in India and suggest measures for improving efficiency.

3.      Examine India’s approach to counterterrorism and strategic security in South Asia.

4.      Analyse the significance of e-governance initiatives in improving transparency and service delivery in India.


GS Paper III – Economy, Science & Technology, Environment, Security (250 Marks)

1.      Evaluate the impact of the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) on India’s economic growth.

2.      Discuss the role of renewable energy sources in India’s energy security and environmental sustainability.

3.      Examine the impact of recent scientific innovations (e.g., biotechnology, AI, space tech) on India’s socio-economic development.

4.      Analyse the challenges of cybersecurity and suggest strategies for India to strengthen digital security.


GS Paper IV – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude (250 Marks)

Case Study 1:
You are a senior officer in a district administration. You notice nepotism in recruitment for a public scheme. How would you handle it while upholding ethical standards?

Case Study 2:
During an election, you receive information about illegal funding of a candidate by influential businessmen. Discuss your approach considering ethics, law, and governance.

Case Study 3:
A subordinate officer is hesitant to report a senior officer’s misconduct fearing retaliation. What measures will you take to ensure ethical compliance and protection of whistleblowers?


Preparation Tip for Mock 2:

·         Treat each paper under exam-like timing

·         Use current affairs examples wherever possible

·         Ethics: Practice structured answers → Problem → Ethical Issues → Options → Solution → Justification

 

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UPSC Mains Mock Paper 1 (2025 Pattern)

UPSC Mains Mock Paper 1 (2025 Pattern) Instructions: ·          Total Marks: 250 × 5 (GS Papers I–IV + Essay) ·          Duration: 3 h...