1. The Nadi-Sukta of the Rigveda
2. The explorations of the Sutlej and the Yamuna by Robert Bruce Foote
3. The presence of the same species of dolphins in both the Indus and the Ganga river systems
Select the answer using the code given below:Paper 1 | Series D | General Studies | 100 Questions
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the Civil Services Preliminary Examination (GS Paper 1) today, May 24, 2026. For lakhs of aspirants across the country, this day marks the culmination of months of dedicated preparation and hard work.
At KPIAS Academy, we understand that analysing the question paper immediately after the exam is crucial. It helps candidates evaluate their performance, estimate tentative scores, and understand the evolving nature of the examination. Below, we provide a complete subject-wise breakdown of the questions asked today, along with key insights into the trends observed this year.
This year’s paper maintained the characteristic unpredictability of the UPSC CSE, with significant weightage given to conceptual depth and current developments. The table below provides the exact distribution of the 100 questions across various subjects in today’s General Studies Paper-1:
| Subject | Questions in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Environment & Agriculture | 10 |
| Geography | 8 |
| History & Art & Culture | 21 |
| Polity & Governance | 13 |
| IR / IS | 13 |
| Science & Technology | 15 |
| Economy & Government Schemes | 15 |
| Reports, Awards | 5 |
| Total | 100 |
Analysing today’s question paper is an indispensable stepping stone for the next phase of your journey. Whether your performance was excellent or leaves room for improvement, the key is to stay consistent and resilient. KPIAS Academy stands with you at every stage of your civil services journey, providing comprehensive answer keys, cut-off evaluations, and guidance for the upcoming Main Examination.
1. The Nadi-Sukta of the Rigveda
2. The explorations of the Sutlej and the Yamuna by Robert Bruce Foote
3. The presence of the same species of dolphins in both the Indus and the Ganga river systems
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Vitasta : Chenab
2. Asikni : Jhelum
3. Parushni : Ravi
4. Vyasavati : Beas
Select the answer using the code given below:1. It was located in the lower Krishna valley.
2. In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size.
3. The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-East Asia.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Senguttuvan : Chera
2. Udiyanjeral : Chola
3. Nedunjeliyan : Pandya
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Bose failed to win the confidence of Mahatma Gandhi.
2. The Congress Left was disunited and failed to support Bose.
3. The Communists did not support Bose in his endeavours.
4. The supporters of M.N. Roy and socialist leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan preferred Congress unity to supporting Bose.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. The taluqdars were dispossessed of their estates but allowed to retain their arms and forts.
2. A Summary Revenue Settlement was made in 1856 assuming that the taluqdars were outsiders.
3. The British believed in taking revenue directly from the peasants by removing the taluqdars.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?1. Reforms retained and extended the principle of separate electorates.
2. Separate electorates were supposed to counter Indian nationalism, which was growing stronger.
3. Deprived classes rallied around the flavour inherent in separate electorates.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Emergence of urban life
2. Transition to money economy
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami
2. Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole
3. Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh
4. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal
Select the answer using the code given below:1. The earliest epigraphic use of the place-value system in India is found in the Mandasor pillar from Gujarat, AD 595–596.
2. In the ninth century, place-values became general in inscriptions all over India.
3. The place-values have been found in Sanskrit inscriptions in South-east Asia as early as the seventh century AD.
Which of the statements given above are correct?1. Statement I suggests that spinning was a labour-intensive activity done at home.
2. Statement II suggests the extent of the scientific knowledge that the Harappans possessed.
3. Statement III suggests the emergence of a common property system.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. There is evidence in the Rigveda of the use of ashma chakra — stone pulley wheel — and avata — trapped wooden pail — to draw up water.
2. Mention has been made in the Rigveda of the use of implements like parashu, khanitra and sira.
3. There is a history of the use of oxen, even before the Rigveda, for ploughing the land and pulling the carts.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in India in 2025.
2. Sakhya Sagar, which is designated as a Ramsar Site, is situated within this National Park.
3. Its area is shared between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. The climate can be defined as a humid, tropical coastal climate.
2. It receives rainfall from both South-west monsoon and North-east monsoon.
3. Maximum precipitation is between December and May.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Submergence of parts of the western coast due to tectonic activity.
2. Presence of residual mountain ranges such as the Veliconda hills and Mahendragiri hills.
3. Deep, V-shaped river valleys formed by fast-flowing rivers.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Statement II validates the effectiveness of the strategies envisioned in Statement I.
2. Statement III extends the objectives of Statement I by embedding them into a future-oriented innovation framework.
3. Statement I contradicts Statement III by focusing only on traditional infrastructure instead of modern innovation.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. It is an epiphytic orchid.
2. The species is endemic to North-east India.
3. It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?1. They acted as army fortresses.
2. They were recreation centres of the Royals and Nobles.
3. They were burial grounds of the Royals and Nobles.
4. They were battle drill centres of the Royals and Nobles.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. It is the largest desert lake in the world.
2. The lake is situated in South Sudan along the eastern fringe of the Sahara Desert.
3. The lake is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also referred to as the “Jade Sea”.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Statement I is empirically supported by statement II.
2. Statement III contradicts the approach implicit in statement I.
3. Statement I and statement III together establish the priority of long-term sustainability.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees.
3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile climbers.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts.
2. Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater zones.
3. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood base for rural communities.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. By functioning exclusively as a domestic cargo hub to reduce reliance on coastal shipping and eliminate the need for foreign collaborations.
2. By focusing primarily on passenger cruise tourism and heritage shipping to increase Kerala’s profile as a maritime heritage destination.
3. By leveraging its natural deep draft and strategic location to reduce dependence on foreign trans-shipment ports, enhance revenue retention, and reposition India in regional maritime trade.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. It has an antecedent drainage system.
2. It flows through three countries.
3. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and is an important river for irrigation.
4. It does not form distributaries.
Select the answer from the following:1. Uttar Pradesh shares its boundary with the highest number of other Indian States.
2. Rajasthan shares the longest international border among all Indian States.
3. Sikkim is the only State that shares its boundary with just one other Indian State.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the survival and protection of international migratory birds.
2. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites.
3. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Encouraging monoculture in rainfed areas.
2. Increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions.
3. Enhancing productivity and minimising climatic risks through Integrated Farming System (IFS).
Select the answer using the code given below:1. It allows Indian exporters to compete in high-end markets that prioritise chemical-free products.
2. It confirms that Eri Silk meets international safety, environmental, and quality standards, enabling its entry into premium eco-conscious markets.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Bahrain
2. Syria
3. Qatar
4. Egypt
Select the answer using the code given below:| List I — INTERPOL Notice | List II — Description |
|---|---|
| A. Silver Notice | 1. To seek information on unidentified bodies |
| B. Blue Notice | 2. To collect additional information about a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation |
| C. Black Notice | 3. To provide warning about a person’s criminal activities, where the person is considered to be a possible threat to public safety |
| D. Green Notice | 4. To identify and trace criminal assets |
1. Ecosystem Survey and Analysis is a vertical under this platform; the lead institute of which is Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata.
2. Research and Management of Ecosystem Service is a vertical under this platform; the lead institute of which is Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi.
3. Capacity Development Support is a vertical under this platform; the lead institute of which is Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the All India Institute of Ayurveda and the University of Hamburg.
2. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Youth Hockey Development between Hockey India and the German Hockey Federation.
3. Establishment of a bilateral dialogue mechanism on the Indo-Pacific.
4. Opening of an Honorary Consul of Germany in Lucknow.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. It is the third chip fabricated under the DIR-V Programme with an overall aim to enable the creation of microprocessors for India.
2. It is India’s first homegrown 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. The new standard is known as IS 19445:2025.
2. It will improve interoperability of equipment across agencies.
3. It was developed by TBRL, DRDO in collaboration with the 30th Central Scientific Research Institute, Russia.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. The tournaments have a shared governance structure establishing the partnership among the four Grand Slam tournaments.
2. They are open for entry to all internationally ranked tennis players above the age of 14.
3. There is a limitation on the number of “Wild Cards” a player may receive to compete in a Grand Slam Tournament.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Its objective is to generate forecasts at the Panchayats cluster level.
2. It was developed by IIT Delhi.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. The film has recently won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award in the Children’s and Family Film category.
2. The film is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi.
3. This is the first Indian film to win a BAFTA award in the Children’s and Family Film category.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?1. Records stored in the database may be made visible to relevant stakeholders without risk of alteration.
2. Copies of the entire database are stored on multiple computers on a network, syncing within seconds.
3. Consortium blockchain is a blend of public and private blockchains allowing selective data access.
4. Mathematical algorithms make it impossible to change or delete any data once recorded and accepted.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Tokenization is the process of turning real-world assets into digital tokens using blockchain technology.
2. Tokenization of real-world assets offers 24 × 7 access, promoting financial inclusion.
3. Tokenization of real-world assets will allow the access to high-growth investment opportunities for individuals in India.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Mxchange provides collateral-based loan to MSMEs.
2. Mxchange facilitates discounting of invoices and Bills of Exchange for MSMEs.
3. Mxchange functions as a credit rating agency for MSMEs.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise Rare Earth Elements — REEs.
2. China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India.
3. The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission — NCMM — in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector.
4. Rare Earth Elements are 13 metallic elements.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. ‘Aviation Hull Insurance’ covers the physical aircraft, including the body, engine, and on-board equipment.
2. Under the Montreal Convention, adopted in 1999 by over 130 countries, including India, airlines are strictly liable to pay compensation to the family/nominee of every deceased passenger without requiring the family to prove fault.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Crowdfunding is solicitation of funds, small amount, from multiple investors through a web-based platform or social networking site for a specific project.
2. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are able to raise funds at lower cost of capital without undergoing rigorous procedures.
Select the answer using the code given below:| Sl. No. | Committee | Objective | Organization under which it was formed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | R.N. Malhotra Committee | Comprehensive reforms of Insurance sector in India | Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India |
| 2. | L.C. Gupta Committee | Preparing a roadmap for the introduction of derivatives trading in India | Securities and Exchange Board of India |
| 3. | Urjit R. Patel Committee | Preparing a roadmap for reforming bank lending to the Housing sector | Reserve Bank of India |
| 4. | Y.H. Malegam Committee | Preparing a roadmap for reforms in Microfinance sector in India | Reserve Bank of India |
1. NBFCs cannot accept demand deposits.
2. All the NBFCs operating in India have to be registered with the RBI.
3. NBFCs form part of the payment and settlement system and can issue cheque drawn on itself.
4. Deposit insurance facility of Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) is not available to the depositors of deposit taking NBFCs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?1. MPI is calculated using Alkire-Foster methodology.
2. MPI calculated by NITI Aayog has a total of twelve indicators.
3. Maternal Health and Bank Account are common indicators in the MPI of NITI Aayog and MPI of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?1. Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease.
2. Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine.
3. Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. LLMs assign probabilities to the next possible words and then pick the one with the highest probability.
2. LLMs process data through mathematical optimization to minimise prediction errors.
3. LLMs produce unbiased outputs.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Stealth objects have a very small radar cross-section and are coated with Radar Absorbing Material.
2. Stealth objects can be detected using specific frequencies.
3. Stealth objects are coated with metamaterials to increase the scattering of electromagnetic radiation.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. They carry a beacon emitting red light pulses to facilitate underwater detection.
2. They record both the cockpit voice and flight data.
3. Their memory units are made using either stainless steel or titanium.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS).
2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.
3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities.
2. Agnikul Cosmos launched the world’s first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine.
3. Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?1. They use Terahertz band of frequency to communicate with the command centre.
2. Individual drones in the swarm can communicate with other drones in the swarm.
3. GPS Spoofing is a commonly used technique to counter drone swarm attack.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. It is a part of the Human Genome Project.
2. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
3. Its primary aim is to build a catalogue of genetic diversity of the Indian population.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. It aims at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50–1000 physical qubits.
2. Its implementation includes setting of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutions across India.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. It was launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India.
2. Matsya-6000 has been designed to carry 3 people for deep sea exploration.
3. Samudrayaan is a project under this mission.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. A successful conflict resolution process must begin with acknowledging the cultural concerns of the protesting tribal community before discussing technical alternatives.
2. The Government should move ahead with the project without delay to address urban health concerns, which outweigh the sentiments of a small group.
3. Creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform including tribal leaders, environmental experts, and municipal representatives to build mutual understanding and help de-escalate tension.
4. Conducting an independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and sharing findings transparently with both sides will facilitate evidence-based decision-making.
Which of the statements given above would contribute to the resolution process?1. Immediately disclose the information to the project committee and the public.
2. Recommend removing the contractor from the shortlist to protect the project’s integrity.
3. Propose a limited disclosure to an oversight committee, while keeping the information confidential from the public for the time being.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that specifies that the Constitution of India will be officially called the ‘Constitution of India’.
2. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that specifies that the Independence Act, 1947 and Government of India Act, 1935 stand repealed.
3. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that mentions 26th January, 1950 as the date of the commencement of the Constitution of India.
Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct?1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an Act passed by the Parliament of India in 2016, mandates reservation in education and employment, places a legal duty on Governments to ensure accessibility and non-discrimination.
2. The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan focuses on achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities across three key domains — built infrastructure, transport system and information and communication technology.
3. The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) is a public sector organisation set up by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as a not-for-profit company to promote entrepreneurship among Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Provisions regarding the administration of the Tribal Areas in the State of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram are given in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
2. Some tribes of India are entitled to exemption from paying Income Tax on certain incomes.
3. The Constitution of India provides for reservation of seats in Panchayats for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
Which one of the following conclusions, based on the above statements, is correct?1. Unstarred questions are those to which a Member desires an oral answer in the House.
2. Starred questions are those to which a Member desires a written answer.
3. No supplementary question can be asked on an unstarred question.
Which one of the following conclusions, based on the above statements, is correct?1. Although members of this Committee are elected from both Houses of Parliament, the Chairperson of this Committee is appointed by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
2. There are twenty-one members of the Rajya Sabha and ten members of the Lok Sabha.
3. No Minister, except for the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, is eligible to be a member of this Committee.
4. Members are elected for a fixed term of two years from the date they enter their office.
Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct?1. It aims to enhance India’s air defence, ballistic missile defence and aerial offensive capabilities.
2. This Mission is being designed to enhance rapid, precise and powerful defence response, reinforcing India’s strategic autonomy.
3. One of the aims of this Mission is to cover all public places of India by an expanded nationwide security shield by 2035.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?1. Maitri Setu, built over Feni river, connects Ramgarh in India with Sabroom in Bangladesh.
2. Thulghat suspension bridge connects India with Myanmar.
3. Mechi Bridge and its approaches connect Panitanki Bypass in India with Kakarvitta in Nepal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?1. A Zero FIR can be lodged at a police station, even though the place of commission of a cognizable/non-cognizable offence is outside the territorial jurisdiction of that police station.
2. The Officer-in-Charge of the police station where a Zero FIR has been lodged may, with the permission of the competent authority, initiate a Preliminary Enquiry.
3. Under Zero FIR, it is obligatory for the information to furnish information electronically.
Select the answer using the code given below:| Sl. No. | Organisation | Function | Controlling Union Ministry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB) | To coordinate between various law enforcement agencies | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| 2. | Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) | To investigate complex corporate frauds | Ministry of Finance |
| 3. | Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) | To preserve values in public life and ensure the health of the national economy | Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension |
1. Employment Policy Convention
2. Abolition of Forced Labour Convention
3. International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
4. Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War
5. Convention on Reduction of Statelessness
Select the answer using the code given below:1. The Summit’s intellectual framework was based on three foundational Sutras — People, Planet and Progress.
2. The Preamble of the Summit stresses Democratising AI Resources, which acknowledges the Charter for Democratic Diffusion of AI as a binding framework to support locally relevant innovation and strengthen resilient AI ecosystems while respecting national laws.
3. The New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact was structured around seven Chakras — Pillars — which included Access, Social Empowerment, AI for Science, Trust and Trusted AI.
Which of these are correct?1. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project
2. IMT Trilateral Highway
3. Agartala-Akhaura Rail Line
Select the answer using the code given below:| List I — Project Supported by India | List II — Country |
|---|---|
| A. Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project | 1. Maldives |
| B. Restoration of Stor Palace | 2. Afghanistan |
| C. District Hospital at Dickoya | 3. Bhutan |
| D. Institute of Security and Law Enforcement Studies | 4. Sri Lanka |
1. Su-30 MKI Fighter Jets
2. T-90 MK-III Tanks
3. Akula Class Submarine
Select the answer using the code given below:1. The ‘Colombo Process’ is a regional consultative process in which member states take binding decisions by consensus.
2. The ‘Abu Dhabi Dialogue’ is a voluntary non-binding consultative process among Asian countries of labour origin and destination to facilitate regional cooperation on contractual labour mobility.
3. The ‘Global Forum for Migration and Development’, created upon the proposal of a former UN Secretary General, is a voluntary forum whose decisions are non-binding in nature.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?1. World Food Programme
2. United Nations Children’s Fund
3. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
4. International Labour Organisation
How many of the above has/have been awarded the Nobel Prize twice?| List I — UN Peacekeeping Operation | List II — Period of Operation |
|---|---|
| A. UNMIIH | 1. 2007–2010 |
| B. MINURCAT | 2. 2002–2005 |
| C. MINUSTAH | 3. 2003–2018 |
| D. UNMISET | 4. 2004–2017 |
| List I — BIMSTEC Centre/Establishment | List II — Location |
|---|---|
| A. BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory | 1. NOIDA |
| B. BIMSTEC Energy Centre | 2. Bengaluru |
| C. BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate | 3. Colombo |
| D. BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility | 4. Thimphu |
1. The period of its implementation is 1st April, 2021 to 31st March, 2026.
2. The key objective of the Revamped RGSA is to develop the governance capabilities of the Panchayati Raj Institutions to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals.
3. The share of the Central funding for the Revamped RGSA is 100% for all the States and Union Territories.
Select the answer using the code given below:1. Belarus
2. Poland
3. Germany
4. Switzerland
Select the answer using the code given below: