Quick answer
UPSC Prelims GS Paper I has 100 questions for 200 marks in 120 minutes. Sections: General Studies Paper I (100 questions, 2 hours). +2 for a correct answer. A wrong answer costs one third of the question's marks (0.66). GS Paper I marks decide the Prelims cutoff.
Section-wise pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time | Time per question |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies Paper I | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | 72 seconds |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 120 minutes |
Marking scheme
+2 for a correct answer. A wrong answer costs one third of the question's marks (0.66). GS Paper I marks decide the Prelims cutoff.
On exam day
One 2-hour timer and an OMR-style answer sheet; move freely between questions.
Practise on the real UPSC Prelims pattern
3 full mocks with the same sections, timer and marking. The first two are free.
Questions students ask
How many questions are there in UPSC Prelims GS Paper I?
100 questions for 200 marks, in 120 minutes.
Is there negative marking in UPSC Prelims?
+2 for a correct answer. A wrong answer costs one third of the question's marks (0.66). GS Paper I marks decide the Prelims cutoff.
What is the UPSC Prelims exam interface like?
One 2-hour timer and an OMR-style answer sheet; move freely between questions.
What is the UPSC Prelims exam pattern?
Two objective papers on the same day. GS Paper I: 100 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours. CSAT (Paper II): 80 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours. Every question has 4 options, and a wrong answer costs one third of its marks.
Does CSAT count for the Prelims cutoff?
No. CSAT is qualifying: you need 33% (66 marks out of 200). The cutoff for Mains is set on GS Paper I marks only.
When is UPSC Prelims 2027?
UPSC's calendar lists CSE Prelims 2027 on 23 May 2027, with the notification due on 13 January 2027. The exam calendar on RankVyuh is updated every week.