Latest update — 6 October 2026
Use these CDS previous-year papers for 2026–27 preparation. The download labels retain each paper’s actual year and source; current syllabus and stage guidance below explain how to use them.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Previous-paper practice for the current preparation session |
| Paper year | The actual examination year remains attached to each file |
| Source | Official links and locally hosted copies are identified separately |
| Answers | Use the official final key where available; a selected response is not proof of correctness |
Latest syllabus and paper pattern
Detailed guide: CDS General Knowledge Preparation 2026–27: Syllabus & Revision
Written examination pattern by academy
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| IMA, INA and AFA | English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics: 100 marks and 2 hours each; total 300 |
| OTA | English and General Knowledge: 100 marks and 2 hours each; total 200 |
| Question format | Objective; GK and Mathematics question booklets are bilingual in Hindi and English |
| Negative marking | One-third of the marks assigned to a question for a wrong answer; blank answers have no penalty |
| Calculators | Not permitted in the objective papers |
UPSC can prescribe qualifying marks in any or all subjects. Minimum qualifying marks and the eventual competitive cut-off are different concepts; do not treat an unofficial estimate as a confirmed selection threshold.
Choose papers by academy
IMA, INA and AFA use English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. OTA uses English and General Knowledge. Use the OTA pattern guide or the marking-scheme guide before scoring practice papers. A three-paper total is not the OTA written maximum.
Official question-paper downloads
| Subject | Official paper |
|---|---|
| English | Open UPSC PDF |
| General Knowledge | Open UPSC PDF |
| Elementary Mathematics | Open UPSC PDF |
| Subject | Official paper |
|---|---|
| English | Open UPSC PDF |
| General Knowledge | Open UPSC PDF |
| Elementary Mathematics | Open UPSC PDF |
| Subject | Official paper |
|---|---|
| English | Open UPSC PDF |
| General Knowledge | Open UPSC PDF |
| Elementary Mathematics | Open UPSC PDF |
| Subject | Official paper |
|---|---|
| English | Open UPSC PDF |
| General Knowledge | Open UPSC PDF |
| Elementary Mathematics | Open UPSC PDF |
| Subject | Official paper |
|---|---|
| English | Open UPSC PDF |
| General Knowledge | Open UPSC PDF |
| Elementary Mathematics | Open UPSC PDF |
| Subject | Official paper |
|---|---|
| Elementary Mathematics | Open UPSC PDF |
| English | Open UPSC PDF |
| General Knowledge | Open UPSC PDF |
How to use these papers
Attempt an unseen paper under the time conditions for its own year and stage. Record attempted, correct and incorrect responses separately, then revise the topics behind the errors. Check whether a later syllabus or marking rule changes how an old paper should be used. Older questions remain practice material, not a prediction of the next paper.
Answer keys and download problems
Where UPSC publishes an answer key, match the exam, year, paper and booklet series. A coaching explanation is not an official key. If a PDF opens in the browser, use its download control to save it; if the link is unavailable, search the official previous-question-paper archive by full examination name. No registration with GovtAdhikari is required for these links.
A practical weekly paper routine
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| First sitting | Attempt the paper or relevant sections without solutions; use timing appropriate to the source paper |
| Same-day review | Separate knowledge gaps, misreading, calculation mistakes and unanswered questions |
| Targeted revision | Return to the official syllabus topic and practise similar questions |
| Repeat check | Reattempt the missed questions after a gap and compare accuracy, not just total attempts |
Official sources
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- UPSC previous-question-paper archive
- UPSC question-paper archive
Checked on 6 October 2026. Later official amendments take precedence. Preparation plans are GovtAdhikari editorial guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Are old papers useful for the current session?
Yes, for relevant topics and question practice. Compare their scheme with the latest official notice before using them as full mocks.
Are all downloadable copies official originals?
No. Follow the provenance label next to each file. Local or memory-based copies are not certified as official originals.
Should I change an old paper’s year to 2026?
No. The article supports current preparation, while the paper retains its real examination year.