by 
UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2025
The UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2025 was conducted on 23rd August, 2025 between 9:00 am to 12:00 PM. It deals with Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography, and Society, which together test an aspirant’s depth of knowledge and analytical ability. This paper carries 250 marks and is entirely descriptive in nature. The questions are designed to check not just memory, but also conceptual clarity, critical thinking, and interlinking skills. A good performance in this paper can significantly improve a candidate’s overall rank.
UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2025: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services (Mains) 2025 |
| Paper Name | General Studies Paper 1 |
| Syllabus Coverage | Indian Heritage & Culture, History, World & Indian Geography, Indian Society |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Type of Questions | Descriptive/Essay type |
| Total Marks | 250 |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Nature | Ranking – contributes to final merit |
| Medium | English / Hindi & other listed languages |
UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2025 PDF Link
The official question paper of GS Paper 1 is available in PDF format after the examination. Aspirants can download it from the UPSC official website at upsc.gov.in under the “Previous Year Question Papers” section. UPSC Aspirants can also download it from the link provided below.
Click here to download UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2025 PDF
Steps to Download UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2025
Downloading the UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2025 PDF is a simple process. UPSC uploads the question papers on its official website shortly after the exam is conducted. Follow these steps carefully to access it:
Visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in).
Go to the “Examination” section.
Click on “Previous Question Papers”.
Select Civil Services (Main) Examination.
Choose the year 2025 and then click on General Studies Paper 1.
Download the PDF file and save it for preparation.
Also Read: UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2025
Type of Questions Asked in UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2025
The questions in GS Paper 1 are descriptive in nature and require analytical answers. They often ask aspirants to link static topics with current developments. For example, history and culture questions may be connected to recent discoveries or debates, while society-based questions often reflect current social issues. Some types of questions include:
Questions on Indian Art, Architecture, and Culture.
- Analytical questions on Modern Indian History and freedom struggle.
Questions linking geography with environment and resources.
Society-related issues like communalism, globalization, and role of women.
UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2025 Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 ranged from moderate to tough. While the syllabus is mostly static, the framing of questions makes it challenging. UPSC often asks interdisciplinary questions, where aspirants need to combine knowledge of multiple subjects.
Another factor adding to the difficulty is time management, as writing well-structured, insightful answers within 3 hours requires practice. Success in this paper depends on clarity, depth, and balanced presentation of arguments.
UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2025 FAQs
Q1. What is the syllabus of UPSC Mains GS Paper 1?
GS Paper 1 covers Indian Heritage & Culture, History of India and World, Geography, and Indian Society.
Q2. How many marks is UPSC GS Paper 1 worth?
It carries 250 marks and is descriptive in nature.
Q3. Where can I download the official GS Paper 1 2025?
The paper can be downloaded from the official UPSC website under the Previous Question Papers section.
Q4. What is the difficulty level of GS Paper 1?
It was moderate to difficult, as it required analytical and interlinked answers.
Q5. Is GS Paper 1 important for final selection?
Yes, GS Paper 1 is a ranking paper and directly contributes to the final merit list.
