Question 1

Is the UPSC CSE mock test free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Free full-length GS Paper 1 mocks and the first test in every topic are available, with explanations and All India Rank.

Question 2

What does PYQ-based mean?

Accepted Answer

It means each test is built from an analysis of past UPSC questions: the topics, depth and formats UPSC has actually used. Every test also includes some actual past questions, labelled with their year.

Question 3

Which books do the explanations refer to?

Accepted Answer

Explanations point to standard references such as Laxmikanth for polity, Spectrum for modern history, Ramesh Singh for the economy, the NCERT textbooks and official government sources. SortMyExam is not affiliated with these authors or publishers.

Question 4

How many questions are in GS Paper 1?

Accepted Answer

100 questions for 200 marks in two hours, with −0.66 for every wrong answer.

Question 5

Does GS Paper 1 decide the Prelims result?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Only GS Paper 1 marks decide the cut-off for the Mains. CSAT is qualifying, with a minimum of 66 out of 200.

Question 6

Do you have topic tests for art and culture?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Art and culture has separate tests for architecture and sculpture, painting, music and dance, literature and philosophy, and heritage in the news.

Question 7

Are biodiversity hotspots and treaties covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Environment tests cover biodiversity hotspots, protected areas, species in the news and international environmental treaties, and a separate set covers government schemes.

Question 8

Where can I get the UPSC prelims question paper PDF?

Accepted Answer

Past GS Paper 1 and CSAT papers, with answers and explanations, are available as PDFs in the SortMyExam previous year papers library.

Question 9

Is there a CSAT mock test as well?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CSAT mocks and sectional tests are part of the full UPSC prelims mock test series.

Question 10

Should I join UPSC coaching in Delhi or prepare by myself?

Accepted Answer

Both routes work. What matters most is consistent study from standard sources and regular testing. Mock tests are useful in either case, as a national benchmark.

Question 11

How many UPSC CSE mock tests should I take before the Prelims?

Accepted Answer

A practical target is one topic test for every GS area as you finish it, then 25 to 40 full-length GS Paper 1 mocks in the last four months, each one fully reviewed. The quality of your review matters more than the number of tests.

Question 12

When should I start taking full-length GS mocks?

Accepted Answer

Take one early as a diagnostic, then start regular full-length mocks once you have covered most subjects, usually three to four months before the Prelims.

Question 13

Are the tests available in Hindi?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every test and explanation is available in Hindi, and you can switch language during the test.

Question 14

How is this page different from the UPSC prelims mock test page?

Accepted Answer

This page focuses on GS Paper 1 and its hardest topics, with PYQ-based topic tests. The UPSC prelims mock test page covers the complete Prelims test series, including CSAT, current affairs and the 2027 schedule.

Question 15

Can I take the tests on my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Topic tests work well on a phone. Take full-length mocks on a laptop or as a printed PDF to match the pen-and-paper exam.

Question 16

Will the tests change after Prelims 2027?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After every Prelims, our faculty analyse the new paper and update the topic weights and question formats in all tests.