UPSC Mains GS Paper I 2025 Analysis and Key Insights

The UPSC Civil Services Mains 2025 commenced on August 22, with the General Studies Paper - I held on August 23 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM across centres nationwide. We have provided the direct link to download the UPSC Mains GS-I Question Paper 2025 PDF below, which will help aspirants understand the exam pattern and practice for future attempts.

The UPSC Mains GS-1 Question Paper 2025 is now available for download. Get the UPSC Mains GS-I Paper 2025 PDF from the link below and use it for your preparation and practice for future attempts.

General Studies Paper-I is one of the most important papers in the Mains examination, covering four major domains: Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography, and Indian Society.

The paper maintained its traditional format with 20 questions totalling 250 marks, comprising 10 questions of 10 marks each and 10 questions of 15 marks each. All questions were compulsory, requiring candidates to manage their time effectively within the 3-hour duration.

Also read: Preparation Strategy for UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 1

The paper was a mix of static with analytical questions, favouring candidates strong in Geography and Art & Culture.

• Easy: Harappan architecture, Akbar’s ideas, Chandella sculptures, solar energy, tsunamis.
• Moderate: Climate change, non-farm work, smart cities, globalisation, Phule’s reforms, offshore oil.
• Difficult: Tectonic shifts, fast food & health, growth vs the poor’s needs, tribal displacement & rehab.

Let’s take a quick look at how each subject appeared in this year’s GS-I paper. You’ll see where the tough questions came from and what topics mattered most to UPSC in 2025.

1. History & Culture

• Easy to moderate: Harappan architecture, Akbar’s syncretism, Chandella art.
• Moderate: Jotirao Phule, Post-independence consolidation.
• Deeper linkages: French Revolution relevance.

2. Geography

• Easy: Tsunamis, solar energy.
• Moderate: Climate change & islands, non-farm activities, offshore oil, GIS & AI, Ganga basin population.
• Tough: Tectonic movements shaping continents & oceans.

3. Society

• Moderate: Smart cities & justice, globalization & consumer culture, civil service ethos.
• Tough: Tribal displacement vs rehabilitation, fast food & health.

4. Environment

• Moderate overall: Solar energy was easy, but sustainable growth vs poor people’s needs was analytical, needing balance.

1. Balanced paper: History, Geography, Society, Environment.

• Geography had the highest weightage (7/20).
• Society was conceptual and contemporary.

2. Difficulty: Moderate – mix of static and analytical.

3. Scoring: Favourable for those strong in Geography & Culture; Society needed clear expression.

2026 & 2027 aspirants can learn from UPSC Mains GS Paper- I 2025, focusing on smart preparation, balanced coverage of subjects, and effective answer-writing strategies.

• Geography’s Dominance: Geography carried the highest weight (105 marks), making NCERTs and map skills the key to success.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Questions blended geography with technology (AI, drones) and environment, linking subjects with governance.
• History with Modern Relevance: History needed connections to present times, while society-focused questions called for policy understanding.
• Use of Contemporary Examples: Citing solar parks, smart cities, Phule’s anniversary, or climate summits made answers sharper and more relevant..

Watch this lecture to get a detailed understanding of the UPSC Mains  GS Paper - I 2025:

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UPSC Mains General Studies Paper I 2025 balanced foundational topics with modern applications, reflecting UPSC’s evolving focus on multidisciplinary analysis. Aspirants for 2026 should adapt to this pattern by deepening conceptual clarity, practising interlinked answer writing, and honing map/diagram skills to excel in the examination.

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