UPSC Prelims 2015 Question Paper & Analysis
Get the UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question (PYQ) Paper with subject-wise trends, difficulty analysis, and detailed model answers — including diagrams, flowcharts, and structured writing for GS.
Subject-wise MCQ Distribution
Difficulty Analysis
Type of questions
Key Insights
- Environment & Ecology, Economy, Indian Polity carried the highest weightage, together accounting for 49% of the paper.
- The paper strongly favoured statement-based questions — multi-statement and assertion-reasoning questions together made up 46% of the paper, making careful reading and elimination especially important.
- The paper was largely easy to moderate in difficulty, with 83% of questions falling in the easy or medium range and only 17% classified as hard.
- Questions were spread across 13 subject areas, making broad syllabus coverage important rather than relying on a few traditionally dominant subjects.
- The question format demanded more than direct recall, with only 54% of questions being direct, while most required evaluating multiple statements or reasoning through assertions.
PYQs with Detailed Answers
- View Answer for: With reference to inflation in India, which of the following statements is correct?
With reference to inflation in India, which of the following statements is correct?
- View Answer for: Which of the following brings out the ‘Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers’?
Which of the following brings out the ‘Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers’?
- View Answer for: In the Index of Eight Core Industries, which one of the following is given the highest weight?
In the Index of Eight Core Industries, which one of the following is given the highest weight?
- View Answer for: With reference to Indian economy, consider the following : Bank rate Open market operations Public debt Public revenueWhich of the above is/are component/components of Monetary Policy?
With reference to Indian economy, consider the following :
- Bank rate
- Open market operations
- Public debt
- Public revenue
Which of the above is/are component/components of Monetary Policy?
- View Answer for: In India, markets in agricultural products are regulated under the -
In India, markets in agricultural products are regulated under the -
- View Answer for: Which of the following has/have been accorded “Geographical Indication” status? Banaras Brocades and Sarees Rajasthani Dal-Bati-Churma Tirupati LadduSelect the answer using the code given below:
Which of the following has/have been accorded “Geographical Indication” status?
- Banaras Brocades and Sarees
- Rajasthani Dal-Bati-Churma
- Tirupati Laddu
Select the answer using the code given below:
- View Answer for: The problem of international liquidity is related to the non-availability of -
The problem of international liquidity is related to the non-availability of -
- View Answer for: ‘Basel III Accord’ or simply ‘Basel III’, often seen in the news, seeks to -
‘Basel III Accord’ or simply ‘Basel III’, often seen in the news, seeks to -
- View Answer for: Consider the following statements: The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to poor farmers. The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use efficiency.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following statements:
- The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to poor farmers.
- The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use efficiency.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- View Answer for: The Fair and Remunerative Price of Sugarcane is approved by the -
The Fair and Remunerative Price of Sugarcane is approved by the -
- View Answer for: The substitution of steel for wooden ploughs in agricultural production is an example of
The substitution of steel for wooden ploughs in agricultural production is an example of
- View Answer for: With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements: The rate of growth of real Gross Domestic Product has steadily increased in the last decade. The Gross Domestic Product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last decade.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:
- The rate of growth of real Gross Domestic Product has steadily increased in the last decade.
- The Gross Domestic Product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last decade.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- View Answer for: A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a country indicates which of the following? Slowing economic growth rates Less equitable distribution of national incomeChoose the correct code:
A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a country indicates which of the following?
- Slowing economic growth rates
- Less equitable distribution of national income
Choose the correct code:
- View Answer for: Convertibility of rupee implies:
Convertibility of rupee implies:
- View Answer for: Which one of the following issues the “Global Economic Prospects” report periodically?
Which one of the following issues the “Global Economic Prospects” report periodically?
- View Answer for: When the Reserve Bank of India reduces the Statutory Liquidity Ratio by 50 basis points, which of the following is likely to happen?
When the Reserve Bank of India reduces the Statutory Liquidity Ratio by 50 basis points, which of the following is likely to happen?
- View Answer for: There has been a persistent deficit budget year after year. Which of the following actions can be taken by the government to reduce the deficit? Reducing revenue expenditure Introducing new welfare schemes Rationalizing subsidies Expanding industriesSelect the correct answer using the code given below.
There has been a persistent deficit budget year after year. Which of the following actions can be taken by the government to reduce the deficit?
- Reducing revenue expenditure
- Introducing new welfare schemes
- Rationalizing subsidies
- Expanding industries
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Trusted by 2L aspirants
Practice UPSC Prelims PYQs Smarter

- Track accuracy & weak areas
- See past trends & repeated themes
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these the complete UPSC Prelims 2015 questions?
Can I practise these questions before seeing the answers?
Are these answers based on the official UPSC answer key?
Crack UPSC with your
Personal AI Mentor
An AI-powered ecosystem to learn, practice, and evaluate with discipline

