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UPSC Prelims 2026

100 questions, in the order they were asked.

2026 · Q27Art & CultureArchitecture & World Heritagemoderate

Which one of the following statements with regard to the Moidams, built by the Tai-Ahom kingdom and inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is/are correct ? 1. They acted as army fortresses. 2. They were recreation centres of the Royals and Nobles. 3. They were burial grounds of the Royals and Nobles. 4. They were battle drill centres of the Royals and Nobles. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 3
  3. (c)3 only
  4. (d)2 and 4
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Official answer(c) 3 only

2026 · Q28Environment & EcologyInternational Environmental Treaties & Summitsdifficult

At the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in June, 2025 in France, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations demonstrated its leading voice on marine and ocean issues, especially on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture for resilient livelihood and “Blue Transformation”. Which of the following combinations about the “Four Betters” proposed by FAO for “Blue Transformation” is correct ?

  1. (a)Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better ocean
  2. (b)Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life
  3. (c)Better coral reefs, better nutrition, better environment and better life
  4. (d)Better estuaries, better nutrition, better environment and better mangrove vegetation
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Official answer(b) Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life

2026 · Q29GeographyWorld Physical Geographymoderate

Which of the following statements with reference to Lake Turkana is/are correct ? 1. It is the largest desert lake in the world. 2. The lake is situated in South Sudan along the eastern fringe of the Sahara desert. 3. The lake is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also referred to as the ‘Jade Sea’. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 3 only
  3. (c)2 and 3 only
  4. (d)1, 2 and 3
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Official answer(b) 1 and 3 only

2026 · Q31Environment & EcologyClimate Change & Greenhouse Gasesmoderate

Consider the following statements with reference to India’s response to climate change : I. India’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) is a crucial tool for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. II. India’s 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) submitted in December, 2024 recorded around 8% decrease in Greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 over 2019. III. Climate-resilient development necessarily depends on quick and short-term achievement of emission reduction targets. Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct ? 1. Statement I is empirically supported by statement II. 2. Statement III contradicts the approach implicit in statement I. 3. Statement I and statement III together establish the premise of long-term sustainability. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 2
  3. (c)2 and 3
  4. (d)3 only
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Official answer(b) 1 and 2

2026 · Q32Environment & EcologyProtected Areas & Wildlifemoderate

With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. 2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees. 3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 2
  3. (c)2 and 3
  4. (d)3 only
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Official answer(b) 1 and 2

2026 · Q33Environment & EcologyEcosystems & Ecology Conceptsmoderate

Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience ? 1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts. 2. Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones. 3. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 2
  3. (c)2 and 3
  4. (d)3 only
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Official answer(d) 3 only

2026 · Q34Indian EconomyInfrastructure & Industrymoderate

In what way(s) does the Vizhinjam International Seaport represent a structural shift in India's maritime trade and logistics policy ? 1. By functioning exclusively as a domestic cargo hub to reduce reliance on coastal shipping and eliminate the need for foreign collaborations. 2. By focusing primarily on passenger cruise tourism and heritage shipping to increase Kerala's profile as a maritime heritage destination. 3. By leveraging its natural deep draft and strategic location to reduce dependence on foreign trans-shipment ports, enhance revenue retention, and reposition India in regional maritime trade. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 2
  3. (c)2 and 3
  4. (d)3 only
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Official answer(d) 3 only

2026 · Q36GeographyIndian Political Geography & Bordersmoderate

Which of the following with reference to Indian States is/are not correct ? 1. Uttar Pradesh shares its boundary with the highest number of other Indian States. 2. Rajasthan shares the longest international border among all Indian States. 3. Sikkim is the only State that shares its boundary with just one other Indian State. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 2
  3. (c)2 and 3
  4. (d)3 only
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Official answer(c) 2 and 3

2026 · Q37Environment & EcologyProtected Areas & Wildlifemoderate

Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each year from Mongolia is/are correct ? 1. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the arrival and protection of international migratory birds. 2. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites. 3. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 2
  3. (c)2 and 3
  4. (d)3 only
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Official answer(a) 1 only

2026 · Q38Indian EconomyAgriculture & Rural Developmentmoderate

Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) ? 1. Encouraging monoculture in rainfed areas 2. Increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions 3. Enhancing productivity and minimising climatic risks through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 2
  3. (c)2 and 3
  4. (d)3 only
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Official answer(d) 3 only

2026 · Q39Indian EconomyInternational Trade & WTOdifficult

Which of the following is/are the most significant implication(s) of obtaining Oeko-Tex certification for Eri Silk in the global textile industry ? 1. It allows Indian exporters to compete in high-end markets that prioritise chemical-free products. 2. It confirms that Eri Silk meets international safety, environmental, and quality standards, enabling its entry into premium eco-conscious markets. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)Both 1 and 2
  4. (d)Neither 1 nor 2
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Official answer(c) Both 1 and 2

2026 · Q41Current AffairsInternational Organisations & Groupingsmoderate

Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (INTERPOL Notice) A. Silver Notice B. Blue Notice C. Black Notice D. Green Notice List II (Description) 1. To seek information on unidentified bodies 2. To collect additional information about a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation 3. To provide warning about a person’s criminal activities, where the person is considered to be a possible threat to public safety 4. To identify and trace criminal assets Code : A B C D

  1. (a)3 1 2 4
  2. (b)3 2 1 4
  3. (c)4 2 1 3
  4. (d)4 1 2 3
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Official answer(c) 4 2 1 3

2026 · Q42Environment & EcologyEnvironmental Governance & Legislationdifficult

Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build Resilience), a platform of institutions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is/are correct ? 1. Ecosystem Survey and Analysis is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata. 2. Research and Management of Ecosystem Service is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi. 3. Capacity Development Support is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1, 2 and 3
  2. (b)1 and 3 only
  3. (c)2 only
  4. (d)3 only
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Official answer(b) 1 and 3 only

2026 · Q43Current AffairsInternational Relations & Treatiesmoderate

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026. Which of the following is/are not correct in terms of outcomes of this visit ? 1. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the All India Institute of Ayurveda and the University of Hamburg 2. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Youth Hockey Development between Hockey India and the German Hockey Federation 3. Establishment of a bilateral dialogue mechanism on the Indo-Pacific 4. Opening of an Honorary Consul of Germany in Lucknow Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)2 and 3
  2. (b)1 and 4
  3. (c)3 and 4
  4. (d)1 only
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Official answer(b) 1 and 4

2026 · Q44Science & TechnologyComputer & Information Technologymoderate

Which of the following statements about DHRUV64 is/are correct ? 1. It is the third chip fabricated under the DIR-V Programme with an overall aim to enable the creation of microprocessors for India. 2. It is India’s first homegrown 1·0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)Both 1 and 2
  4. (d)Neither 1 nor 2
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Official answer(c) Both 1 and 2

2026 · Q45Science & TechnologyDefence Technologydifficult

The Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) recently introduced a national standard to test and assess bomb disposal system. Which of the following statements with regard to this system is/are correct ? 1. The new standard is known as IS 19445 : 2025. 2. It will improve interoperability of equipment across agencies. 3. It was developed by TBRL, DRDO in collaboration with the 30th Central Scientific Research Institute, Russia. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1, 2 and 3
  2. (b)2 and 3 only
  3. (c)1 and 2 only
  4. (d)1 only
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Official answer(c) 1 and 2 only

2026 · Q47Current AffairsTennis Grand Slamsmoderate

Which of the following statements with regard to the Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments is/are correct ? 1. The tournaments have a shared governance structure establishing the partnership among the four Grand Slam tournaments. 2. They are open for entry to all internationally ranked tennis players above the age of 14. 3. There is a limitation on the number of ‘Wild Cards’ a player may receive to compete in a Grand Slam Tournament. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 and 2 only
  2. (b)2 and 3 only
  3. (c)1 only
  4. (d)1, 2 and 3
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Official answer(a) 1 and 2 only

2026 · Q48Indian EconomyInfrastructure & Industrymoderate

Which one of the following pairs of semiconductor plants in India and their locations is not correctly matched ?

  1. (a)CG Power and Industrial Solutions Pvt. Ltd. in partnership with Renesas Electronics and STARS Microelectronics : Gujarat
  2. (b)Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt. Ltd. : Assam
  3. (c)HCL-Foxconn Joint Venture India Chip Ltd. : Madhya Pradesh
  4. (d)SicSem Pvt. Ltd. : Odisha
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Official answer(c) HCL-Foxconn Joint Venture India Chip Ltd. : Madhya Pradesh

2026 · Q50Current AffairsAwards & Honoursmoderate

Consider the following statements with regard to the film ‘Boong’ : 1. The film has recently won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award in the Children’s and Family Film category. 2. The film is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi. 3. This is the first Indian film to win a BAFTA award in the Children’s and Family Film category. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. (a)1, 2 and 3
  2. (b)2 and 3 only
  3. (c)1 and 2 only
  4. (d)3 only
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Official answer(a) 1, 2 and 3