2026 Prelims Paper 2 UPSC Question Paper

UPSC Prelims Paper 2 Question Papers

2026 Prelims Paper 2 UPSC Questions

1.
Directions for the following 5 (five) items:
Each item in this section contains a question followed by two statements. Answer each item using the following instructions and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
(a) Select this option if the question can be answered using one of these statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other statement.
(b) Select this option if the question can be answered using either statement alone.
(c) Select this option if the question can be answered using both statements together, but cannot be answered using either statement alone.
(d) Select this option if the question cannot be answered even using any of the statements.

Question:
X receives three coins of different denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20. If the total amount received by X is m, does X receive a coin of denomination 5?
Statement I: m is not a prime number.
Statement II: The sum of the digits of m is greater than 5.
A.
Select this option if the question can be answered using one of these statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other statement
B.
Select this option if the question can be answered using either statement alone
C.
Select this option if the question can be answered using both the statements together, but cannot be answered using either statement alone
D.
Select this option if the question cannot be answered even using both the statements together
😑 View Answer Rough Work
ANSWER :
A. Select this option if the question can be answered using one of these statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other statement
2.

For two distinct real numbers x and y, which of them is bigger?
Statement I: x2 < y < 1
Statement II: y < \(\sqrt{x}\)< 1

A.

Select this option if the question can be answered using one of these statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other statement

B.

Select this option if the question can be answered using either statement alone

C.

Select this option if the question can be answered using both the statements together, but cannot be answered using either statement alone

D.

Select this option if the question cannot be answered even using both the statements together

😑 View Answer Rough Work
ANSWER :

D. Select this option if the question cannot be answered even using both the statements together

3.

If x and y are integers, then is x even?
Statement I: x2 y2 is even.
Statement II: 1 + x2 + y2 is odd.

A.

Select this option if the question can be answered using one of these statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other statement

B.

Select this option if the question can be answered using either statement alone

C.

Select this option if the question can be answered using both the statements together, but cannot be answered using either statement alone

D.

Select this option if the question cannot be answered even using both the statements together

😑 View Answer Rough Work
ANSWER :

C. Select this option if the question can be answered using both the statements together, but cannot be answered using either statement alone

4.
X is a collection of certain odd numbers whereas Y is a collection of certain even numbers. T consists of the numbers all of which are either from X or from Y. Is every number of T from Y?
Statement I: The sum of any two numbers belonging to T is even.
Statement II: If both p and q are picked from T, then (p - 1)q is even.
A.
Select this option if the question can be answered using one of these statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other statement
B.
Select this option if the question can be answered using either statement alone
C.
Select this option if the question can be answered using both the statements together, but cannot be answered using either statement alone
D.
Select this option if the question cannot be answered even using both the statements together
😑 View Answer Rough Work
ANSWER :
D. Select this option if the question cannot be answered even using both the statements together
5.

If x, y and z are integers, each greater than 1, then is x a prime number?
Statement I: xy2 = 116
Statement II: xz = 261

A.

Select this option if the question can be answered using one of these statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other statement

B.

Select this option if the question can be answered using either statement alone

C.

Select this option if the question can be answered using both the statements together, but cannot be answered using either statement alone

D.

Select this option if the question cannot be answered even using both the statements together

😑 View Answer Rough Work
ANSWER :

A. Select this option if the question can be answered using one of these statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other statement

6.
Directions for the next 2 (two) items:
Read the following passage and answer the items that follow. Your answers should be based solely on the passage.
Passage:
'Kalagram', the cultural village set up at the Maha Kumbh Mela, unfolded as a mosaic of India's diverse regions, each represented by seven meticulously crafted 'Sanskriti Angans' - stepping through the grand portal was like entering another world. These thematic zones, inspired by iconic temples like the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple and the Brahma Mandir, were treasure troves of regional artistry and craft-centric thematic zones. Bengal's Pattachitra paintings, Assam's bamboo crafts, Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur paintings, and Madhya Pradesh's tribal sculpture - all were showcased in these living galleries, where 230 master artisans breathed life into them using age-old techniques, their hands shaping India's ancient history into creations to behold.

Which of the following conclusions are valid?
1. Seven cultural courtyards, representing different regions of India, had been showcased in Kalagram.
2. Regional artistry was recognised via the inspiration drawn from iconic temples.
3. India's ancient history had been crafted by the contemporary craftsmanship of 230 artisans into creations to behold.
4. Art forms from all regions of India had been showcased in these living galleries.
Select the answer using the code given below.
A.
1 and 2 only
B.
2, 3 and 4
C.
1, 2 and 4
D.
1 and 3
😑 View Answer Rough Work
ANSWER :
A. 1 and 2 only
7.
Which one of the following statements is not correct?
A.
Paintings from four States of India have been mentioned.
B.
Stepping into Kalagram is likened to stepping into another world.
C.
The Angans have been described as living galleries.
D.
Kalagram is divided into thematic zones, inspired by well-known temples of India.
😑 View Answer Rough Work
ANSWER :
A. Paintings from four States of India have been mentioned.
8.
The weight of X, in kg, is denoted by X. The weights of A, B, C, D, P, Q, R and S are measured.
Given:
A + B + C + D = 17
A + C = 6
P + Q + S + D = 15
P + Q + R + B = 17
P = R and Q = S
Which one of the following statements is correct?
A.
B and D together weigh less than the total weight of P and Q.
B.
P and Q together weigh more than the total weight of A and C.
C.
P weighs more than Q.
D.
Q weighs more than P.
😑 View Answer Rough Work
ANSWER :
B. P and Q together weigh more than the total weight of A and C.
9.
How many words can one form by shuffling the letters of the word QUEUE, if Q is always followed by U? The words thus formed need not necessarily have any meaning.
A.
6
B.
8
C.
10
D.
12
😑 View Answer Rough Work
ANSWER :
D. 12
10.
X, Y and Z jump forward 4', 6' and 5', respectively. At 8 AM, they all reach mark 199'. If they all cross mark 1000' by 9 AM, then how many times will they all reach the same mark between marks 195' and 1000' (need not be at the same moment)?
A.
11
B.
12
C.
13
D.
14
😑 View Answer Rough Work
ANSWER :
D. 14