Question 1

Is the UPSC Prelims mock test on TestCrux really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every UPSC Prelims mock test on TestCrux is 100% free — no paywall, no trial expiry, and no credit-card required. Sign up with your phone number or email to save attempts, view topic-wise analytics, and track your percentile across cycles.

Question 2

What is the UPSC Prelims exam pattern for 2026?

Accepted Answer

UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026 is a offline omr-based objective test test with 100 questions for a total of 200 marks, conducted over 2 hours. The paper is divided into 2 sections — General Studies Paper I, CSAT Paper II (qualifying). Marking scheme: +2 for correct, -2/3 for wrong (1/3 of 2 marks).

Question 3

Is there negative marking in UPSC Prelims?

Accepted Answer

Yes, UPSC Prelims has negative marking. Exact scheme: +2 for correct, -2/3 for wrong (1/3 of 2 marks). Our mock tests apply the same penalty so your score and percentile reflect the real exam.

Question 4

Can I take the UPSC Prelims mock test in Hindi?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TestCrux offers UPSC Prelims mock tests in English and Hindi. You can toggle the question language mid-test without losing any of your answers — exactly like the real CBT interface used by NTA, SSC and IBPS.

Question 5

What is the age limit for UPSC Prelims?

Accepted Answer

Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years of age as of the notification's cut-off date. Age relaxation applies per the official notification for SC/ST, OBC, PwBD and other reserved categories.

Question 6

What is the educational qualification required for UPSC Prelims?

Accepted Answer

To appear for UPSC Civil Services Prelims, a candidate typically needs: Bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Final-year students are usually allowed to appear provisionally — refer to the official Union Public Service Commission for the exact cut-off.

Question 7

When will UPSC Prelims 2026 be conducted?

Accepted Answer

The next UPSC Prelims exam is scheduled for 24 May 2026. Union Public Service Commission publishes the detailed date sheet in the official notification. TestCrux updates this page as soon as the schedule is revised — bookmark it to stay current.

Question 8

What is the UPSC Prelims application fee?

Accepted Answer

The UPSC Prelims application fee for the general category is ₹100. Free for SC/ST/PwD/Women

Question 9

How should I prepare for UPSC Prelims with TestCrux?

Accepted Answer

Start with one full-length UPSC Prelims mock test on TestCrux to get a baseline score and percentile. Review the topic-wise heatmap to find your weakest chapters, then take 10-15 sectional tests focused on those topics. Finish with 3-4 more full-length mocks in the two weeks before the exam to build stamina. Every attempt gives you time-per-question analytics so you can fix pacing issues before the real exam.

Question 10

Who conducts UPSC Prelims?

Accepted Answer

UPSC Civil Services Prelims is conducted by Union Public Service Commission. The official notification, answer keys and result are published on https://upsc.gov.in. TestCrux builds its mock tests against the latest official pattern from Union Public Service Commission so your practice always matches what you'll see on exam day.

Section	Qs	Marks	Time
General Studies Paper I	100	200	120 min
CSAT Paper II (qualifying)	80	200	120 min

UPSC Civil Services Prelims

About UPSC Prelims

Eligibility

Exam Pattern

Syllabus Outline

General Studies Paper I

CSAT Paper II (qualifying at 33%)

Application Fee

Selection Process

Three-stage marathon

Official Resources

Practice for UPSC Prelims

Take a free UPSC Prelims mock test

UPSC Prelims — Frequently Asked Questions

UPSC NDA

UPSC CAPF

UPSC Mains

UPSC CDS