UPSC Civil Services (Mains)
Chemistry optional
- 2 papers
- 250 marks each
- 3 h per paper
- 5 of 8 questions, Q1 and Q5 compulsory
Paper I covers physical and inorganic chemistry.
Chemistry optional · Paper I + Paper II
Start here: the booklist
One unit, one book. For every unit of the syllabus, the one best book and the part of it to read, with a fast lane for Mains 2027 and a deep lane for students still in college.
- Chemistry optional booklist
Video, 36 min · booklist PDFWatch on YouTubePDF
Paper I, physical and inorganic chemistry
Previous year questions
Question papers for 2016 to 2025 can be read here and downloaded. Solutions for 2021 to 2025 can be read here, page by page. All eight questions of each paper are answered.
- 2026 Paper to be added In preparation
- 2025 Question paperPDF SolvedRead solution
- 2024 Question paperPDF SolvedRead solution
- 2023 Question paperPDF SolvedRead solution
- 2022 Question paperPDF SolvedRead solution
- 2021 Question paperPDF SolvedRead solution
- 2020 Question paperPDF Planned
- 2019 Question paperPDF Planned
- 2018 Question paperPDF Planned
- 2017 Question paperPDF Planned
- 2016 Question paperPDF Planned
Printed copy and Kindle
UPSC Civil Services (Main) Chemistry Paper I: Model Answers 2021 to 2025
- All eight questions of each paper, with the question printed above its answer
- Question choice and time plan for each paper
- Topic-wise weightage and a topic-wise index