UPSC Mains 2021 PYQ Question Paper – Download PDF
UPSC Mains 2021: GS Paper I
UPSC Mains 2021: GS Paper II
UPSC Mains 2021: GS Paper III
UPSC Mains 2021: GS Paper IV
UPSC Mains 2021: Essay Paper
Preparing for UPSC Civil Services Examination? Then studying UPSC Mains 2021 Question Papers should be part of your core strategy. These PYQs (Previous Year Questions) give you a clear idea of the UPSC exam pattern, evolving trends, and answer expectations.
This blog provides:
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📥 Free PDF downloads of UPSC Mains 2021 question papers
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📚 Subject-wise categorization of GS, Essay
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🧠 Strategy to use PYQs for answer writing
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🔁 Topics and themes that repeated in 2021
🧐 Why Should You Solve UPSC Mains 2021 PYQs?
UPSC changes its focus every year, but PYQs from recent years like 2021 still hold immense value:
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Understand how questions are framed and what UPSC wants
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Identify trend shifts in current affairs and static portions
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Practice real-time answer writing
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Improve your grip over GS papers and Ethics
The 2021 papers included a mix of traditional and contemporary themes, making them ideal for building exam-readiness.
📄 UPSC Mains 2021 Question Paper PDF – Download Section
📝 Essay Paper
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Total Marks: 250
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Themes included philosophical and socio-political topics
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📘 General Studies (GS) Papers
| GS Paper | Major Topics | |
|---|---|---|
| GS 1 | History, Geography, Society | |
| GS 2 | Constitution, Governance, IR | |
| GS 3 | Economy, Environment, Security | |
| GS 4 | Ethics, Integrity, Case Studies |
✍️ How to Practice UPSC PYQs (2021 Edition)
Here’s how you can extract maximum value from 2021 PYQs:
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Analyze each question against the UPSC syllabus.
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Focus on the keywords in each question — explain, discuss, critically examine.
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Time yourself and write answers in 10–12 minutes per question.
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Compare with best answer copies or coaching institute solutions.
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Build a PYQ + Syllabus linkage chart for quick revision.
🔁 Trends from UPSC Mains 2021 PYQs
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Focus on ethical leadership and public accountability
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Emphasis on pandemic-era challenges (health, economy, education)
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Rise in questions on local governance, technology, and environment
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Continued presence of social justice and women-centric questions
🧠 Final Thoughts
The UPSC Mains 2021 question paper is your blueprint to success. By mastering PYQs, you reduce surprises in the actual exam. Start by downloading the papers, analyze them deeply, and practice answer writing consistently.
Use these 2021 papers to sharpen your focus and fine-tune your preparation for UPSC Mains 2024 or 2025.
🔎 FAQs – UPSC Mains 2021
Q1. Is the UPSC Mains 2021 paper relevant for current aspirants?
Yes, it's highly relevant for understanding exam patterns and probable themes.
Q2. Can I download all 2021 Mains papers in one place?
Yes. Scroll above to download PDFs for Essay, GS, and Optional papers.
Q3. Which GS paper in 2021 was most analytical?
GS Paper 2 and 4 were particularly analytical and required deeper insight.
Q4. How should I use UPSC PYQs for answer writing practice?
Select 5 questions daily, write time-bound answers, and seek feedback.