Loading...
UPSC CSE Mains 2026 / 2027 · Full-Length Tests
UPSC Mains Mock Test — Free Full-Length Papers (GS1–GS4 & Essay)
Ten full-length UPSC Mains test papers from the Sherlocking Simulator — GS Paper 1 to 4 and the Essay, each in two independent sets (160 questions in all). Every paper is a printable question-cum-answer booklet with a UPSC-style cover, instructions and ruled answer space, so you can write the paper exactly as you would in the hall. Free to read and download — the model answers, AWE evaluation and diagnostics live in the Sherlocking Test Series Module.
The papers, on the real exam format
| Paper | Questions / set | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS Paper 1 | 20 | 250 | 3 hours |
| GS Paper 2 | 20 | 250 | 3 hours |
| GS Paper 3 | 20 | 250 | 3 hours |
| GS Paper 4 (Ethics) | 12 | 250 | 3 hours |
| Essay | 8 topics (write 2) | 250 | 3 hours |
Read & download the question papers
Pick a paper (GS1–GS4 or Essay) and a set to read the full booklet inline, or download the printable PDF · free · no login
Scroll to read all 53 pages · tap any page to open it full size · free, no login.
How to simulate the real exam
- 1
Print the booklet
Write in the ruled answer space of the QCAB, not on loose sheets — space discipline is half the exam.
- 2
Sit the full three hours
One sitting, phone away, clock running. Timing, selection and stamina are not solved on exam day; they are solved here.
- 3
Play by hall rules
Attempt all questions, hold the word limits, and strike off any page left blank — exactly as the instructions demand.
- 4
Diagnose before you move on
Which question did you attempt first? Where did the clock beat you? Which subject leaked marks? Write it down before the next paper.
- 5
Rehearse the real shape
Write Set A as spaced single papers; then write Set B as the real Mains — Essay on Day 1, GS1+GS2 on Day 2, GS3+GS4 on Day 3.
What's free, what's in the course
| Included | Free (this page) | Sherlocking Test Series Module |
|---|---|---|
| All 10 full-length question papers (Sets A & B) | ||
| Printable QCAB booklets with ruled answer space | ||
| Deployable model answers, written to the word limits | ||
| AWE engine evaluation of every test you write | ||
| Weak-subject diagnostics after each set | ||
| A personal 1-to-1 call with Neil Sir |
Write the paper. Then find out what it was worth.
The same 10 papers, with deployable model answers, AWE engine evaluation, weak-subject diagnostics and a 1-to-1 call with Neil Sir — ₹7,009 in the Sherlocking Test Series Module.
Neil Siron Telegram
Following a Sherlocking Mains plan? Neil Sir posts answer-writing breakdowns and topper-script lessons on @UPSCneil Telegram to go with it.
Join @UPSCneil to see moreProve it under the clock
Write these papers, then get the model answers and AWE engine evaluation on every test — with weak-subject diagnostics and a 1-to-1 call — in the Sherlocking Test Series Module, or as part of the Sherlocking Mains Comprehensive Module.
Explore the Sherlocking Test Series ModuleMore free Mains practice
Daily Answer Writing158 GS questions + essays, one per day, free AWE evaluationUPSC Mains PYQOfficial previous-year questions, topic-wiseUPSC Mains Test SeriesThe full Sherlocking Mains programme, comparedToppers’ Answer Copies640+ scanned answer-copy PDFsMains 2026 SprintFree day-by-day Mains planMains 2027 MarathonFree long-runway Mains plan
UPSC Mains Mock Tests — FAQs
How do I download the UPSC Mains mock test papers?
Pick a paper below (GS1–GS4 or Essay) and click Set A or Set B to download a printable question-cum-answer booklet — UPSC-style cover, instructions and ruled answer space included. No sign-up, email or login is required.
Are these full-length mock tests free?
Yes — all 10 question papers (both sets of every paper) are free to read and download. Only the model solutions, AWE engine evaluation, weak-subject diagnostics and the 1-to-1 call with Neil Sir are part of the paid Sherlocking Test Series Module.
What is the difference between Set A and Set B?
They are two independent full-length papers per subject. In the Sherlocking Test Series schedule, Set A is written as five spaced single papers (Simulator Set 1), and Set B is written in the real Mains shape — Essay on Day 1, GS1 and GS2 on Day 2, GS3 and GS4 on Day 3 (Simulator Set 2) — the full dress rehearsal.
How should I simulate the real UPSC Mains exam with these papers?
Print the booklet, sit a strict three-hour block, and write in the ruled space provided — not on loose sheets. Attempt all questions within the word limits, strike off unused space, and stop when time ends. Then compare your effort against the paper honestly: which questions you chose first, where you overshot time, and which subjects leaked marks.
Do these papers come with model answers and evaluation?
The question papers are free. Model answers written to the UPSC word limits, AWE engine evaluation of every test, weak-subject diagnostics and a personal 1-to-1 call with Neil Sir are part of the Sherlocking Test Series Module (₹7,009), also included in the Sherlocking Mains Comprehensive Module.
Are these official UPSC previous-year papers?
No. These are original UnlockIAS papers from the Sherlocking Simulator, set on the UPSC Mains pattern and on the themes most likely to be asked — not official UPSC past papers. For official questions, see the UPSC Mains PYQ section.
Can I use these mock tests for UPSC Mains 2027?
Yes. The papers train timing, selection and stamina on the standard Mains format (250 marks, 3 hours), which stays the same year to year — they work for Mains 2026 and Mains 2027 preparation alike.
Question papers from the UnlockIAS Sherlocking Simulator (Sherlocking Test Series Module) — original full-length papers set on the UPSC Mains pattern, not official UPSC past papers. Course details and pricing are from the UnlockIAS catalogue and subject to change. Last updated: July 2026.