UPSC Mains Agriculture Optional Question Paper 2026 is scheduled for 30 August 2026. Candidates who have opted for Agriculture as their optional subject will take both papers on the same day. Paper I is scheduled in the forenoon session from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, while Paper II will be conducted in the afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
Agriculture is one of the optional subjects offered in the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination. The optional subject has two papers, with 250 marks allotted to each paper, making the total optional component 500 marks. The question papers can help aspirants review the level and type of questions asked in the examination.
The Agriculture optional examination 2026 consists of two papers based on the prescribed UPSC syllabus. Each paper carries equal marks and is conducted for three hours. Candidates can use the question papers to evaluate their preparation, practise answer writing within the given time and identify topics that require additional revision.
| Particulars | Details |
| Optional Subject | Agriculture |
| Examination | UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2026 |
| Number of Papers | 2 – Paper I and Paper II |
| Marks for Each Paper | 250 marks |
| Total Optional Marks | 500 marks |
| Examination Date | 30 August 2026 |
| Paper I Timing | 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| Paper II Timing | 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM |
| Duration | 3 hours for each paper |
| Question Format | Descriptive / Conventional |
| Paper I | Agriculture Optional Paper I |
| Paper II | Agriculture Optional Paper II |
| Contribution to Mains Written Marks | 500 out of 1750 marks |
Candidates who have selected Agriculture as their UPSC Mains optional subject can find the question papers for Paper I and Paper II in the download section below. Solving the papers can help aspirants understand the level of questions, practise time management and compare their preparation with the actual examination requirements.
The UPSC Agriculture Optional Question Paper 2026 PDF for both papers will be added to the table once the official question papers are released by UPSC.
| Paper | |
| UPSC Agriculture Optional Paper I | Available Soon |
| UPSC Agriculture Optional Paper II | Available Soon |
Candidates can follow the steps given below to download the question paper PDF:
Visit the official UPSC website.
Go to the Examinations or Question Papers section.
Find the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 question paper link.
Select Agriculture Paper 1 or Paper 2.
Click on the respective PDF link.
Download and save the question paper for future reference.
The Agriculture optional carries 500 marks in total, divided equally between Paper I and Paper II. Both papers are designed to test candidates' understanding of agricultural science, agronomy, soil science, agricultural economics, animal husbandry, horticulture, crop production and related agricultural practices.
| Paper | Marks | Duration | Nature of Paper |
| Paper I | 250 | 3 Hours | Descriptive / Conventional |
| Paper II | 250 | 3 Hours | Descriptive / Conventional |
| Total | 500 | 6 Hours | — |
The question paper generally contains important examination details such as:
Examination name
Optional subject name
Paper number
Question paper code
Maximum marks
Duration of examination
General instructions
Questions and sections
Candidates should carefully check all instructions mentioned on the question paper before attempting the questions.