UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper Analysis 2025, Check Difficulty Level, Good Attempts

UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper Analysis 2025: UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 4 (GS 4) is one of the four General Studies Papers included in the UPSC Mains exam by the Union Public Service Commission. The GS 4 Paper exam was held on August 24, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 is crucial in the UPSC Mains Exam, which tests the ethical and moral reasoning, decision-making capabilities of the candidates. It is unique in a way that the Paper consists of a combination of questions and case studies. The UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 Analysis 2025 will help candidates understand the difficulty level and question type for the GS Paper 4. 

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UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper Analysis 2025 

The UPSC GS 3 Question Paper consisted of 19 questions in all. 13 of these were theoretical questions of 10 marks each, and 6 case studies were of 20 marks each. The candidates can be awarded a maximum of 250 marks for this paper. Candidates who appeared for the exam found the question paper to be well-balanced with questions and comprehensive

Candidates preparing for the UPSC CSE Examination  can check the table below for an overview of the UPSC General Studies 4 Question Paper:

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UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper Analysis 2025 

The analysis of the UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 was done after the completion of the Exam. At first glance, the questions seemed to be well-balanced, for which the candidates would have written proper answers. As time passed, candidates felt that the questions were more analytical in nature and required more time to answer.

• The UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper 2025 maintained a balance between theoretical questions and case studies. The case studies in the paper were lengthy and presented without paragraph breaks, requiring careful analysis of the four-part questions.

• Questions in section A varied in length from three to five lines, indicating a shift towards more complex questioning, rather than straightforward.

• Case Studies included candidates with extensive analytical knowledge of gauging situations properly and then making appropriate decisions.

• Overall, the paper serves its purpose in the true sense of evaluating a candidate’s ethical values and decision-making abilities. It can be categorized as moderate to difficult.

UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper Analysis 2025 Subject-Wise

As per the UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper Analysis, the questions asked in the GS 4 paper would have required the candidates to demonstrate ethical, moral values, and analytical skills to write proper answers. 

Section A (Theory):

• The questions included in this section were more analytical, requiring candidates to demonstrate a deeper understanding of ethical theories and their application.

• Candidates who provide a balanced perspective in their answers by discussing the pros and cons of different ethical frameworks can get good marks.

• The questions were more lengthy and detailed compared to the previous years.

• Several questions required candidates to present multiple viewpoints for a balanced analysis and answer.

Section B (Case Studies):

• The case studies this year included more ethical dilemmas and conflicting values to be considered.

• The case studies tested the candidates’ ability to identify ethical issues involved and analyze them from several perspectives.

• Each of the case studies had multiple questions (A, B, C, D), which required careful understanding and analysis to answer satisfactorily.

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