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 4 Paper Analysis 2025 will help candidates understand the difficulty level and question type for the GS Paper 4.
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:
UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper Analysis 2025 Overview | |
Particulars | Details |
Paper | Paper V (GS 4) |
Question Paper Date | August 24, 2025 |
Shift | 2:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. |
Total Marks | 250 |
Total Questions | 19 (13X10 and 6X20) |
Minimum Marks | 10% (25 marks) |
Official Website for Question Paper | upsc.gov.in |
The UPSC GS 4 Question Paper 2025 was conducted by UPSC on August 24, 2025, in the afternoon session. The paper primarily evaluates the candidates' ethical and moral reasoning, decision-making capabilities, and integrity in public administration. Candidates can download the Question Paper PDF from the table below:
UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper 2025 PDF | |
UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2025 | Download Link |
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.
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.
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.
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.
UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Subject-Wise Questions | ||
Sections | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
A (Theoretical Questions) | 13 | TBU |
B (Case Studies) | 6 | TBU |
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