UPSC Gurus Open Library
A free space for thoughtful UPSC preparation: practise actual Prelims papers, explore daily current affairs, read articles, learn through our YouTube series, and follow updates on Telegram. Start wherever you are in your preparation.
Where are you in your preparation?
Choose your stage and explore the free resources that can help you take your next step.
Just beginning
Understand the examination and build a steady study routine.
Preparing for Prelims
Practise with actual UPSC papers and stay connected with current affairs.
Preparing for Mains
Understand what UPSC asks and practise writing clear, structured answers.
Preparing for the Interview
Develop your understanding, reflect on your experiences and practise expressing your views clearly.
Explore what is free.
Choose what supports your preparation today, from timed Prelims practice to current affairs, articles, videos and updates.
Prelims Replay
Take actual UPSC Prelims GS Paper I and CSAT papers from 2017 to 2026, with timed tests, scoring, explanations and subject-wise analysis.
Start a paper →Mains practiceMains Replay
Explore ten years of actual UPSC Mains question papers, from 2017 to 2026. Read every question, practise under a free three-hour exam clock, and download official or clean English PDFs.
Choose a paper →Official SyllabusUPSC Civil Services Syllabus
Read the official syllabus for Prelims, Mains and six optional subjects, with links to previous year questions for each paper.
Explore the Syllabus →Daily current affairsCurrent Canvas
Explore syllabus-mapped current affairs at 6 am daily, with context, Prelims facts, Mains analysis, a five-question quiz, a Mains question and a monthly magazine.
Read today’s edition →ReadingArticles
Read free articles that explain UPSC preparation, exam approaches and important ideas with clarity, depth and practical guidance.
Read the articles →Video lessonsYouTube series
Learn through free video series including Mains Mastery, PYQ Deep Decode, Mains PYQ playlists and essay lessons.
See the series →Practise with Prelims Replay
Practise 20 actual UPSC Prelims papers under exam conditions, then learn from every attempt.
Practise with Mains Replay
Read, download and practise 170 actual UPSC Mains papers, with a three-hour exam clock.
Explore the Official UPSC Syllabus
Read the syllabus as published by UPSC, with links to previous year questions for each paper.
Latest from the Open Library.
Carefully researched writing, free for every aspirant.
Learn with our free YouTube series.
Explore free video lessons organised around the skills and stages of UPSC preparation. Follow our Telegram channel for updates when new resources are published.
Mains and answer writing
Write the answers the examiner is looking for
Mains Mastery
How GS Mains is read, structured and scored, topic by topic.
Watch on YouTubeSeries · 4 videosMains Mastery Deep Decode
Long-form breakdowns of what a Mains question is really asking.
Watch on YouTubeSeries · 4 videosGS Mains PYQ Deep Decode
Previous year Mains questions decoded, paper by paper.
Watch on YouTubeSeriesThe Art of Answer Writing
What Mains answer writing genuinely demands.
Watch on YouTubeClips · 11 videosMains Mastery Clips
Short, precise lessons on structure, examples and conclusions.
Watch on YouTubeEssay
Think in arguments, write with balance
Essay Excellence: PYQs
Previous year essay topics, opened up one at a time.
Watch on YouTubeSeriesEssay PYQ Deep Decode
A single essay topic, read slowly and built into an outline.
Watch on YouTubeSeriesEssay Masterclass
The thinking behind a high-scoring essay, from theme to final line.
Watch on YouTubeClips · 22 videosEssay Mentoring Clips
Quick answers to the questions aspirants ask most about the essay.
Watch on YouTubeSociology Optional
The subject Guranchal Ma’am teaches at depth
Sociology Optional
The free course: thinkers, theory and Indian society for Paper I and II.
Watch on YouTubeClips · 25 videosSociology Clips
Concepts and thinkers explained in a few minutes each.
Watch on YouTubeSeries · 22 videosSociety Today
Contemporary India seen through a sociological lens.
Watch on YouTubePrelims
Accuracy, elimination and calm under time
UPSC Prelims Kaise Clear Karein
A practical approach to clearing Prelims, in Hindi.
Watch on YouTubeSeries · 3 videosPrelims Mentoring
Strategy sessions on PYQs, tests and revision.
Watch on YouTubeClips · 18 videosPrelims Mentoring Clips
Short guidance for the last months before Prelims.
Watch on YouTubeInterview and the service
Prepare to be seen as you are
Interview Edge
How the Personality Test works and how to prepare for it honestly.
Watch on YouTubeClips · 45 videosMock Interview Clips
Moments from mock interviews with our panel of senior officers.
Watch on YouTubeClips · 56 videosInterview Edge Clips
Questions, answers and feedback from the interview room.
Watch on YouTubeSeriesThe Civil Services Dialogue
Officers who served, on what the service actually asks of a person.
Watch on YouTubeClips · 30 videosThe Dialogue Clips
The sharpest moments from The Civil Services Dialogue.
Watch on YouTubeCurrent affairs
The news, read the way UPSC reads it
News Pulse
Daily current affairs, short and exam-focused.
Watch on YouTubeSeries · 43 videosNews Alert Deep Decode
Important news stories traced back to the syllabus.
Watch on YouTubeSeries · 4 videosNews Deep Decode
Long-form analysis of issues that keep returning in the examination.
Watch on YouTubeSeries · 12 videosUPSC with AI
Using AI tools sensibly in your preparation, and where not to.
Watch on YouTubeMentoring and motivation
For the days when the preparation feels long
UPSC Mentoring
Guidance on planning, consistency and recovering from a bad attempt.
Watch on YouTubeClips · 93 videosMorning Motivation
A short thought to begin each day of preparation.
Watch on YouTubeClips · 10 videosMotivational Clips
Perspective from mentors and officers, in a few minutes each.
Watch on YouTubeUPSC interview guides.
Free reading for candidates preparing for the Personality Test, from the DAF to interview day.
Questions about the Open Library
Can’t find what you are looking for? Message us directly.
What is the Open Library?
The Open Library brings together UPSC Gurus’ free resources, including Prelims Replay, Mains Replay, the official syllabus, articles and free YouTube series.
Do I need to pay for anything here?
No. Everything in the Open Library is free. Some resources require a one-time sign-up.
Will more resources be added?
Yes. We regularly add new free resources to support your preparation.
Interview Edge Studio
Practise from your own profile: a field-by-field DAF check, 100 questions drawn from your details, feedback on answers you write in your own words, and situation practice from your home state. Built on the method of Guranchal Ma’am, Founder, UPSC Gurus.
What would make this library more useful to you?
Share the topics or resources you would like us to develop.
