UPSC Prelims · Topic-wise PYQs
Art & Culture UPSC Prelims PYQs
74 questions on Art & Culture asked in UPSC Prelims, sorted into 5 sub-topics. In the app you practise each sub-topic as a timed test with the UPSC marking (+2 / −0.66 per question), followed by a full analysis.
About Art & Culture in UPSC Prelims
Art & Culture is the 8th largest of the 13 topics in the UPSC bank: 74 of its 2,520 topic-wise PYQs (2.9%). The biggest sub-topics are Architecture & Sculpture (20), Religion & Philosophy (19), Music, Dance & Painting (16).
Sub-topics and question counts
| Sub-topic | PYQs | Latest year |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture & Sculpture | 20 | 2026 |
| Religion & Philosophy | 19 | 2026 |
| Music, Dance & Painting | 16 | 2026 |
| Indian Culture & Heritage | 10 | 2025 |
| Literature & Languages | 9 | 2024 |
| Total | 74 | 2026 |
Sub-topics with fewer than 20 questions are practised inside the Art & Culture tests in the app and have no page of their own.
Art & Culture PYQs by the latest year asked
Each question is counted once, under the latest year it was asked in the exam.
| Period | PYQs | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 and later | 24 | |
| 2016–2020 | 24 | |
| 2011–2015 | 26 |
Sample Art & Culture questions from the free tests
Question text only. The options, the answer and the explanation open in the free test (free sign-in with your mobile number).
Asked in 2026
The Hallisalasya painting in the Bagh Caves represents :
Attempt it in the free UPSC 2026 GS Paper IAsked in 2026
Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara ?
Attempt it in the free UPSC 2026 GS Paper I
1. Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami
2. Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole
3. Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh
4. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal
Select the answer using the code given below :Asked in 2026
Which one of the following statements with regard to the Moidams, built by the Tai-Ahom kingdom and inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is/are correct ?
Attempt it in the free UPSC 2026 GS Paper I
1. They acted as army fortresses.
2. They were recreation centres of the Royals and Nobles.
3. They were burial grounds of the Royals and Nobles.
4. They were battle drill centres of the Royals and Nobles.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Questions students ask
How many Art & Culture questions has UPSC Prelims asked?
Sovereign IAS has 74 Art & Culture previous-year questions from UPSC Prelims in 5 sub-topics, the latest from 2026.
Which Art & Culture sub-topics come up most often?
Architecture & Sculpture (20 questions), Religion & Philosophy (19 questions), Music, Dance & Painting (16 questions).
Can I practise UPSC Art & Culture PYQs for free?
Partly. 9 of these 74 questions are in the free UPSC tests (the latest papers and two topic-wise tests, free with a sign-in); the full set is part of the Destiny Pass.