GS 1 Syllabus, Themes and Trend Analysis
General Studies Paper 1 of the UPSC Civil Services Examination assesses a candidate’s understanding of Indian heritage, culture, history, and the geography of both India and the world. The syllabus spans a broad range of topics, including ancient and medieval Indian history, art and culture, world history, Indian society, social diversity, and the impact of globalization. It also includes Indian and world geography, environmental ecology, biodiversity, and disaster management.
A thorough grasp of the GS1 syllabus enables aspirants to analyze and interpret historical, cultural, geographical, and societal developments. It fosters a comprehensive outlook, helping candidates appreciate India’s rich legacy, global interconnections, and environmental challenges—key to shaping informed and responsible civil servants.
General Studies 1: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.
Indian Heritage and Culture
- Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Modern Indian History
- Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
- The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
- Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
World History
- History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
Indian Society
- Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
- Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
- Effects of globalization on Indian society.
- Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Physical Geography
- Salient features of world’s physical geography.
- Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
- Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
It is important to note that the syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Examination is vast, and candidates are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of the topics mentioned above. In addition to the syllabus, candidates should also focus on current affairs and develop critical thinking and analytical skills to effectively answer questions in the GS1 paper.
UPSC Mains General Studies 1 Themes
| Themes | Total No. of Years Questions Appeared (2013 - 2023) | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
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Mahatma Gandhi |
5 |
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Modern History: Role of Women, Press, Moderates |
5 |
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Post Independence: Integration, Formation & Reorganisation of States |
5 |
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Role of Women & Women Organisation |
7 |
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Diversity & Challenges: Tribals in India |
6 |
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Caste, Religion & Region |
5 |
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Secularism: Indian Form |
4 |
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Communalism, Regionalism |
6 |
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Globalisation: Impact on Different Sections of Society |
4 |
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Poverty: Causes & Eradication |
4 |
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Urbanization: Trends & Problems |
8 |
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World’s Physical Features |
6 |
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Tropical Cyclones |
3 |
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Himalayan System: Landslide & Glaciers |
5 |
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Oceanography: Currents, Ocean Salinity |
7 |
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Water Resources: Groundwater, Freshwater |
5 |
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Art Forms, Literature & Architecture |
9 |
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UPSC Mains General Studies 1 Trend Analysis
In recent years, the UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 1 has witnessed a significant shift in its pattern. The focus has moved beyond rote memorization and factual recall to emphasize a more analytical and integrated approach. Questions now require candidates to exhibit a deep and comprehensive understanding of history, culture, society, and geography, highlighting the interlinkages among these domains. There is a growing demand for critical evaluation of historical events, conceptual clarity, and an awareness of their relevance in contemporary contexts.
The paper increasingly promotes a multidisciplinary outlook, encouraging aspirants to draw connections across subjects and apply them to real-life situations. It calls for the presentation of logical arguments, interpretation of data, and the use of relevant evidence and examples to substantiate points.
To perform well, candidates must develop a holistic perspective, stay updated on current affairs, and demonstrate originality in their answers. This trend underlines the importance of analytical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines to produce insightful, well-structured responses.
UPSC Mains General Studies 1 Structure
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 1 consists of 20 compulsory questions, provided in both Hindi and English. Candidates must respond in the language chosen in their application form; answers in any other language are not evaluated.
The paper carries a total of 250 marks. The word limit is 150 words for 10-mark questions and 250 words for 15-mark questions.
Modern Indian History is a major focus area, with topics like the Freedom Struggle and Indian Renaissance frequently asked. The Geography section blends static topics with current events, requiring awareness of recent developments. In Indian Society, questions often cover women empowerment, secularism, and cultural issues, emphasizing the need to understand social challenges in a contemporary context.
Overall, the paper tests knowledge, analytical skills, and the ability to apply concepts across disciplines. A multidisciplinary and current-affairs-driven approach is essential to perform well.
UPSC Mains General Studies 1 Topic-Wise Questions
Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of art forms, literature and architecture from ancient to modern times.
| Year | Total No. of Questions | Questions |
|---|---|---|
|
2013 |
03 |
Q. Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss
Q. Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions.
Q. Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment |
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2014 |
04 |
Q. Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu / Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment
Q. Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense. Discuss.
Q. Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain.
Q. To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present-day urbanization? Discuss. |
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2015 |
02 |
Q. Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a tine aesthetic sense comparable to modem painting. Critically evaluate this comment
Q. The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment. |
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2016 |
02 |
Q. Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.
Q. Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate |
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2017 |
01 |
Q. How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times? |
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2018 |
03 |
Q. The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss
Q. Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travelers in the reconstruction of the history of India.
Q. Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss |
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2019 |
01 |
Q. Highlight the Central Asian and Greco -Bactrian elements in Gandhara art. |
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2020 |
04 |
Q. Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.
Q. The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.
Q. Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment
Q. Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. |
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2021 |
01 |
Q. Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti Literature and its contribution to Indian culture |
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2022 |
03 |
Q. Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.
Q. Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.
Q. How will you explain the medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? |
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2023 |
02 |
Q. Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India.
Q. What are the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian Society? |
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2024 |
03 |
Q. Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the Later Vedic period.
Q. Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India.
Q. “Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture.” Comment. |
Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues; the freedom struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.
| Year | Total No. of Questions | Questions |
|---|---|---|
|
2013 |
03 |
Q. In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate.
Q. Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.
Q. Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during |
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2014 |
03 |
Q. In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial
Q. Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence.
Q. The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at |
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2015 |
02 |
Q. It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting
Q. How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. |
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2016 |
03 |
Q. Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the
Q. Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.
Q. Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British |
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2017 |
05 |
Q. Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence
Q. The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?
Q. Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy.
Q. Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology
Q. Clarify how mid-eighteenth-century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity. |
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2018 |
01 |
Q. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. |
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2019 |
04 |
Q. Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s.
Q. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase.
Q. Examine the linkages between 19th centuries ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national
Q. The 1857 Uprising was the culmination the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had |
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2020 |
02 |
Q. Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.
Q. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long-term implications on the national movements. |
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2021 |
03 |
Q. Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement
Q. To what extent did the role of the moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement?
Q. Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young |
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2022 |
02 |
Q. Why did the armies of the British East India Company – mostly comprising of Indian soldiers – win
Q.Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons. |
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2023 |
02 |
Q. What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?
Q. How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression? |
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2024 |
02 |
Q. What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results.
Q. How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India? |
Post-Independence consolidation and reorganization within the country
| Year | Total No. of Questions | Questions |
|---|---|---|
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2013 |
05 |
Q. Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success.
Q. Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”.
Q. Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India.
Q. Analyze the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the
Q. Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence |
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2021 |
01 |
Q. Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of |
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2022 |
01 |
Q. The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous |
History of the World will include events from 18th century such as Industrial Revolution, World Wars, Redraw of National boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, Political Philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the Society.
| Year | Total No. of Questions | Questions |
|---|---|---|
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2013 |
04 |
Q. What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression?
Q. American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate.
Q. Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyze.
Q. “Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different |
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2014 |
03 |
Q. The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after
Q. What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s
Q. What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India? |
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2015 |
02 |
Q. To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically
Q. Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present? |
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2016 |
01 |
Q. The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. |
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2017 |
01 |
Q. What problems were germane to the decolonization process of Malay Peninsula. |
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2018 |
01 |
Q. Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? |
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2019 |
01 |
Q. Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French revolution. |
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2021 |
01 |
Q. “There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. |
|
2023 |
01 |
Q. Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world. |
|
2024 |
01 |
Q. How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power? |
Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism; Social Empowerment; Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India;
| Year | Total No. of Questions | Questions |
|---|---|---|
|
2013 |
01 |
Q. Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss |
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2014 |
01 |
Q. How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the West? |
|
2015 |
03 |
Q. Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste.
Q. Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in
Q. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a |
|
2016 |
03 |
Q. What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer.
Q. Why are the tribals in India referred to as the Scheduled Tribes? Indicate the major provisions
Q. Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity? |
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2017 |
04 |
Q. What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing discrimination
Q. In the context of diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the
Q. Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the
Q. The spirit tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early |
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2018 |
03 |
Q. ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Argue by giving suitable
Q. How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss.
Q. “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. |
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2020 |
02 |
Q. Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi- cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your
Q. Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural |
|
2021 |
02 |
Q. How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it.
Q. Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge |
|
2022 |
04 |
Q. Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work from Home’ on family relationships.
Q. Given the diversities among the tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they
Q. Analyze the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion.
Q. Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of |
|
2023 |
05 |
Q. Do you think marriage as a sacrament is loosing its value in Modern India?
Q. Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children.
Q. What are the main features of Vedic Society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian Society?
Q. Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static?
Q. Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism. |
|
2024 |
03 |
Q. Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss.
Q.Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India’s cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities.
Q. What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India? |
Role of Women and Women’s Organisation;
| Year | Total No. of Questions | Questions |
|---|---|---|
|
2013 |
01 |
Q. Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from |
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2014 |
03 |
Q. How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle-class working woman in India?
Q. Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of
Q. Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments |
|
2015 |
01 |
Q. How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes? |
|
2018 |
01 |
Q. ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata. Substantiate your view |
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2019 |
02 |
Q. What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space?
Q. “Empowering women is the key to control population growth”. Discuss |
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2021 |
01 |
Q. Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. |
|
2023 |
01 |
Q. Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society. |
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2024 |
01 |
Q. Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation? |
Poverty, Population; Development And Associated Issue
| Year | Total No. of Questions | Questions |
|---|---|---|
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2014 |
01 |
Q. The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss. |
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2015 |
02 |
Q. Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.
Q. Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India. |
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2016 |
01 |
Q. “An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from deprivation.” Substantiate |
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2018 |
03 |
Q. Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the
Q. Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of
Q. ‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in |
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2019 |
03 |
Q. Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples.
Q. What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism.
Q. What makes Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss. |
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2020 |
02 |
Q. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the
Q. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. |
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2021 |
01 |
Q. Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in |
|
2024 |
02 |
Q. In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGOs and private sector would be most productive?
Q. Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment. |
Urbanization: Problems And Remedies
| Year | Total No. of Questions | Questions |
|---|---|---|
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2013 |
01 |
Q. Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. |
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2015 |
02 |
Q. Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration.
Q. Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much |
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2016 |
02 |
Q. Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss.
Q. With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of |
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2017 |
01 |
Q. The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues employment but has also created new |
|
2018 |
01 |
Q. “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How |
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2019 |
01 |
Q. How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of |
|
2020 |
01 |
Q. Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and |
|
2021 |
01 |
Q. What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? |
|
2022 |
01 |
Q. How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the |
|
2023 |
01 |
Q. Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalisation of the poor in Indian metropolises? |
Effects Of Globalization On Indian Society
| Year | Total No. of Questions | Questions |
|---|---|---|
|
2013 |
01 |
Q. Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India. |
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2015 |
01 |
Q. Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. (In 2013, UPSC asked |
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2016 |
01 |
Q. To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain. |
|
2018 |
01 |
Q. ‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural |
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2019 |
01 |
Q. Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. |
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2020 |
02 |
Q. Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?
Q. Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer. |
|
2021 |
01 |
Q. What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society |
|
2022 |
01 |
Q. Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce |
|
2024 |
01 |
Q. Globalization has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family? |
Salient features of World Physical Geography; Important Geophysical Phenomena (Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanoes, Cyclones); Geographical features and Location;
| Year | Total No. of Questions | Questions |
|---|---|---|
|
2013 |
04 |
Q. Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats.
Q. Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the western side of the continents. Why?
Q. There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why?
Q. What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support. |
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2014 |
02 |
Q. Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the
Q. Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. |
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2016 |
01 |
Q. “The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures |
|
2017 |
01 |
Q. How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? |
|
2018 |
02 |
Q. Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics.
Q. Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in |
|
2020 |
01 |
Q. Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum- Pacific Zone. |
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2021 |
04 |
Q. Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on
Q. Why is India considered as a sub-continent? Elaborate your answer.
Q. Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.
Q. Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. |
|
2022 |
03 |
Q. Troposphere is a very significant atmosphere layer that determines weather processes. How?
Q. Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India
Q. Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. |
|
2023 |
02 |
Q. How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?
Q. Why is the South-West Monsoon called Purvaiys’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region? |
|
2024 |
04 |
Q. What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones?
Q. What is the phenomenon of ‘cloudbursts’? Explain.
Q. What are aurora australia and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?
Q. What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico? |
Geographical Features And Their Location- Changes In Critical Geographical Features (Including Water Bodies And Ice-Caps) And In Flora And Fauna And The Effects Of Such Changes.
| Year | Total No. of Questions | Questions |
|---|---|---|
|
2013 |
03 |
Q. What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How
Q. Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world.
Q. The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones |
|
2014 |
03 |
Q. Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of
Q. Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do
Q. Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. |
|
2015 |
02 |
Q. How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to
Q. Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional |
|
2016 |
01 |
Q. Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes. |
|
2017 |
06 |
Q. What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than
Q. In what way can flood be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India?
Q. Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects.
Q. How does the cryosphere affect global climate?
Q. Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulse because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations.
Q. In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.” Discuss |
|
2018 |
01 |
Q. What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? |
|
2019 |
05 |
Q. What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India?
Q. How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism?
Q. . Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology.
Q. How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and the coastal environment? Give suitable examples?
Q. Assess the impact of global warming on coral life system with examples. |
|
2020 |
04 |
Q. The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples.
Q. The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related
Q. How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far- reaching impact on the water resources
Q. Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. |
|
2021 |
02 |
Q. How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather
Q. . What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of the water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples. |
|
2022 |
02 |
Q. Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade.
Q. What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world. |
|
2023 |
01 |
Q. Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries. |
|
2024 |
01 |
Q. What is the concept of a ‘demographic winter’? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate. |
Distribution Of Key Natural Resources Across The World (Including South Asia And The Indian Subcontinent)
| Year | Total No. of Questions | Questions |
|---|---|---|
|
2013 |
02 |
Q. It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn’t appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved. Q. With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world |
|
2014 |
02 |
Q. How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa?
Q. Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world. |
|
2015 |
03 |
Q. The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.
Q. India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from
Q. What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences? |
|
2016 |
05 |
Q. In what way micro-watershed Development projects help in water conservation in drought prone and semi-arid regions of India.
Q. Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India.
Q. Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.
Q. South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.
Q. The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain |
|
2018 |
01 |
Q. Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? |
|
2019 |
01 |
Q. Can the strategy of regional-resource based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? |
|
2020 |
01 |
Q. India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. |
|
2021 |
01 |
Q. Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. |
|
2022 |
03 |
Q. Describing the distribution of rubber-producing countries indicate the major environmental issues faced by them.
Q. Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread.
Q. Discuss the natural resource potentials of ‘Deccan trap’. |
|
2023 |
03 |
Q. Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources?
Q. Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.
Q. Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forest regions of India. |
|
2024 |
01 |
Q. The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? |
Factors Responsible For The Location Of Primary, Secondary, And Tertiary Sector Industries In Various Parts Of The World (Including India)
| Year | Total No. of Questions | Questions |
|---|---|---|
|
2013 |
02 |
Q. Analyze the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India.
Q. Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of India? Discuss with justification |
|
2014 |
03 |
Q. Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water?
Q. Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world.
Q. Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain. |
|
2017 |
01 |
Q. Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications. |
|
2018 |
02 |
Q. What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics.
Q. Define blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. |
|
2019 |
01 |
Q. Discuss the factors for localization of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India. |
|
2020 |
01 |
Q. Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. |
|
2021 |
01 |
Q. Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. |
|
2023 |
02 |
Q. Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India?
Q. From being a net food importer in the 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. |
|
2024 |
01 |
Q. Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries. |