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Mains PYQ

GS Paper I · History, Geography & Indian Society · 250 Marks · 3 Hours

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01234567890012345678900123456789001234567890 UPSC CSE - Mains [GS I]

Total Questions20Official paper requirements
Total Marks250 MAggregate syllabus score
Allowed Duration180 minStrict exam duration limit
Answer EvalReadyEvaluation flow framework

GS Paper I2020

20 questions
Q. 1

The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.

10 M
Q. 2

Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.

10 M
Q. 3

Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement.

10 M
Q. 4

Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.

10 M
Q. 5

The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples.

10 M
Q. 6

How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?

10 M
Q. 7

Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.

10 M
Q. 8

Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.

10 M
Q. 9

COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.

10 M
Q. 10

Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.

10 M
Q. 11

Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.

15 M
Q. 12

Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.

15 M
Q. 13

Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.

15 M
Q. 14

The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.

15 M
Q. 15

Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.

15 M
Q. 16

India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate.

15 M
Q. 17

Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.

15 M
Q. 18

Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer.

15 M
Q. 19

Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?

15 M
Q. 20

How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer.

15 M