UPSC Mains 2023 GS1

GS1 — Geography · History · Society · Culture — 20 questions. Click any question for full text, examiner-intent decoding, source citations, cross-year examiner pattern, and a structured answer skeleton.

  1. Q1 Ancient Indian History
    Free

    Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  2. Q2 Modern Indian Thinkers
    Free

    What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  3. Q3 World History
    Free

    Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  4. Q4 Climate Change
    Pro

    Discuss the consequence of Climate change on the food security in tropical countries. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  5. Q5 Water Resources
    Pro

    Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  6. Q6 Physical Geography
    Pro

    How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  7. Q7 Indian Monsoon
    Pro

    Why is the South-West Monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultured ethos of the region? (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  8. Q8 Indian Society
    Pro

    Do you think marriage as a sacrament is loosing its value in Modern India? (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  9. Q9 Social Issues
    Pro

    Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society. (Answer in 150 words )

    10 marks · 150 words
  10. Q10 Socialization and Technology
    Pro

    Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  11. Q11 Vedic Culture
    Pro

    What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? (Answer in 250 words )

    15 marks · 250 words
  12. Q12 Medieval Indian History
    Pro

    What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society? (Answer in 250 words )

    15 marks · 250 words
  13. Q13 Tribal Movements
    Pro

    How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression? (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  14. Q14 Coastal Geography
    Pro

    Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  15. Q15 Natural Vegetation
    Pro

    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. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  16. Q16 Human Development
    Pro

    Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India? (Answer in 250 words )

    15 marks · 250 words
  17. Q17 Agricultural Development
    Pro

    From being net food importer in 1960, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  18. Q18 Urbanization Issues
    Pro

    Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises? (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  19. Q19 Caste System
    Pro

    Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static? (Answer in 150 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  20. Q20 Liberalization and Society
    Pro

    Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words