General Studies Paper I (GS I)

20 questions, 250 marks, 3 hours. Open a question for its Hindi text, a topper’s answer to it, and to write it and get it marked.

1. Q1The 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.12.5 marks · 200 words
2. Q2Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment.12.5 marks · 200 words
3. Q3How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi ? Discuss.12.5 marks · 200 words
4. Q4Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.12.5 marks · 200 words
5. Q5It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss.12.5 marks · 200 words
6. Q6Why 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 ?12.5 marks · 200 words
7. Q7To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars ? Discuss critically.12.5 marks · 200 words
8. Q8Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity.12.5 marks · 200 words
9. Q9Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India.12.5 marks · 200 words
10. Q10How 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 ?12.5 marks · 200 words
11. Q11Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.12.5 marks · 200 words
12. Q12Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India.12.5 marks · 200 words
13. Q13Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste.12.5 marks · 200 words
14. Q14Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation ?12.5 marks · 200 words
15. Q15Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so ?12.5 marks · 200 words
16. Q16India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity.12.5 marks · 200 words
17. Q17The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.12.5 marks · 200 words
18. Q18How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes ? Discuss.12.5 marks · 200 words
19. Q19Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration.12.5 marks · 200 words
20. Q20What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences ?12.5 marks · 200 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper I. The paper on upsc.gov.in.