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 rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.10 marks · 150 words
2. Q2Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.10 marks · 150 words
3. Q3Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement.10 marks · 150 words
4. Q4Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.10 marks · 150 words
5. Q5The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples.10 marks · 150 words
6. Q6How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India ?10 marks · 150 words
7. Q7Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.10 marks · 150 words
8. Q8Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society ? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.10 marks · 150 words
9. Q9COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.10 marks · 150 words
10. Q10Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness ? Argue.10 marks · 150 words
11. Q11Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.15 marks · 250 words
12. Q12Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.15 marks · 250 words
13. Q13Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.15 marks · 250 words
14. Q14The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.15 marks · 250 words
15. Q15Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.15 marks · 250 words
16. Q16India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate.15 marks · 250 words
17. Q17Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.15 marks · 250 words
18. Q18Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation ? Justify your answer.15 marks · 250 words
19. Q19Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree ?15 marks · 250 words
20. Q20How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country ? Elaborate your answer.15 marks · 250 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper I. The paper on upsc.gov.in.