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. Q1Analyze the importance of Ashokan inscriptions for reconstructing Mauryan history.10 marks · 150 words
2. Q2Discuss the impact of Macaulay’s Minute on colonial administration and education in India.10 marks · 150 words
3. Q3The significance of the Gandhian movements lay in the masses they mobilized. Elucidate.10 marks · 150 words
4. Q4What is the Fujiwhara effect? Explain its impact on the movement and intensity of tropical cyclones.10 marks · 150 words
5. Q5“Tundra regions are ecologically fragile but economically important.” Examine this statement critically.10 marks · 150 words
6. Q6Discuss the role of aeolian processes in desertification and land degradation.10 marks · 150 words
7. Q7“Water resources are both an asset and a source of conflict in South Asia.” Examine this statement giving examples.10 marks · 150 words
8. Q8Unity in diversity remains the defining feature of Indian society despite the challenges from communalism and regionalism. Comment.10 marks · 150 words
9. Q9How do you understand disability? Substantiate the need for inclusive policy framework in India in this regard.10 marks · 150 words
10. Q10Do you think digital technology promotes social empowerment? Explain with examples.10 marks · 150 words
11. Q11Vijayanagara architecture exemplifies the amalgamation of past traditions with contemporary practices. Elucidate with examples.15 marks · 250 words
12. Q12Linguistic reorganization of Indian States was driven by popular pressure from below. Comment.15 marks · 250 words
13. Q13The model of planned economy was adopted in India to address the regional imbalances left behind by colonial rule. Comment.15 marks · 250 words
14. Q14Compare the Loo, Chinook and Foehn winds with respect to their regions of prevalence, their nature and climatic impacts.15 marks · 250 words
15. Q15Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India.15 marks · 250 words
16. Q16“The centre of global trade is gradually shifting from the Atlantic region to the Indo-Pacific region.” Examine this statement.15 marks · 250 words
17. Q17Analyze the major drivers of human-induced land-use changes in India and their geographical consequences.15 marks · 250 words
18. Q18Is caste disappearing in urban India? Illustrate your answer with examples.15 marks · 250 words
19. Q19Critically examine the challenges of demographic transition in contemporary India.15 marks · 250 words
20. Q20Evaluate the impact of globalization on Indian youths with reference to social, political, economic and cultural spheres.15 marks · 250 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper I. The paper on upsc.gov.in.