General Studies Paper 1 Model Question Paper (GS1)

Please find the UPSC Civil Services Main Exam General Studies Paper 1 Model Question Paper (GS1) below. You can download the same as a PDF using the print-pdf button on the bottom.

Question Paper Specific Instructions (General Studies – I; Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 250)

Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting the questions:
There are TWENTY questions printed in ENGLISH.
All questions are compulsory.
Answers to questions no. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to questions no. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words.
Questions no. 1 to 10 carry 10 marks each, whereas questions no. 11 to 20 carry 15 marks each.
Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.

Questions:

Q1. Discuss the factors that contributed to the spread of Buddhism outside India and how is it benefiting India at the present time. (150 words)

Q2. Make an assessment of the contribution of Satavahanas to the Indian art and architecture. (150 words)

Q3. To what extent the British policies in colonial India transformed the agrarian structure of the time? (150 words)

Q4. Analyze the contribution made by the Indian capitalists to India’s struggle for freedom. (150 words)

Q5. Briefly describe the situations that led to the American civil war. What were the consequences of the American civil war? (150 words)

Q6. The root cause of World War II can be traced to the Treaty of Versailles of 1919. Critically evaluate this statement. (150 words)

Q7. Critically evaluate the extent to which the urbanization is responsible for structural changes in the pattern of the family in India. (150 words)

Q8. What are the problems faced by domestic workers in India? Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and the judiciary to address such problems. (150 words)

Q9. Briefly discuss various factors that control the formation of soil. (150 words)

Q10. The government has been actively promoting the cultivation of millets. Discuss its importance for Indian agriculture. (150 words)

Q11. Discuss the policy of Dhamma adopted by the Mauryan Emperor Asoka. Comment upon its relevance to the governance in contemporary India. (250 words)

Q12. The significance of Alexander’s Invasion of India lies in the synthesis of the culture of two regions rather than in the political achievements. Substantiate this statement. (250 words)

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Q13. “The Champaran Satyagraha brought together the peasant unrest and the national movement, which assured the success of the Indian National Movement.” Elucidate. (250 words)

Q14. The Quit India movement was launched in a most adverse circumstance faced by the national movement until then. Discuss why had it become necessary to launch the movement in such a condition. (250 words)

Q15. Discuss how the Industrial revolution in England changed the economic and political relations with its colonies including India. (250 words)

Q16. Discuss the factors responsible for the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991. How did it change the world order? (250 words)

Q17. A recent analysis of electoral turnout in India suggests increasing feminization of electorate, but it is still facing the female voter deficit. Discuss its causes and consequences. (250 words)

Q18. The benefits of migration are limited and many migrants continue to remain in poverty even after undertaking the costs of physical mobility. Critically comment. (250 words)

Q19. The number of factors affecting the location of industries can be reduced with the development of transport and technology. Substantiate this statement with an example of Cotton industries in India. (250 words)

Q20. With a special focus on South Asian countries, discuss how the changes in precipitation and temperature affect the living standard of the people. (250 words)