UPSC Civil Services (Mains) Exam: GS1 PYQ (Previous Year Questions) analysis helps UPSC aspirants understand how the GS Paper-1 syllabus is operationalized in the Mains examination. By studying GS1 PYQs topic-wise—History, Geography, Society, and Culture—candidates can identify recurring themes, evolving demand patterns, and UPSC’s analytical depth, enabling more focused preparation and effective answer writing.

Why GS1 PYQ Trend Analysis Is Important?

  • Clarifies syllabus priorities within History, Art & Culture, Geography, and Society
  • Highlights repeated and high-weightage themes
  • Helps decode UPSC’s demand (static vs current linkage)
  • Improves answer structuring aligned with past examiner expectations
  • Prevents over-preparation and enhances content relevance
UPSC CSE Mains PYQ-GS1 Topic-wise 2013-2025

Comprehensive List of GS1 Previous Years Questions (2013-onwards)

2025Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture. (10 M)
2025Examine the main aspects of Akbar’s religious syncretism. (10 M)
2025The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigor and breadth of life.’ Elucidate. (10 M)
2024Underline the changes in the field of economy and society from Rig Vedic to later Vedic period. (10 M)
2024Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of Art and literature of South India. (10 M)
2023Though the great Cholas are no more, yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture.” Comment. (15 M)
2023What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? (15 M)
2022How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? (10 M)
2022Discuss the main contributions of the Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. (15 M)
2022Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art, and architecture. (15 M)
2021Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti Movement and its contribution to Indian culture. (10 M)
2020The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. (10 M)
2020The Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (10 M)
2020Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (15 M)
2020Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. (15 M)
2019Highlight the Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in Gandhara art. (10 M)
2018The Bhakti literature received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (15 M)
2018Safeguarding the Indian Art Heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. (10 M)
2017How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times? (10 M)
2016Early Buddhist Stupa art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives, successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate. (12.5 M)
2016Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss. (12.5 M)
2015The ancient civilization in the 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 M)
2015Mesolithic rock-cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also has a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment. (12.5 M)
2014To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to present-day urbanization? (10 M)
2014Gandhara’s sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. (10 M)
2014Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu/Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment. (10 M)
2013Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment. (10 M)
2013Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions. (5 M)
2013Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. (10 M)

2025Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss. (15 M)
2024What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results. (10 M)
2024How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India? (15 M)
2023What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? (10 M)
2023How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression? (15 M)
2022Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons. (10 M)
2022Why did the armies of the British East India Company – mostly comprising of Indian soldiers – win consistently against the more numerous and better equipped armies of the then Indian rulers? Give reasons. (10 M)
2021Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. (10 M)
2019The 1857 Uprising was the culmination of the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate. (10M)
2019Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity. (10 M)
2018Throw light on the significance of thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (10 M)
2018Why was indentured labour taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? (15 M)
2017The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th-century social reform movement. What are the major issues and debates concerning women in that period? (15 M)
2017Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity? (10 M)
2017Examine how the decline of the traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy. (15 M)
2016Explain how the uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India. (12.5 M)
2016Highlight the difference in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. (12.5 M)
2015How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. (12.5 M)
2015Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. (12.5 M)
2015It 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 M)
2014The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat? (10 M)
2014Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence. (10 M)
2013Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. (10 M)
2013In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate. (10 M)
2013Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India. (10 M)

2023Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. (10 M)
2023What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence Indian society? (15 M)
2018Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab Travelers in the reconstruction of the history of India. (10 M)
2014Taxila University was one of the oldest universities in the world, associated with a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered a university in the modern sense. Discuss. (10 M)

2021To what extent did the role of moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment. (15 M)
2021Bring out the constructive programs of Mahatma Gandhi during the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (15 M)
2020Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long-term implications on the national movement. (10 M)
2020Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (15 M)
2019Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate. (15 M)
2019Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s. (15 M)
2017Why did the Moderates fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century? (10 M)
2017Highlight the importance of new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence since the twenties of the last century. (15 M)
2016Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle, especially during the Gandhian phase. (12.5 M)
2014In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? (10 M)
2014What were the major political, economic, and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India? (10 M)
2013Defying the barriers of age, gender, and religion, Indian women became the torch-bearers during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. (10 M)

2025Trace India’s consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education and international relations. (15 M)
2022The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (15 M)
2021Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. (10 M)
2018Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. (15 M)
2017What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? (10 M)
2016Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity? (10 M)
2015It 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 its experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss. (12.5 M)
2013Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan Movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. (10 M)
2013Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.” (10 M)
2013Analyze the circumstances that led to the Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement. (10 M)
2013Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh. (10 M)

2025The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain. (15 M)
2024How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power? (15 M)
2023Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world. (10 M)
2021“There arose a serious challenge to the democratic state system between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (15 M)
2019Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French Revolution. (15 M)
2017What problems were germane to the decolonization process of the Malay Peninsula? (10 M)
2016The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine. (12.5 M)
2015To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically. (12.5 M)
2015Why did the Industrial Revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people there during industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present? (12.5 M)
2014The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after independence. Evaluate. (10 M)
2014What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s self-image as a world power? (10 M)
2013What policy instruments were deployed to contain the Great Economic Depression? (10 M)
2013The American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. (10 M)
2013Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse. (10 M)
2013The “Latecomer” Industrial Revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what the West had experienced. Discuss. (10 M)

2025The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate. (10 M)
2024Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss. (10 M)
2024Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India’s cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities. (15 M)
2023Do you think marriage as a sacrament is losing its value in modern India? (10 M)
2023Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (10 M)
2023Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static? (15 M)
2022Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific context should they be considered as a single category? (10 M)
2021Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge systems when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (10 M)
2021How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. (15 M)
2020Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (10 M)
2019Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples. (15 M)
2017“Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (10 M)
2017In the context of the diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the states? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint. (10 M)
2017What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? (10 M)
2017The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate. (15 M)
2016Why are the tribals in India referred to as the ‘Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. (12.5 M)
2015Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity. (12.5 M)
2015Debate the issue whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards the annihilation of caste. (12.5 M)
2014The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss. (10 M)

2025How does smart city in India, address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice? (10 M)
2025Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment. (15 M)
2025Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion. (15 M)
2024Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries. (10 M)
2024What is the concept of a ‘demographic winter’? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate. (10 M)
2024Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation? (10 M)
2024In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGOs and private sector would be most productive? (10 M)
2023Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society. (10 M)
2023Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India? (10 M)
2023Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises? (15 M)
2022Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships. (10 M)
2022How is the growth of Tier-2 cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the culture of consumption? (10 M)
2021What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? (15 M)
2021Examine the role of the Gig Economy in the process of empowerment of women in India. (10 M)
2021Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (15 M)
2020COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (10 M)
2019“Empowering women is the key to controlling population growth.” Discuss. (10 M)
2019How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India? (10 M)
2019What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (15 M)
2018Despite the implementation of various programs for the eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty still exists. Explain by giving reasons. (10 M)
2018Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (15 M)
2017“The growth of cities as IT hubs has opened up new avenues of employment, but has also created new problems.” Substantiate this statement with examples. (15 M)
2016“An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples. (12.5 M)
2016With a brief background of the quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme’. (12.5 M)
2015Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty or poverty is the main cause of population increase in India. (12.5 M)
2015Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata are the three megacities of the country, but air pollution is a much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? (12.5 M)
2015Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural-urban integration. (12.5 M)
2015Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. (12.5 M)
2014How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle-class working woman in India? (10 M)
2014Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments. (10 M)
2014Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving the increasing feminization of agriculture in India. (10 M)
2013Discuss the various social problems that originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India.
2013Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organizations free from gender bias. Comment.

2025Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer. (10 M)
2025How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience. (15 M)
2024Globalization has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family? (15 M)
2023Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism. (15 M)
2022Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India. (15 M)
2021What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society as well? (15 M)
2020Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalization? Justify your answer. (15 M)
2019Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (15 M)
2018Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization, but due to this, cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in Indian society. Elucidate. (15 M)
2016To what extent has globalization influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain. (12.5 M)
2015Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. (12.5 M)
2013Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India. (10 M)

2024What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India. (15 M)
2024Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment. (15 M)
2022Analyze the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region, and religion. (15 M)
2022Are tolerance, assimilation, and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. (15 M)
2020Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. (10 M)
2020Customs and traditions suppress reason, leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (15 M)
2019What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism? (10 M)
2018How is the Indian concept of secularism different from the Western model of secularism? Discuss. (10 M)
2018Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration, and competition for its success. (15 M)
2017“Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.” Argue by giving suitable illustrations. (15 M)
2017Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism, giving one example of how the former has been transformed into the latter in independent India. (15 M)
2016What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on a regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer. (12.5 M)
2016Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity? (12.5 M)
2015How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favorable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes? (12.5 M)
2013Growing feelings of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss. (10 M)

2025What are Tsunamis? How and where are they formed? What are their consequences? Explain with examples. (10 M)
2025Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses. (15 M)
2024What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones? (10 M)
2024What is the phenomenon of ‘cloudbursts’? Explain. (10 M)
2024What are aurora australia and aurora borealis? How are these triggered? (15 M)
2024What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico? (15 M)
2023How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? (10 M)
2022Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. (10 M)
2021Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (15 M)
2020Discuss the geophysical characteristics of the Circum-Pacific Zone. (10 M)
2020The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples. (10 M)
2019Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. (10 M)
2014Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the association between the global distribution of fold mountains and earthquakes and volcanoes. (10 M)
2014Explain the formation of thousands of islands in the Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. (10 M)
2013What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidence in its support. (5 M)
2013The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called ‘Phailin’. How are tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate. (5 M)

2025What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 M)
2025Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources. (15 M)
2023Why is the South-West Monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in the Bhojpur region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region? (10 M)
2022Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone-prone areas given by the India Meteorological Department. (10 M)
2022Discuss the natural resource potential of the Deccan Trap. (10 M)
2020How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? (10 M)
2020The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (15 M)
2015The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.
2015Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata are the three megacities of the country, but air pollution is a much more serious problem in Delhi compared to the other two. Why is this so?
2015How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss.
2014Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. (10 M)
2013(a) Bring out the causes for the more frequent occurrence of landslides in the Himalayas than in the Western Ghats. (10 M) (b) There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghats. Why? (10 M)
2013(a) Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. (5 M) (b) What do you understand by the phenomenon of ‘temperature inversion’ in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the inhabitants of the place? (5 M)

2025Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples. (10 M)
2025Give a geographical explanation of the distribution of off-shore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the on-shore occurrences of oil reserves? (15 M)
2024The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? (15 M)
2023Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? (10 M)
2023Comment on the resource potential of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. (10 M)
2023Identify and discuss the factors responsible for the diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rainforest regions of India. (10 M)
2022Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for its limited spatial spread. (10 M)
2022Describing the distribution of rubber-producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (15 M)
2021Despite India being one of the countries of Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (10 M)
2021What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples. (10 M)
2021Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of the uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. (15 M)
2020India has immense potential for solar energy, though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate. (15 M)
2020Examine the status of forest resources in India and its resultant impact on climate change. (15 M)
2019What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (15 M)
2019How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India? (15 M)
2018“The ideal solution to depleting groundwater resources in India is a water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas? (15 M)
2018Defining Blue Revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (15 M)
2017“In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.” Discuss. (10 M)
2017In what way can floods be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India? (15 M)
2016The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce human miseries. Explain. (12.5 M)
2016Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. (12.5 M)
2015In what way do micro-watershed development projects help in water conservation in drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India? (12.5 M)
2015India is well endowed with freshwater resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. (12.5 M)
2013With the growing scarcity of fossil fuels, atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw materials required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world. (10 M)
2013It is said that India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the country for a quarter-century. However, tapping of the resource does not appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved. (10 M)

2023Discuss the consequences of climate change on food security in tropical countries. (10 M)
2022The troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes. How? (15 M)
2017What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia? (15 M)
2016Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes. (12.5 M)
2014Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Niño effect. Do you agree?
2013Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. (10 M)
2013What do you understand by the phenomenon of ‘temperature inversion’ in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the inhabitants of the place? (5 M)
2013Major hot deserts in the Northern Hemisphere are located between 20-30°N latitudes and on the western side of the continents. Why? (5 M)

2023From being a net food importer in the 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. (15 M)
2017Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses, because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations. (15 M)
2014Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually bypass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water?
2014Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect, they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain.

2022What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in the fishing industry of the world. (15 M)
2019How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and the coastal environment? (15 M)
2018What are the consequences of the spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystems? (10 M)
2017Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multidimensional effects. (15 M)
2015Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing, and navigation? (12.5 M)
2014Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world. (10 M)

2020Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. (10 M)
2019Discuss the factors for the localization of agro-based food processing industries in North-West India. (10 M)
2019Can the strategy of regional-resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (10 M)
2018What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify the major industrial corridors and explain their main characteristics. (15 M)
2017Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil-producing areas, particularly in many developing countries. Explain its implications. (15 M)
2014Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the iron and steel industry in the world. (10 M)
2013Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the southern states of India? Discuss with justification. (5 M)
2013Analyze the factors for the highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India. (5 M)

2025How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples. (10 M)
2021Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and the Western Ghats. (10 M)
2021Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on the regional environment. (10 M)
2021How do the melting of the Arctic ice and the glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect weather patterns and human activities on Earth? Explain. (15 M)
2020Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India, including smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (15 M)
2019Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples. (10 M)
2018Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. (10 M)
2017How does the cryosphere affect the global climate? (10 M)
2016“The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable mitigation measures. (12.5 M)
2016Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (12.5 M)
2014Tropical cyclones are largely confined to the South China Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Gulf of Mexico. Why? (10 M)

2022Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. (10 M)
2018Why is India taking keen interest in the resources of the Arctic region? (10 M)
2016The South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment. (12.5 M)
2016Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic, and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. (12.5 M)
2015What are the economic significances of the discovery of oil in the Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences? (12.5 M)
2014How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource-rich Africa? (10 M)

2025How can Artificial Intelligence (Al) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning? (15 M)
2021Why is India considered as a sub-continent? Elaborate your answer. (10 M)
2019How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (15 M)
2018Why is the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? (10 M)
2017How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? (10 M)

Explore Latest GS1 Syllabus – UPSC Civil Services Exam

Stay aligned with the latest UPSC GS Paper 1 syllabus for the Civil Services (Mains) Examination. Get a clear, structured overview of topics such as Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography, and Society to plan your preparation strategically and focus on high-weightage areas effectively.

Explore GS1 Syllabus

Conclusion

A systematic analysis of GS1 PYQs transforms preparation from a broad, syllabus-heavy approach to a targeted, demand-driven strategy. When previous year questions are studied topic-wise and aligned with the syllabus, they serve as a reliable blueprint for understanding UPSC’s expectations. For aspirants aiming to maximize score efficiency in GS Paper-1, PYQ analysis is not optional—it is foundational.