UPSC Mains 2020 GS Paper 1 questions

20 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2020. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All GS Paper 1 PYQs

1. 1

   The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.

   Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

2. 2

   Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.

   Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks

3. 3

   Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement.

   Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

4. 4

   Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Cireum-Pacific Zone.

   Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

5. 5

   The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples.

   Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

6. 6

   How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?

   Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

7. 7

   Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.

   Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

8. 8

   Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.

   Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

9. 9

   COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.

   Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

10. 10

    Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.

    Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

11. 11

    Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.

    Art & Culture · 250 words · 15 marks

12. 12

    Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.

    Art & Culture · 250 words · 15 marks

13. 13

    Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.

    Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

14. 14

    The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.

    Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

15. 15

    Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.

    Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

16. 16

    India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate.

    Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

17. 17

    Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.

    Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

18. 18

    Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer.

    Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

19. 19

    Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?

    Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

20. 20

    How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer.

    Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks