UPSC Mains 2026 GS Paper 1 questions

20 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All GS Paper 1 PYQs

1. 1

   Analyze the importance of Ashokan inscriptions for reconstructing Mauryan history.

   Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks

2. 2

   Discuss the impact of Macaulay's Minute on colonial administration and education in India.

   Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

3. 3

   The significance of the Gandhian movements lay in the masses they mobilized. Elucidate.

   Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

4. 4

   What is the Fujiwhara effect? Explain its impact on the movement and intensity of tropical cyclones.

   Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

5. 5

   "Tundra regions are ecologically fragile but economically important." Examine this statement critically.

   Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

6. 6

   Discuss the role of aeolian processes in desertification and land degradation.

   Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

7. 7

   "Water resources are both an asset and a source of conflict in South Asia." Examine this statement giving examples.

   Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

8. 8

   Unity in diversity remains the defining feature of Indian society despite the challenges from communalism and regionalism. Comment.

   Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

9. 9

   How do you understand disability? Substantiate the need for inclusive policy framework in India in this regard.

   Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

10. 10

    Do you think digital technology promotes social empowerment? Explain with examples.

    Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

11. 11

    Vijayanagara architecture exemplifies the amalgamation of past traditions with contemporary practices. Elucidate with examples.

    Art & Culture · 250 words · 15 marks

12. 12

    Linguistic reorganization of Indian States was driven by popular pressure from below. Comment.

    Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

13. 13

    The model of planned economy was adopted in India to address the regional imbalances left behind by colonial rule. Comment.

    Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

14. 14

    Compare the Loo, Chinook and Foehn winds with respect to their regions of prevalence, their nature and climatic impacts.

    Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

15. 15

    Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India.

    Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

16. 16

    "The centre of global trade is gradually shifting from the Atlantic region to the Indo-Pacific region." Examine this statement.

    Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

17. 17

    Analyze the major drivers of human-induced land-use changes in India and their geographical consequences.

    Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

18. 18

    Is caste disappearing in urban India? Illustrate your answer with examples.

    Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

19. 19

    Critically examine the challenges of demographic transition in contemporary India.

    Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

20. 20

    Evaluate the impact of globalization on Indian youths with reference to social, political, economic and cultural spheres.

    Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks