The Civil Services Main examination is designed to know the aspirants personality and also his/her ability to present his/her knowledge in a comprehensible, consistent and descriptive manner. The IAS Mains Exam evaluates the overall intellectual quality of the candidates’ and his insights on different issues.

General Studies paper 1 is of  250 Marks and contains Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society in syllabus.  Click here for UPSC MAINS SYLLABUS 2021

2018 UPSC MAINS GS PAPER 1

  1. Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

  2. Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the econstruction of the history of India. (Answer in 150 words)10 Marks

  3. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (Answer in 150)10 Marks

  4. Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed ? How does it help in navigation ? (Answer in 150 words)10 Marks

  5. Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region ? (Answer in 150 words)10 Marks

  6. Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. (Answer in 150 words)10 Marks

  7. What are the consequences of spreading of 'Dead Zones' on marine ecosystem? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

  8. “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

  9. ‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing.' Explain by giving reasons. (Answer in 150 words)10 Marks

  10. How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism ? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)10 Marks

  11. The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

  12. Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

  13. Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies ? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there ? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

  14. “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system. How can it be made effective in urban areas ? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

  15. Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

  16. What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India ? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

  17. Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

  18. "Women's movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata. Substantiate your view. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

  19. "Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society’ Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Mark

  20. ‘‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

The nature of questions in General Studies in civil services mains exam need answers that are relevant, consequential and synoptic . These questions are to test the candidate’s skill on assessing and taking a view on the diverging socio-economic goals and objectives.To get more tips on studies of UPSC mains  click here 

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