Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam? One of the most effective strategies is analyzing Previous Year Questions (PYQs). This page provides a subject-wise compilation of GS Paper 1 PYQs, helping aspirants understand exam trends and refine their preparation.
Why Should You Practice UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 PYQs?
- Exam-Oriented Preparation: UPSC often repeats themes, making PYQs invaluable.
- Understand Question Trends: Analyze how questions are framed and their evolution over the years.
- Master Answer-Writing Skills: PYQs help in structuring answers and improving content depth.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Questions span across key subjects like History, Indian Society, and Geography.
Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture
2025
- Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture. (10 M))
- Examine the main aspects of Akbar’s religious syncretism. (10 M)
- ‘The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigor and breadth of life.’ Elucidate. (10 M)
2024
- Underline the changes in the field of economy and society from Rig Vedic to later Vedic period. (10 M)
- Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of Art and literature of South India. (10 M)
- Though 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)
2023
- What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? (15 M)
2022
- How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? (10 M)
- Discuss the main contributions of the Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. (15 M)
- Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art, and architecture. (15 M)
2021
- Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti Movement and its contribution to Indian culture. (10 M)
2020
- The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. (10 M)
- The Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (10 M)
- Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (15 M)
- Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. (15 M)
2019
- Highlight the Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in Gandhara art. (10 M)
2018
- The Bhakti literature received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (15 M)
- Safeguarding the Indian Art Heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. (10 M)
2017
- How 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)
2016
- Early Buddhist Stupa art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives, successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate. (12.5 M)
- Krishnadeva 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)
2015
- The 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)
- Mesolithic 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)
2014
- To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to present-day urbanization? (10 M)
- Gandhara’s sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. (10 M)
- Sufis 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)
2013
- Though 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)
- Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions.(5 M)
- Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. (10 M)
Modern History - Significant Events, Personalities, Issues
2025
- Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss. (15 M)
2024
- What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results. (10 M)
- How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India? (15 M)
2023
- What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? (10 M)
- How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression? (15 M)
2022
- Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons. (10 M)
- Why 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)
- The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples.
2021
- Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. (10 M)
2019
- The 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. (10 M)
- Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century's 'Indian Renaissance' and the emergence of national identity. (10 M)
2018
- Throw light on the significance of thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (10 M)
- Why 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)
2017
- The 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)
- Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity? (10 M)
- Examine how the decline of the traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy. (15 M)
2016
- Explain how the uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India. (12.5 M)
- Highlight the difference in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. (12.5 M)
2015
- How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. (12.5 M)
- Mahatma 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)
- It 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)
2014
- The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat? (10 M)
- Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence. (10 M)
2013
- Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. (10 M)
- In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate. (10 M)
- Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India. (10 M)
Freedom Struggle
2021
- To what extent did the role of moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment. (15 M)
- Bring out the constructive programs of Mahatma Gandhi during the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (15 M)
2020
- Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long-term implications on the national movement. (10 M)
- Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (15 M)
2019
- Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate. (15 M)
- Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s. (15 M)
2017
- Why 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)
- Highlight the importance of new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence since the twenties of the last century. (15 M)
2016
- Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle, especially during the Gandhian phase. (12.5 M)
2014
- In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? (10 M)
- What were the major political, economic, and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India? (10 M)
2013
- Defying the barriers of age, gender, and religion, Indian women became the torch-bearers during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. (10 M)
Post-Independence Consolidation
2025
- Trace India’s consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education and international relations. (15 M)
2022
- The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (15 M)
2021
- Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. (10 M)
2018
- Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. (15 M)
2017
- What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? (10 M)
2016
- Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity? (10 M)
2015
- It 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)
2013
- Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan Movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. (10 M)
- Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan." (10 M)
- Analyze the circumstances that led to the Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement. (10 M)
- Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh. (10 M)
World History
2025
- The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain. (15 M)
2024
- How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power? (15 M)
2023
- Bring 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)
2019
- Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French Revolution. (15 M)
2017
- What problems were germane to the decolonization process of the Malay Peninsula? (10 M)
2016
- The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine. (12.5 M)
2015
- To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically. (12.5 M)
- Why 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)
2014
- The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after independence. Evaluate. (10 M)
- What 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)
2013
- What policy instruments were deployed to contain the Great Economic Depression? (10 M)
- The American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. (10 M)
- Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse. (10 M)
- The "Latecomer" Industrial Revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what the West had experienced. Discuss. (10 M)
Miscellaneous (History)
2023
- Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. (10 M)
- What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence Indian society? (15 M)
2018
- Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab Travelers in the reconstruction of the history of India. (10 M)
2014
- Taxila 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)
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India
2025
- The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate. (10 M)
2024
- Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss. (10 M)
- Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India’s cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities. (15 M)
2023
- Do you think marriage as a sacrament is losing its value in modern India? (10 M)
- Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (10 M)
- Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static? (15 M)
2022
- Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific context should they be considered as a single category? (10 M)
2021
- Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge systems when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (10 M)
- How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. (15 M)
2020
- Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (10 M)
2019
- Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples. (15 M)
2018
- "Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (10 M)
2017
- In 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)
- What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? (10 M)
- The 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)
2016
- Why 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)
2015
- Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity. (12.5 M)
- Debate the issue whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards the annihilation of caste. (12.5 M)
2014
- The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss. (10 M)
Role of Women and Women’s Organizations, Population and Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental Issues, Urbanization, Their Problems and Remedies
2025
- How does smart city in India, address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice? (10 M)
- Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment. (15 M)
- Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion. (15 M)
2024
- Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries. (10 M)
- What is the concept of a ‘demographic winter’? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate. (10 M)
- Distinguish 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)
- In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGOs and private sector would be most productive? (10 M)
2023
- Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society. (10 M)
- Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India? (10 M)
- Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises? (15 M)
2022
- Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships. (10 M)
- How 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)
2021
- What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? (15 M)
- Examine the role of the Gig Economy in the process of empowerment of women in India. (10 M)
- Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (15 M)
2020
- COVID-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)
- How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India? (10 M)
- What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (15 M)
2018
- ‘Despite the implementation of various programs for the eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty still exists.’ Explain by giving reasons. (10 M)
- ‘Women’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)
- With a brief background of the quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme’. (12.5 M)
2015
- Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty or poverty is the main cause of population increase in India. (12.5 M)
- Mumbai, 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)
- Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural-urban integration. (12.5 M)
- Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. (12.5 M)
2014
- How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle-class working woman in India? (10 M)
- Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments. (10 M)
- Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving the increasing feminization of agriculture in India. (10 M)
2013
- Discuss the various social problems that originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India.
- Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organizations free from gender bias. Comment.
Effects of Globalization on Indian Society
2025
- Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer. (10 M)
- How 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)
2024
- Globalization 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)
2023
- Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism. (15 M)
2022
- Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India. (15 M)
2021
- What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society as well? (15 M)
2020
- Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalization? Justify your answer. (15 M)
2019
- Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (15 M)
2018
- ‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization, but due to this, cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in Indian society.’ Elucidate. (15 M)
2016
- To what extent has globalization influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain. (12.5 M)
2015
- Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. (12.5 M)
2013
- Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India. (10 M)
Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism
2024
- What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India. (15 M)
- Despite 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)
2022
- Analyze the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region, and religion. (15 M)
- Are tolerance, assimilation, and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. (15 M)
2020
- Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. (10 M)
- Customs and traditions suppress reason, leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (15 M)
2019
- What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism? (10 M)
2018
- How is the Indian concept of secularism different from the Western model of secularism? Discuss. (10 M)
- Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration, and competition for its success. (15 M)
- "Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation." Argue by giving suitable illustrations. (15 M)
2017
- Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism, giving one example of how the former has been transformed into the latter in independent India. (15 M)
2016
- What 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)
- Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity? (12.5 M)
2015
- How 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)
2013
- Growing feelings of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss. (10 M)
Physical Geography
2025
- What are Tsunamis? How and where are they formed? What are their consequences? Explain with examples. (10 M)
- Discuss 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)
2024
- What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones? (10 M)
- What is the phenomenon of ‘cloudbursts’? Explain. (10 M)
- What are aurora australia and aurora borealis? How are these triggered? (15 M)
- What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico? (15 M)
2023
- How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? (10 M)
2022
- Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. (10 M)
2021
- Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (15 M)
2020
- Discuss the geophysical characteristics of the Circum-Pacific Zone. (10 M)
- The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples. (10 M)
2019
- Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. (10 M)
2014
- Why 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)
- Explain the formation of thousands of islands in the Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. (10 M)
2013
- What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidence in its support. (5 M)
- The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called 'Phailin'. How are tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate. (5 M)
Indian Geography
2025
- What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples. (10 M)
- Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources. (15 M)
2023
- Why 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)
2022
- Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone-prone areas given by the India Meteorological Department. (10 M)
- Discuss the natural resource potential of the Deccan Trap. (10 M)
2020
- How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? (10 M)
- The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (15 M)
2015
- The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.
- Mumbai, 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?
- How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss.
2014
- Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. (10 M)
- (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)
Resources
2025
- Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples. (10 M)
- Give 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)
2024
- The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? (15 M)
2023
- Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? (10 M)
- Comment on the resource potential of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. (10 M)
- Identify 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)
2022
- Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for its limited spatial spread. (10 M)
- Describing the distribution of rubber-producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (15 M)
2021
- Despite 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)
- What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples. (10 M)
- Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of the uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. (15 M)
2020
- India has immense potential for solar energy, though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate. (15 M)
- Examine the status of forest resources in India and its resultant impact on climate change. (15 M)
2019
- What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (15 M)
- How 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)
- Defining 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)
- In what way can floods be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India? (15 M)
2016
- The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce human miseries. Explain. (12.5 M)
- Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. (12.5 M)
- In what way do micro-watershed development projects help in water conservation in drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India? (12.5 M)
2015
- India is well endowed with freshwater resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. (12.5 M)
2013
- With 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)
- It 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)
Climatology
2023
- Discuss the consequences of climate change on food security in tropical countries. (10 M)
2022
- The troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes. How? (15 M)
2017
- What 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)
2016
- Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes. (12.5 M)
2014
- Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Niño effect. Do you agree?
2013
- (a) Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. (10 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) - Major hot deserts in the Northern Hemisphere are located between 20-30°N latitudes and on the western side of the continents. Why?(5 M)``
Agriculture
2023
- From being a net food importer in the 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. (15 M)
2017
- Mention 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)
2014
- Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually bypass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water?
- Whereas 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.
Oceanography
2022
- What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in the fishing industry of the world. (15 M)
2019
- How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and the coastal environment? (15 M)
2018
- What are the consequences of the spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystems? (10 M)
2017
- Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multidimensional effects. (15 M)
2015
- Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing, and navigation? (12.5 M)
2014
- Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world. (10 M)
Industries
2020
- Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. (10 M)
2019
- Discuss the factors for the localization of agro-based food processing industries in North-West India. (10 M)
- Can the strategy of regional-resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (10 M)
2018
- What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify the major industrial corridors and explain their main characteristics. (15 M)
2017
- Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil-producing areas, particularly in many developing countries. Explain its implications. (15 M)
2014
- Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the iron and steel industry in the world. (10 M)
2013
- (a) Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the southern states of India? Discuss with justification. (5 M)
(b) Analyze the factors for the highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India. (5 M)
Geophysical phenomena
2025
- How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples. (10 M)
2021
- Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and the Western Ghats. (10 M)
- Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on the regional environment. (10 M)
- How 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)
2020
- Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India, including smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (15 M)
2019
- Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples. (10 M)
2018
- Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. (10 M)
2017
- How 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)
- Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (12.5 M)
2014
- Tropical cyclones are largely confined to the South China Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Gulf of Mexico. Why? (10 M)
Geopolitics
2022
- Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. (10 M)
2018
- Why is India taking keen interest in the resources of the Arctic region? (10 M)
2016
- The South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment. (12.5 M)
- Present 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)
2015
- What are the economic significances of the discovery of oil in the Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences? (12.5 M)
2014
- How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource-rich Africa? (10 M)
Miscellaneous (Geography)
2025
- How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning? (15 M)
2021
- Why is India considered as a sub-continent? Elaborate your answer. (10 M)
2019
- How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (15 M)
2018
- Why is the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? (10 M)
2017
- How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? (10 M)
