2020 UPSC CSE Mains General Studies Paper 1 PYQs

The UPSC Civil Services Mains 2020 General Studies Paper 1 is a critical part of the examination, focusing on key subjects such as Indian History, World History, Geography, and Social Issues. In History, the focus spans ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, along with themes of post-independence consolidation and world history events like industrialization, colonization, and revolutions. Geography covers physical geography of the world, distribution of key natural resources, and climate change impacts, while Social Issues delve into topics like poverty, urbanization, caste, and gender inequality.

This post provides a comprehensive list of Previous Year Questions (PYQs), helping aspirants analyze the exam pattern, understand syllabus coverage, and prepare strategically for future UPSC Mains. Practicing these 2020 General Studies Paper 1 PYQs will enable candidates to strengthen their grasp of important concepts and improve their answer-writing skills.

---

History

1. The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.
2. Pula period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.
3. India philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.
4. Persian literary sources of Medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.
5. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement
6. Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various idelogical stands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.

---

Social Science

1. Has lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.
2. Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer
3. Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.
4. Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to abscuratism. Do you agree?
5. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India.
6. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the educational system in the country? Elaborate your answer.

---

Geography

1. Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.
2. The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples.
3. How will the meeting of Himalayan glaciers have a far reaching impact on the water resources of India?
4. The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.
5. India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate.
6. Examine the status of forest resources of India and Its resultant impact on climate change.
7. Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.

---