2023 UPSC CSE Mains General Studies Paper 1 PYQs

The UPSC Civil Services Mains 2023 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 2023 General Studies Paper 1 PYQs will enable candidates to strengthen their grasp of important concepts and improve their answer-writing skills.

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History

1. Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India.
2. What are the main features of Vedic Society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society ?
3. What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the indian society ?
4. What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism ?
5. How did the colonial rule effect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression ?
6. From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons
7. Bring out the socia-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world.

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Social Science

1. Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static?
2. Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism.
3. Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India ?
4. Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises?
5. Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children.
6. Do you think marriage as a sacrament is loosing its value in Modern India?
7. Explain why suicide among young women in increasing in Indian Society.

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Geography

1. How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world ?
2. Why is the South-West Monsoon called Purvaiya (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region ?
3. Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries.
4. Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resouces?
5. Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of Wildlife sancturies in rain forest regions of India.
6. Comment on the resouces potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.
7. Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread.