PYQ Astra UPSC CSE

UPSC Mains 2018 GS 1 Question Paper (General Studies I)

All 20 questions from the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2018 General Studies I paper, transcribed from the official question paper and tagged by syllabus topic. Format: 150 words (Q1–10, 10 marks) · 250 words (Q11–20, 15 marks). Download the original question paper PDF.

Want to write answers to these? Open the Mains answer-writing view

Q1 Indian Culture & Heritage · 10 marks

Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.

Q2 Modern Indian History · 10 marks

Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India.

Q3 Freedom Struggle · 10 marks

Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.

Q4 Geography (Physical, Resources & Phenomena) · 10 marks

Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?

Q5 Geography (Physical, Resources & Phenomena) · 10 marks

Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region?

Q6 Geography (Physical, Resources & Phenomena) · 10 marks

Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics.

Q7 Geography (Physical, Resources & Phenomena) · 10 marks

What are the consequences of spreading of 'Dead Zones' on marine ecosystem?

Q8 Indian Society · 10 marks

'Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.' Comment.

Q9 Indian Society · 10 marks

'Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing.' Explain by giving reasons.

Q10 Communalism, Secularism & Regionalism · 10 marks

How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss.

Q11 Indian Culture & Heritage · 15 marks

The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss.

Q12 Post-Independence Consolidation · 15 marks

Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India.

Q13 Modern Indian History · 15 marks

Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?

Q14 Geography (Physical, Resources & Phenomena) · 15 marks

'The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.' How can it be made effective in urban areas?

Q15 Geography (Physical, Resources & Phenomena) · 15 marks

Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India.

Q16 Geography (Physical, Resources & Phenomena) · 15 marks

What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics.

Q17 Post-Independence Consolidation · 15 marks

Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success.

Q18 Women, Population & Urbanization · 15 marks

'Women's movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.' Substantiate your view.

Q19 Globalization · 15 marks

'Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society.' Elucidate.

Q20 Communalism, Secularism & Regionalism · 15 marks

'Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.' Argue by giving suitable illustrations.

GS 1 other years