What the 2016 paper asked
The 2016 GS Paper 1 had 20 questions for 250 marks: 20 of 12.5 marks (200 words). The directives UPSC used most: discuss (5), explain (3), examine (2), substantiate (2). 1 of these questions have topper answers in the writeupsc bank, linked under each.
GS Paper 1 covers Indian heritage and culture, history, and the geography of the world and society. For how long a scoring answer runs at each mark, see how long toppers actually write.
All 20 questions
Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.
Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.
Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.
Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.
Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.
Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity?
The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine.
To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain.
“An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples.
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.
With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme’.
What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer.
Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes.
“The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.
The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain.
South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.
Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss.
Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.
Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India.
In what way micro-watershed development projects help in water conservation in drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India?
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Other 2016 papers: GS2 · GS3 · GS4 Ethics · Essay.
Questions
How many questions were in UPSC Mains 2016 GS Paper 1?
20 questions, 250 marks in all: 20 of 12.5 marks (200 words). All are compulsory.
Where can I practise the 2016 GS1 questions?
In the practice bank, with a timer set to exam pace. Writing is free with no sign-in; checking an answer against topper answers uses an evaluation (1 free).
Write one, then get it checked.
Write by hand against the clock in the practice bank, then photograph the page: writeupsc puts it beside real topper answers. 1 free evaluation.