What the 2017 paper asked
The 2017 GS Paper 1 had 20 questions for 250 marks: 10 of 10 marks (150 words), 10 of 15 marks (250 words). The directives UPSC used most: what (5), how (3), discuss (2), justify (1).
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
How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times?
Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity.
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?
What problems were germane to the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula?
How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth?
“In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.” Discuss.
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.
How does the cryosphere affect global climate?
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.
What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)?
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.
Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy.
Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence since the twenties of the last century.
Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects.
Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications.
In what way can floods be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India?
What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia?
The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?
Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India.
“The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues of employment, but has also created new problems.” Substantiate this statement with examples.
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Other 2017 papers: GS2 · GS3 · GS4 Ethics · Essay.
Questions
How many questions were in UPSC Mains 2017 GS Paper 1?
20 questions, 250 marks in all: 10 of 10 marks (150 words), 10 of 15 marks (250 words). All are compulsory.
Where can I practise the 2017 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.