Mains PYQs · 2017

UPSC Mains 2017 GS1, every question.

The 2017 GS Paper 1 in full, in paper order: marks, word limit and directive for each question, with a link to write it against the clock.

By Gaurav Singh and Aditya Tiwari·Published ·Questions: UPSC Civil Services (Main) papers·Updated

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

Q1 · 10 marks · 150 words · Justify

How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times?

Q2 · 10 marks · 150 words · How

Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity.

Q3 · 10 marks · 150 words · Why

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?

Q4 · 10 marks · 150 words · What

What problems were germane to the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula?

Q5 · 10 marks · 150 words · How

How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth?

Q6 · 10 marks · 150 words · Discuss

“In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.” Discuss.

Q7 · 10 marks · 150 words

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.

Q8 · 10 marks · 150 words · How

How does the cryosphere affect global climate?

Q9 · 10 marks · 150 words

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.

Q10 · 10 marks · 150 words · What

What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)?

Q11 · 15 marks · 250 words · Elaborate

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.

Q12 · 15 marks · 250 words · Examine

Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy.

Q13 · 15 marks · 250 words · Highlight

Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence since the twenties of the last century.

Q14 · 15 marks · 250 words · Discuss

Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects.

Q15 · 15 marks · 250 words · Explain

Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications.

Q16 · 15 marks · 250 words · What

In what way can floods be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India?

Q17 · 15 marks · 250 words · What

What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia?

Q18 · 15 marks · 250 words · What

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?

Q19 · 15 marks · 250 words · Distinguish

Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India.

Q20 · 15 marks · 250 words · Substantiate

“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.

← 2016 · All GS1 years · 2018 →

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.

Practise GS1 questions
Check your answer on Telegram. Send a photo of your handwritten answer to @WriteUPSCbot for marks in about a minute, or join the group for a Mains question every morning.