What the 2020 paper asked
The 2020 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: discuss (4), elaborate (3), justify (2), comment (2).
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
The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.
Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.
Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement.
Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.
The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples.
How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?
Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.
Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.
COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.
Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.
Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.
Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.
Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.
The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.
Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.
India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate.
Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.
Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer.
Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?
How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer.
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Other 2020 papers: GS2 · GS3 · GS4 Ethics · Essay.
Questions
How many questions were in UPSC Mains 2020 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 2020 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.