What the 2021 paper asked
The 2021 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 (3), explain (3), evaluate (2), examine (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
Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti literature and its contribution to Indian culture.
Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.
Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States.
Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats.
Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss.
What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples.
Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.
Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer.
Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems.
Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India.
To what extent did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment.
Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.
“There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement.
Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples.
How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.
Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world.
What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India?
Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail.
What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also?
How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it.
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Other 2021 papers: GS2 · GS3 · GS4 Ethics · Essay.
Questions
How many questions were in UPSC Mains 2021 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 2021 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.