What the 2025 paper asked
The 2025 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 (6), explain (3), how (3), elucidate (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
Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture.
Examine the main aspects of Akbar’s religious syncretism.
‘The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigor and breadth of life.’ Elucidate.
How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples.
What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples.
Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples.
What are Tsunamis? How and where are they formed? What are their consequences? Explain with examples.
How does smart city in India, address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice?
The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate.
Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer.
Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.
Trace India’s consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education and international relations.
The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain.
Give a geographical explanation of the distribution of off-shore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the on-shore occurrences of oil reserves?
How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning?
Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses.
Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources.
How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.
Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.
Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.
Other 2025 papers: GS2 · GS3 · GS4 Ethics · Essay.
Questions
How many questions were in UPSC Mains 2025 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 2025 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.