GS1 past papers at a glance
270 questions from 2013 to 2025. GS Paper 1 covers Indian heritage and culture, history, and the geography of the world and society. The directives UPSC uses most in this paper: discuss (59), how (30), explain (25), why (20), what (19), comment (13). 5 have topper answers in the writeupsc bank.
Year wise
| Year | Questions | Directives used most |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 20 | discuss (6), explain (3), how (3) |
| 2024 | 20 | how (7), what (2), discuss (2) |
| 2023 | 20 | discuss (4), why (4), what (3) |
| 2022 | 20 | discuss (5), why (2), describe (2) |
| 2021 | 20 | discuss (3), explain (3), evaluate (2) |
| 2020 | 20 | discuss (4), elaborate (3), justify (2) |
| 2019 | 20 | discuss (5), how (3), assess (2) |
| 2018 | 20 | explain (5), discuss (4), how (2) |
| 2017 | 20 | what (5), how (3), discuss (2) |
| 2016 | 20 | discuss (5), explain (3), examine (2) |
| 2015 | 20 | discuss (7), critically evaluate (2), critically examine (2) |
| 2014 | 25 | why (5), discuss (4), how (4) |
| 2013 | 25 | discuss (8), analyse (4), comment (2) |
The 2025 paper
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.
Questions
How many GS1 questions does UPSC set?
Since 2017, 20 compulsory questions for 250 marks: ten of 10 marks (150 words) and ten of 15 marks (250 words). 2014–2016: 20 of 12.5 marks (200 words); 2013: 25 of 10 marks.
Where can I practise GS1 PYQs?
In the practice bank: every GS1 question from 2013 to 2025, with an exam-pace timer. Free to write; 1 free evaluation against topper answers.
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.