UPSC Mains GS-I — Previous Year Questions (2013–2025)

Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture. (Answer in 150 words)

Examine the main aspects of Akbar's religious syncretism. (Answer in 150 words)

'The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigor and breadth of life.' Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)

How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)

What are non-primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)

Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)

What are Tsunamis? How and where are they formed? What are their consequences? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)

How does smart city in India address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice? (Answer in 150 words)

The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)

Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)

Mahatma Jotirao Phule's writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)

Trace India's consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education and international relations. (Answer in 250 words)

The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain. (Answer in 250 words)

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? (Answer in 250 words)

How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning? (Answer in 250 words)