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Complete 2016 UPSC CSE Prelims GS1 paper with 100 questions, answers, and detailed explanations. Attempt all questions with show/hide answers, or take the timed quiz.
100
Questions
46
Easy
54
Moderate
0
Difficult
The General Studies Paper-I of UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2016 displayed a clear shift towards applied, contemporary understanding rather than rote memorisation. With 26 questions, Indian Economy emerged as the single largest segment—almost one-fourth of the paper—underscoring UPSC’s growing focus on financial literacy, fiscal architecture (FRBM, inflation targeting) and developmental schemes such as JAM Trinity. Environment & Ecology kept its now-traditional prominence at 22 questions, reflecting both India’s INDC commitments after COP-21 and persistent biodiversity concerns. Current Affairs (11 questions) cut across sectors—from international agreements to cutting-edge technology—demanding a year-round newspaper engagement.
The overall difficulty spectrum was skewed towards Easy (46%) and Moderate (54%), with virtually no question qualifying as outright “Difficult”. Instead of trapping candidates with obscure facts, UPSC tested the ability to link static concepts to dynamic events: e.g., medieval polity framed within contemporary heritage debates, or science & tech items referencing recently operationalised missions. Surprisingly, Indian Polity—usually a heavyweight—had only 5 questions, marking its leanest appearance in recent years. Art & Culture and Medieval History maintained a balanced yet manageable presence (5 questions each), while only one question belonged to Ancient History, signalling a temporary retreat of that segment.
Notable patterns included multiple statement-type items demanding precise elimination skills, and fewer map-based geography questions (just six). Overall, aspirants who cultivated conceptual clarity, integrated current developments with static syllabus, and practiced intelligent guessing using elimination benefited immensely in 2016.
| Subject | Questions | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Economy | 26 | 26.0% |
| Environment & Ecology | 22 | 22.0% |
| Science & Technology | 13 | 13.0% |
| Current Affairs | 11 | 11.0% |
| Geography | 6 | 6.0% |
| Modern History | 6 | 6.0% |
| Indian Polity | 5 | 5.0% |
| Medieval History | 5 | 5.0% |
| Art & Culture | 5 | 5.0% |
| Ancient History | 1 | 1.0% |
| Total | 100 | 100% |
Q: Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. A Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its prorogation. 2. A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha, shall not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report? 1. Undernourishment 2. Child stunting 3. Child mortality Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: There has been a persistent deficit budget year after year. Which action/actions of the following can be taken by the Government to reduce the deficit? 1. Reducing revenue expenditure 2. Introducing new welfare schemes 3. Rationalizing subsidies 4. Reducing import duty Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: The establishment of ‘Payment Banks’ is being allowed in India to promote financial inclusion. Which of the following statements is/are correct in this context? 1. Mobile telephone companies and supermarket chains that are owned and controlled by residents are eligible to be promoters of Payment Banks. 2. Payment Banks can issue both credit cards and debit cards. 3. Payment Banks cannot undertake lending activities. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: With reference to ‘LiFi’, recently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It uses light as the medium for high-speed data transmission. 2. It is a wireless technology and is several times faster than WiFi. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: The term 'Intended Nationally Determined Contributions' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Q: Which one of the following is a purpose of 'UDAY', a scheme of the Government?
Q: With reference to 'IFC Masala Bonds', sometimes seen in the news, which of the statements given below is/are correct? 1. The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of the World Bank. 2. They are the rupee-denominated bonds and are a source of debt financing for the public and private sector. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements: 1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land. 2. Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?
Q: In the context of which of the following do you sometimes find the terms 'amber box', 'blue box' and 'green box' in the news?
Q: Which of the following is/are included in the capital budget of the Government of India? 1. Expenditure on acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machinery, etc. 2. Loans received from foreign governments 3. Loans and advances granted to the States and Union Territories Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: What is/are the importance/importances of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification? 1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships. 2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portion of financial resources to these regions. 3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: Recently, which one of the following currencies has been proposed to be added to the basket of IMF's SDR?
Q: With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements: 1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affecting the global economy, and advises the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the direction of its work. 2. The World Bank participates as observer in IMFC's meetings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: 'Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan' is a national campaign to
Q: With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements: 1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry. 2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Which of the following best describes the term “import cover”, sometimes seen in the news?
Q: Consider the following pairs: Community sometimes mentioned in the news — In the affairs of 1. Kurd — Bangladesh 2. Madhesi — Nepal 3. Rohingya — Myanmar Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Q: With reference to “Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)”, consider the following statements: 1. It is an organization of European Union in working relation with NATO and WHO. 2. It monitors chemical industry to prevent new weapons from emerging. 3. It provides assistance and protection to States (Parties) against chemical weapons threats. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: With reference to ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, consider the following statements: 1. Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of two percent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year. 2. This scheme covers post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: In which of the following regions of India are you “most likely” to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat?
Q: Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’? 1. River basin is the unit of planning and management. 2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level. 3. One of the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on rotation basis. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Why does the Government of India promote the use of ‘Neem-coated Urea’ in agriculture?
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State. 2. The Chief Secretary in a State has a fixed tenure. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women entrepreneurs. 2. It provides for refinance through SIDBI. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative? 1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity. 2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities. 3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Which of the following is/are tributary/tributaries of Brahmaputra? 1. Dibang 2. Kameng 3. Lohit Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: The term 'Core Banking Solutions' is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following statements best describes/describe this term? 1. It is a networking of a bank's branches which enables customers to operate their accounts from any branch of the bank on its network regardless of where they open their accounts. 2. It is an effort to increase RBI's control over commercial banks through computerization. 3. It is a detailed procedure by which a bank with huge non-performing assets is taken over by another bank. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: Consider the following pairs: Terms sometimes seen in the news — Their origin 1. Annex-I Countries : Cartagena Protocol 2. Certified Emissions Reductions : Nagoya Protocol 3. Clean Development Mechanism : Kyoto Protocol Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Q: In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term 'transcriptome', sometimes seen in the news, refers to
Q: 'Mission Indradhanush' launched by the Government of India pertains to
Q: Which of the following best describes/describe the aim of 'Green India Mission' of the Government of India? 1. Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the 'green accounting' 2. Launching the second green revolution to enhance agricultural output so as to ensure food security to one and all in the future 3. Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: With reference to pre-packaged items in India, it is mandatory to the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main label, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011? 1. List of ingredients including additives 2. Nutrition information 3. Recommendations, if any, made by the medical profession about the possibility of any allergic reactions 4. Vegetarian/non-vegetarian Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: 'Project Loon', sometimes seen in the news, is related to
Q: 'Net metering' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the
Q: India's ranking in the 'Ease of Doing Business Index' is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has declared that ranking?
Q: Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally
Q: Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?
Q: With reference to the 'Gram Nyayalaya Act', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. As per the Act, Gram Nyayalayas can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases. 2. The Act allows local social activists as mediators/reconciliators. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: With reference to the 'Trans-Pacific Partnership', consider the following statements: 1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia. 2. It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Consider the following statements: The India-Africa Summit 1. held in 2015 was the third such Summit 2. was actually initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951 Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: What is/are the purpose/purposes of the 'Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR)' announced by RBI? 1. These guidelines help improve the transparency in the methodology followed by banks for determining the interest rates on advances. 2. These guidelines help ensure availability of bank credit at interest rates which are fair to the borrowers as well as the banks. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: What is/are unique about 'Kharai camel', a breed found in India? 1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater. 2. It survives by grazing on mangroves. 3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?
Q: Which one of the following is the best description of 'INS Astradharini', that was in the news recently?
Q: What is 'Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)', recently in the news?
Q: With reference to 'Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest technologies, and to demonstrate value addition techniques, in an integrated manner, with cluster approach. 2. Poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have larger stake in this scheme. 3. An important objective of the scheme is to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to millet cultivation by offering them free kits of critical inputs of nutrients and micro-irrigation equipment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: The 'Swadeshi' and 'Boycott' were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the
Q: With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: 'Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)', often in the news, is
Q: With reference to an initiative called 'The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum. 2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity. 3. It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: With reference to 'Red Sanders', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India. 2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Which of the following statements is/are correct? Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to 1. protection of biodiversity 2. resilience of forest ecosystems 3. poverty reduction Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: What is 'Greenhouse Gas Protocol'?
Q: With reference to 'Financial Stability and Development Council', consider the following statements: 1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog. 2. It is headed by the Union Finance Minister. 3. It monitors macroprudential supervision of the economy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: With reference to 'Agenda 21', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It is a global action plan for sustainable development. 2. It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Satya Shodhak Samaj organized
Q: Which of the following statements is/are correct? Viruses can infect 1. bacteria 2. fungi 3. plants Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: The term 'Base Erosion and Profit Shifting' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Q: Recently, India's first 'National Investment and Manufacturing Zone' was proposed to be set up in
Q: What is/are the purpose/purposes of 'District Mineral Foundations' in India? 1. Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts 2. Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations 3. Authorizing State Governments to issue licences for mineral exploration Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: 'SWAYAM', an initiative of the Government of India, aims at
Q: The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to
Q: What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? 1. Both were built in the same period. 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: With reference to 'Bitcoins', sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Bitcoins are tracked by the Central Banks of the countries. 2. Anyone with a Bitcoin address can send and receive Bitcoins from anyone else with a Bitcoin address. 3. Online payments can be sent without either side knowing the identity of the other. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. New Development Bank has been set up by APEC. 2. The headquarters of New Development Bank is in Shanghai. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: 'Gadgil Committee Report' and 'Kasturirangan Committee Report', sometimes seen in the news, are related to
Q: Consider the following: 1. Calcutta Unitarian Committee 2. Tabernacle of New Dispensation 3. Indian Reform Association Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of which of the above?
Q: Which of the following is not a member of 'Gulf Cooperation Council'?
Q: What is/are the purpose/purposes of Government's 'Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme' and 'Gold Monetization Scheme'? 1. To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy 2. To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector 3. To reduce India's dependence on gold imports Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: 'Belt and Road Initiative' is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of
Q: Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at
Q: In which of the following regions of India are shale gas resources found? 1. Cambay Basin 2. Cauvery Basin 3. Krishna-Godavari Basin Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: 'Global Financial Stability Report' is prepared by the
Q: Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganized sector workers. 2. Only one member of a family can join the scheme. 3. Same amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after subscriber’s death. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as
Q: On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label? 1. Ceiling fans 2. Electric geysers 3. Tubular fluorescent lamps Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?
Q: In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs: Term — Description 1. Eripatti : Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank 2. Taniyurs : Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins 3. Ghatikas : Colleges generally attached to the temples Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015. 2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: ‘European Stability Mechanism’, sometimes seen in the news, is an
Q: Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practising drip irrigation? 1. Reduction in weed 2. Reduction in soil salinity 3. Reduction in soil erosion Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Regarding ‘DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme. 2. It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken?
Q: In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? 1. Carbon dioxide 2. Carbon monoxide 3. Nitrogen dioxide 4. Sulfur dioxide 5. Methane Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: With reference to ‘Astrosat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space. 2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Araghata’ refers to
Q: With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?
Q: Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State Butterfly’?
Q: Consider the following statements: The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO 1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission 2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA 3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?
Q: The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War
Q: Consider the following pairs: Famous place : Region 1. Bodhgaya : Baghelkhand 2. Khajuraho : Bundelkhand 3. Shirdi : Vidarbha 4. Nasik (Nashik) : Malwa 5. Tirupati : Rayalaseema Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Q: The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the
Q: Recently, which of the following States has explored the possibility of constructing an artificial inland port to be connected to sea by a long navigational channel?
Q: With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017. 2. The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2°C or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. 3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the 'Club of Rome'. 2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The minimum age prescribed for any person to be a member of a Panchayat is 25 years. 2. A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution continues only for the remainder period. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Yes, compared to 2014 and 2015, a larger share of questions (46%) could be classified as Easy and none as outright Difficult. However, elimination skills remained essential because many items bundled two or three statements together.
Indian Economy led with 26 questions, followed by Environment & Ecology (22) and Current Affairs (11). Polity had an unusually low weightage of just 5 questions.
Crucial. Even in static areas like Economy or Environment, questions were rooted in contemporary schemes, summits or reports. Regular newspaper reading and yearly compilations were indispensable for securing a high score.
