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Complete 2017 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
38
Easy
59
Moderate
3
Difficult
The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017 continued the trend of a broad-based General Studies Paper I, yet displayed some clear skews that candidates had to negotiate smartly. Out of the 100 questions, Indian Economy (25%) and Indian Polity (22%) together constituted nearly half the paper, underscoring UPSC’s sustained emphasis on governance and developmental macro-micro linkages. Environment & Ecology followed with 16%, reflecting the lasting influence of international climate commitments such as the Paris Agreement. Science & Technology, at 11%, leaned strongly towards applied sciences rather than pure theory, echoing India’s flagship missions like ISRO’s satellite launches.
In terms of difficulty, 38 questions were straightforward factual or first-order conceptual, 59 demanded multi-layered reasoning, while only 3 were genuinely difficult or obscure. This produced a ‘moderately balanced’ paper where elimination techniques and inter-disciplinary correlation were rewarded more than rote recall. A notable pattern was the increasing use of current contexts to frame static topics—for instance, GST and FRBM queries for Economy, or questions on wildlife corridors rooted in recent conservation news.
Surprises were mild but instructive: Ancient and Medieval History together accounted for just 4%—a substantial dip compared to earlier years—while Art & Culture, often unpredictable, was limited to four manageable questions. Conversely, the paper tested niche but policy-relevant areas like digital payments and Aadhaar-linked governance. Overall, aspirants who balanced static foundations with dynamic contemporary developments, and practiced intelligent guess-work, found the 2017 paper rewarding yet discriminative enough to sift serious contenders.
| Subject | Questions | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Economy | 24 | 24.0% |
| Indian Polity | 20 | 20.0% |
| Environment & Ecology | 15 | 15.0% |
| Science & Technology | 10 | 10.0% |
| Modern History | 6 | 6.0% |
| Geography | 6 | 6.0% |
| Current Affairs | 5 | 5.0% |
| Art & Culture | 4 | 4.0% |
| Ancient History | 3 | 3.0% |
| Polity | 2 | 2.0% |
| Economy | 2 | 2.0% |
| Medieval History | 1 | 1.0% |
| Environment | 1 | 1.0% |
| International Relations | 1 | 1.0% |
| Total | 100 | 100% |
Q: With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements : i. A private member's bill is a bill presented by a Member of Parliament who is not elected but only nominated by the President of India. 2. Recently, a private member's bill has been passed in the Parliament of India for the first time in its history. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Q: With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them. 2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron. 3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Q: 'Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme' is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to
Q: From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?
Q: One of the implications of equality in society is the absence of
Q: Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC) : 1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. Which of the above statements is/are correct ?
Q: Which principle among the following was added to the Directive Principles of State Policy by the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution?
Q: Which one of the following statements is correct?
Q: Of the following, which gives 'Global Gender Gap Index' ranking to the countries of the world?
Q: Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Smart India Hackathon 2017? 1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme for developing every city of our country into Smart Cities in a decade. 2. It is an initiative to identify new digital technology innovations for solving the many problems faced by our country. 3. It is a programme aimed at making all the financial transactions in our country completely digital in a decade. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? 1. It decides the RBI's benchmark interest rates. 2. It is a 12-member body including the Governor of RBI and is reconstituted every year. 3. It functions under the chairmanship of the Union Finance Minister. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: 1. It is a song and dance performance. 2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance. 3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Who among the following was/were associated with the introduction of Ryotwari Settlement in India during the British rule ? 1. Lord Cornwallis 2. Alexander Read 3. Thomas Munro Select the correct answer using.the code given below :
Q: In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique? 1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature. 2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms. 3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for
Q: Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in
Q: With reference to the Constitution of India, the Directive Principles of State Policy constitute limitations upon 1. legislative function. 2. executive function. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Q: The term 'Digital Single Market Strategy' seen in the news refers to
Q: At one of the places in India, if you stand on the seashore and watch the sea, you will find that the sea water recedes from the shore line a few kilometres and comes back to the shore, twice a day, and you can actually walk on the sea floor when the water recedes. This unique phenomenon is seen at
Q: With reference to the ‘Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988 (PBPT Act)’, consider the following statements : 1. A property transaction is not treated as a benami transaction if the owner of the property is not aware of the transaction. 2. Properties held benami are liable for confiscation by the Government. 3. The Act provides for three authorities for investigations but does not provide for any appellate mechanism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Q: Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences? 1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected. 2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants. 3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: It is possible to produce algae-based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry? 1. Production of algae-based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents. 2. Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuel production requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed. 3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large-scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? 1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers. 2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women. 3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice. 4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The Factories Act, 1881 was passed with a view to fix the wages of industrial workers and to allow the workers to form trade unions. 2. N. M. Lokhande was a pioneer in organizing the labour movement in British India. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Q: In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration? 1. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams 2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs 3. Subterranean deep saline formations Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: The object of the Butler Committee of 1927 was to
Q: The term ‘Domestic Content Requirement’ is sometimes seen in the news with reference to
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The Nuclear Security Summits are periodically held under the aegis of the United Nations. 2. The International Panel on Fissile Materials is an organ of International Atomic Energy Agency. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)?
Q: With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements: 1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim. 2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta. 3. River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue. 2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The Standard Mark of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes. 2. AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: What is/are the advantage/advantages of implementing the 'National Agriculture Market' scheme? 1. It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities. 2. It provides the farmers access to nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the quality of their produce. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: With reference to the 'National Intellectual Property Rights Policy', consider the following statements: 1. It reiterates India's commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS Agreement. 2. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating intellectual property rights in India. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Q: According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law? 1. Gharial 2. Indian wild ass 3. Wild buffalo Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Which of the following statements is/are true of the Fundamental Duties of an Indian citizen? 1. A legislative process has been provided to enforce these duties. 2. They are correlative to legal duties. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Consider the following pairs: 1. Radhakanta Deb — First President of the British Indian Association 2. Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty — Founder of the Madras Mahajana Sabha 3. Surendranath Banerjee — Founder of the Indian Association Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Q: Which one of the following objectives is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
Q: With reference to ‘Quality Council of India (QCI)’, consider the following statements: 1. QCI was set up jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry. 2. Chairman of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendations of the industry to the Government. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Q: What is the purpose of setting up of Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in India? 1. To supply credit to small business units 2. To supply credit to small and marginal farmers 3. To encourage young entrepreneurs to set up business particularly in rural areas. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: With reference to ‘Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development (APMCHUD)’, consider the following statements: 1. The first APMCHUD was held in India in 2006 on the theme ‘Emerging Urban Forms — Policy Responses and Governance Structure’. 2. India hosts all the Annual Ministerial Conferences in partnership with ADB, APEC and ASEAN. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Democracy’s superior virtue lies in the fact that it calls into activity
Q: Which of the following is a most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’?
Q: The terms 'Event Horizon', 'Singularity', 'String Theory' and 'Standard Model' are sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Q: With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of 'genome sequencing', often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future? 1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants. 2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants. 3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: The main advantage of the parliamentary form of government is that
Q: In the context of India, which one of the following is the correct relationship between Rights and Duties?
Q: The mind of the makers of the Constitution of India is reflected in which of the following?
Q: If you travel by road from Kohima to Kottayam, what is the minimum number of States within India through which you can travel, including the origin and the destination?
Q: The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through 1. Adjournment motion 2. Question hour 3. Supplementary questions Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom?
Q: With reference to 'Global Climate Change Alliance', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an initiative of the European Union. 2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets. 3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism. 2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries? 1. Jordan 2. Iraq 3. Lebanon 4. Syria Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: With reference to 'National Investment and Infrastructure Fund', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog. 2. It has a corpus of ₹ 4,00,000 crore at present. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: The Global Infrastructure Facility is a/an
Q: For election to the Lok Sabha, a nomination paper can be filed by
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only. 2. Western Ghats are spread over five States only. 3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for
Q: With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct? 1. UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all. 2. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only. 3. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: With reference to 'National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)', which of the statements given below is/are correct? 1. Under NSQF, a learner can acquire the certification for competency only through formal learning. 2. An outcome expected from the implementation of NSQF is the mobility between vocational and general education.
Q: In the context of Indian history, the principle of ‘Dyarchy (diarchy)’ refers to
Q: Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’: 1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India. 2. National Career Service has been launched in a Mission Mode to improve the employment opportunities to uneducated youth of the country. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Q: Which of the following statements best describes the term ‘Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A)’, recently seen in the news?
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries. 2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’, sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean. 2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Niño’s impact on the monsoon. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit?
Q: Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): 1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy. 2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Q: The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at
Q: Consider the following pairs: Traditions — Communities 1. Chaliha Sahib Festival — Sindhis 2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra — Gonds 3. Wari-Warkari — Santhals Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Q: Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture? 1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land 2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field 3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Consider the following statements: The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at 1. Expanding the cultivable area under irrigation. 2. Enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality. 3. Checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Q: Consider the following pairs: Commonly used / consumed materials — Unwanted or controversial chemicals likely to be found in them 1. Lipstick — Lead 2. Soft drinks — Brominated vegetable oils 3. Chinese fast food — Monosodium glutamate Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Q: Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are used to create digital display in many devices. What are the advantages of OLED displays over Liquid Crystal displays? 1. OLED displays can be fabricated on flexible plastic substrates. 2. Roll-up displays embedded in clothing can be made using OLEDs. 3. Transparent displays are possible using OLEDs. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples? 1. Arasavalli 2. Amarkantak 3. Omkareshwar Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. In the election for Lok Sabha or State Assembly, the winning candidate must get at least 50 percent of the votes polled, to be declared elected. 2. According to the provisions laid down in the Constitution of India, in Lok Sabha, the Speaker’s post goes to the majority party and the Deputy Speaker’s to the Opposition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Which of the following has/have occurred in India after its liberalization of economic policies in 1991? 1. Share of agriculture in GDP increased enormously. 2. Share of India’s exports in world trade increased. 3. FDI inflows increased. 4. India’s foreign exchange reserves increased enormously. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Q: What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology?
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) helps in promoting financial inclusion in the country. 2. NPCI has launched RuPay, a card payment scheme. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Q: The term 'M-STrIPES' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Q: What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing 'Goods and Services Tax (GST)'? 1. It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India. 2. It will drastically reduce the 'Current Account Deficit' of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves. 3. It will enormously increase the growth and size of economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future.
Q: 'Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA)' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of negotiations held between India and
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. India has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of WTO. 2. TFA is a part of WTO's Bali Ministerial Package of 2013. 3. TFA came into force in January 2016. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?
Q: In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? 1. Service providers 2. Data centres 3. Body corporate Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Right to vote and to be elected in India is a
Q: What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project?
Q: What is the purpose of ‘Vidyanjali Yojana’? 1. To enable the famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India. 2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community. 3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: What is the aim of the programme ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’?
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and by-elections. 3. The Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits and mergers of recognised political parties. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?
Q: In India, ‘judicial review’ implies
Q: With reference to Indian freedom struggle, consider the following events: 1. Mutiny in Royal Indian Navy 2. Quit India Movement launched 3. Second Round Table Conference What is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. Tax revenue as a percent of GDP of India has steadily increased in the last decade. 2. Fiscal deficit as a percent of GDP of India has steadily increased in the last decade. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites?
Q: Which of the following are not necessarily the consequences of the proclamation of the President’s rule in a State? 1. Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly 2. Removal of the Council of Ministers in the State 3. Dissolution of the local bodies Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India? 1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour 2. Abolition of untouchability 3. Protection of the interests of minorities 4. Prohibition of employment of children in factories and mines Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Which of the following is geographically closest to Great Nicobar?
Q: Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government:
Q: Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism?
Yes. With 25 questions, Indian Economy formed the single largest chunk, surpassing even Polity. Many items revolved around GST, monetary policy and fiscal discipline, signalling UPSC’s focus on real-time economic reforms.
Although only six questions were tagged purely as ‘Current Affairs’, many Polity, Economy, Environment and S&T questions were framed around recent events such as Paris Agreement milestones, digital payment initiatives and space missions. Hence, current awareness indirectly impacted nearly a third of the paper.
Build strong static fundamentals but integrate them continuously with contemporary developments. Prioritise Economy, Polity and Environment, practice elimination techniques for moderate questions, and do not over-invest time in low-yield Medieval or Ancient factual minutiae.
