mrunal download upsc mains gs1 paper, incl. all previous papers topicwise
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[Download] UPSC Mains-2015: General Studies Paper-1(GS1), incl. all papers topicwise sortedPosted ByMrunal On 19/12/2015 @ 9:41 pm In Question-Papers | 47 Comments
Instructions
GSM1-2015: Question Paper in Linear Format
Observations: 2015 compared to previous years
Relevance of Mrunal.org aka Bogus Marketing Propaganda
GSM1-Topicwise since Pattern change
Art & Culture
History: India before Independence
History: India After independenceHistory: world
Social Science: Caste, Religion, Region
Social Science: Poverty, Population, Globalization
Social Science: Women
Geography: Physical
Geography: Climate, Disaster related
Geography: Resources Distribution
Geography: factors affecting industrial locations
Geography: Urbanization
InstructionsUPSC conducted general studies paper 1 of civil services mains examination on 19th December
2015
Duration: 3 hours; Maximum Marks: 250
Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions:
There are TWENTY questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH. Each Question carries 12.5
marks.
All the questions too compulsory.
Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be
stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QC4) Booklet in the space provided.
No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
Word limit in questions, wherever specified should be adhered to.
Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly
struck off.
GSM1-2015: Question Paper in Linear Format
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Each Question is worth 12.5 marks and maximum word limit is 200. But content of the answer is
more important than its length.
The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and
Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present
day. Comment.
Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a
fine aesthetic sense comparable to modem painting. Critically evaluate this comment.
How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma
Gandhi? Discuss.
Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies,
had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.
It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting
the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the
Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss.
Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people
there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present?
To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss
critically
Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in
building a national identity.
Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main
cause of population increase in India.
How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favourable
to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes?
Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four
decades.
Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India.
Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity
work towards annihilation of caste.
Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional
climates, fishing and navigation?
Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is muchmore serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?
India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water
scarcity.
The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of
their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.
How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to
humanizing landscapes? Discuss.
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Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop
of rural urban integration.
What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible
environmental consequences?
Observations: 2015 compared to previous years
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3 5/10/2016
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Both in GS1 and GS2, we see an emergence of questions from topics that were *hot* 3 to 5
years back e.g. ST sex ratio > SC (2013, TheHindu); Khap Panchayat (2011, TheHindu); Satyam
Scam and corporate reforms (2009-13); Of course these topics sporadically re-emerge every
once in a while, but as such quite stale in terms of origin.
No. of questions vs word limit:
2014 had 25 questions with 150 words each = 250 marks.
2015 had 20 questions with 200-word limit each = 250 marks.
Gradual shift from factual freedom struggle (e.g. 2013: foreigner freedom fighters in India;
Lord Dalhousie’s contribution) to analytical freedom struggle (e.g. 2015-independence
without Gandhi).
Unlike 2013 and 2014, nothing from pre-1857 mutiny topics such as Lord Dalhousie or Panipat
battle.
World History: gradual dilution of difficultly level- from Japan’s industrialization (2013) to Suez
crisis (2014) to England’s industrial revolution (2015)- relatively easier to find through old NCERT
and other books and web-resources.Questions where history is linked to present: (1) ancient culture to present day (2) England’s
industrial revolution to present industrialization of India- quality of life in both places.
Gradual decline in weight and difficultly level of art and culture section. Ancient civilization to
present day-quote from A.L.Basham’s book “Wonder that was India”, although one can attempt
to invent the answers from assembling points from here and there.
No question from post-independence India in both 2014 and 2015 papers.
Continued emphasis on Women related questions in GS1 in both 2014 and 2015. (perhaps that’s
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why no essay on women).
Population: asking statistical trend-analysis type questions (1) sex ratio ST>SC (2) labour
migration trend in 40 years.
Geography: shift from physical and industrial location related question towards environment –
climate change related questions. Gradual dilution of difficulty as well- in the sense that even a
non-geography optional candidate can hope to write a few points.
Just like in Essay-2015 paper, we can see same question can be classified under multiple syllabus
topics here. E.g. Gandhi-Ambedkar and downtrodden is both a question from syllabus topic (1)
India before independence and (2) Social empowerment.
Similarly, why Delhi more bogus than Mumbai in air-pollution- is both (1) climatology (2)
urbanization topic.
More analysis points can be made, the more time and brain we apply in analyzing this paper,
you’re most welcome to put yours in the comments section below.
Relevance of Mrunal.org aka Bogus Marketing
PropagandaGood number of questions could be solved directly from the Mains-revision series; verbatim
answers and points were available.
Question Source on Mrunal.org Credit claimed
Globalization impact on Indian women.Pratik Nayak’s IR2-P3 slide
number 19 onwards.
12.5/12.5. verbatim
points available.
Origin of Ocean currents, their impact on
climate, fishing etc.
Rajtanil: G5/P3 onwards
Oceanography lecture series12.5/12.5
Water scarcity in India, despite fresh
water resources
Rajtanil: G7/P7– water resources
Sunep: MRG1/P4 (Himalayan
Glacier); G2/P1 (dying rivers)
12.5/12.5
Arctic sea oil and environment
implications
Rajtanil: G5/P1-Ocean resources
Sunep: MRG1/P2: slide number
22 onwards.
12.5/12.5
Smart cities and smart villagesMrunal: ML1/P2 and even in
Prelims L7/P612.5/12.5
Why Industrial revolution started in
England and compare it with India at
present.
Old NCERT Chapter7 ; half of the
answer available
0 because I did not
write old NCERT.
Germany’s hand in WW2 Old NCERT Chapter 120 because I did not
write old NCERT.
Total62.5/250 = 25% =
1/4th of the Paper.
GSM1-Topicwise since Pattern change
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In 2013, UPSC changed the syllabus-pattern of Mains examination and the number of general
studies papers were increased from two to four. Out of them, GS Paper-I deals with History,
Culture, Society and Geography.
GS Mains Paper-1 2013 2014 2015
Culture 20 40 25
Freedom struggle 30 30 25
World History 40 30 25
Post independence 50 0 0
Religion, Region etc. 10 10 37.5
Poverty, Population, Development 10 20 25
Women related Qs. 10 20 25
Physical Geography 20 20 0
Geo-Climate, Disasters 20 30 50
Natural
Resources20 20 12.5
Urbanization 10 0 25
Industrial Location 10 30 0
Total 250 250 250
Art & Culture
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Salient aspects of Art, Architecture, literature from Ancient to Modern
Times
The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia
and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to
the present day. Comment.
2015
Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but
also a tine aesthetic sense comparable to modem painting. Critically evaluate this
comment.
2015
To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided
inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss.
2014
Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. 2014
Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were
associated a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its
strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a
university in the modern sense. Discuss.
2014
Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices
or the outward structure of Hindu / Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment.2014
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Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South
India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with
remarkable vividness. Comment.
2013
Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions. 2013
Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture.
Discuss.2013
History: India before Independence
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues);
Freedom Struggle (various stages, important contributors from different parts of the country)
How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma
Gandhi? Discuss.2015
It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of
drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience
gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss.
2015
The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles
fought at Panipat?2014
Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from
mid-eighteenth century till independence.2014
In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial
aspirations in India?2014
Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch
bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.2013
Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements.
Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.2013
In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate. 2013
History: India After independence
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Post-Independence (consolidation and reorganisation within country)
Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya
Vinoba Bhave and their success.2013
Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”. 2013
Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India. 2013
Analyze the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights
of the agreement.2013
Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the
emergence of Bangladesh.2013
History: world
GS1 Syllabus Topic: 18th century events (e.g. Industrial revolution, WWs, redrawn boundaries,
colonisation, decolonisation); Political philosophies (e.g. communism, capitalism, socialism) and
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their effect on society
Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the
people there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at
present?
2015
To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss
critically
2015
What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which
motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India?2014
What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to
Britain’s self-image as a world power?2014
The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India
soon after independence. Evaluate.2014
“Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly
different from what west had experience.2013
Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition.
Analyse.2013
American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. 2013
What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression? 2013
Social Science: Caste, Religion, Region
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism; Social Empowerment
Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and
strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.
2015
Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance
in building a national identity.2015
Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit
identity work towards annihilation of caste.2015
How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the West? 2014
Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a
separate state. Discuss.2013
Social Science: Poverty, Population, Globalization
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; Globalisation (effects
on Indian society)
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Poverty, Population; Development and associated issues
Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the
main cause of population increase in India.2015
Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last
four decades.2015
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The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values.
Discuss.2014
Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India. 2013
Social Science: Women
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Role of women and women’s organisation;
Although some of the following questions fall under population-globalization categories, but if a
person cultivates habit of noting down women related topics under one head, it’ll benefit in both
GS1, GS2 and Essay.
Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. (2013, Asked
about Globalization effect on Elderly)2015
How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more
favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes?2015
How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle class working woman in India? 2014
Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing
feminization of agriculture in India.2014
Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for
women? Give your arguments.2014
Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free
from gender bias. Comment.2013
Geography: Physical
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GS1 Syllabus Topic: Salient Features of World Physical Geography; Important Geophysical
phenomena (earthquakes, tsunami, volcanoes, cyclones); Geographical features and location;
Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. 2014
Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring
out the association between the global distribution of Fold Mountains and the earthquakes
and volcanoes.
2014
What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent
evidences in its support.2013
There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why? 2013
Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on
the western side of the continents. Why?2013
Geography: Climate, Disaster related
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Critical geographical features, flora, fauna (changes and effects thereof)
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Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence
regional climates, fishing and navigation?2015
India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers
from water scarcity.2015
The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand arc reaching the
limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.2015
How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to
humanizing landscapes? Discuss.2015
Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of
Mexico. Why?2014
Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino
effect. Do you agree?2014
Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of
climate change in the Indian sub-continent. 2014
The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical
cyclones named across the world?2013
Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. 2013
What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology?
How does it affect the weather and the habitants of the place?2013
Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats 2013
Geography: Resources Distribution
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GS1 Syllabus Topic: Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, S. Asia, Indian subcontinent)
What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible
environmental consequences?2015
Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet
the resource crisis in the world.2014
How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? 2014With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more
significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of
atomic energy in India and in the world.
2013
It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs
of country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn’t appear to be
high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved.
2013
Geography: factors affecting industrial locations
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Factors responsible for location of Industries (primary, secondary, tertiary;
India, world)
Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser
Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the
Darjeeling area. Explain.
2014
Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world. 2014
Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile
soil and good availability of water?2014
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Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern
states of India? Discuss with justification2013
Analyze the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India 2013
Geography: Urbanization
So that means All my sins are washed for the current year.
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Urbanization: problems and remedies.
Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is
much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?2015
Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the
backdrop of rural urban integration.2015
Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of
urbanization in India.2013
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