Topic-Wise GS 1 Questions in UPSC Mains

The general studies paper 1 of the UPSC Mains comprises History (Modern India & World); Art & Culture (Indian Heritage and Culture); Geography (Physical & Human); and Indian Society. In this article, you will get a set of subject-wise questions asked in Mains GS 1 of the IAS Exam, from the years 2013-2021.

Likewise, candidates can get subject-wise questions of other Mains papers from the links below:

How to approach GS 1 Mains for UPSC

The best source to understand the demand of the Mains General Studies 1 paper is through previous year question papers. With the help of topic-wise questions of Mains GS-I, you can derive a strategy to start your preparation. The major topics where questions are asked from in the paper are:

1. History
   • Modern Indian History
   • World History
2. Art & Culture
   • Indian Heritage & Culture
3. Geography
   • Human Geography
   • Physical Geography
   • Geomorphology
   • Indian Geography
   • Climatology
   • Oceanology
4. Indian Society
   • Diversity in Indian Society
   • Role of Women
   • Poverty
   • Urbanization
   • Social Empowerment
   • Regionalism
   • Communalism
   • Secularism, etc

In mains General Studies paper 1, questions are targeted at the above-mentioned topics and the sub-topics entailed by these. The only difference is in the number of questions from these. To understand in detail how to prepare for the Mains General Studies paper-1 and to get the trend analysis of the GS-I along with the strategy and syllabus, candidates can check GS 1 Structure, Strategy and Syllabus page.

GS 1 Questions Topic Wise Analysis

The table below mentions the number of questions asked from each topic in UPSC Mains GS 1 from 2013-2019:

#Topic 1 – History

The topic ‘History’ has the following sub-topics:

1. History of the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
2. The Freedom Struggle
3. Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
4. World History

Candidates can get the History Questions for UPSC Mains GS 1 in the linked article.

#Topic 2 – Art & Culture

Indian culture comprises sub-topics like the salient aspects of:

1. Art Forms
2. Literature and
3. Architecture, from ancient to modern times

Candidates can get the Art & Culture Questions for UPSC Mains GS 1 in the linked article.

#Topic 3 – Geography

The topic ‘Geography’ has the following subtopics:

1. Physical geography
2. Key natural resources across the world
3. Industrial Sectors
4. Indian & World Geography
5. Geophysical phenomena
6. Climate
7. Urbanization
8. Industrial Location

Candidates can get the Geography Questions for UPSC Mains GS 1 in the linked article.

#Topic 4 – Indian Society

The topic Indian Society comprises:

1. Indian Society salient features
2. Diversity in Indian Society
3. Women Role, Issues
4. Poverty, Hunger Issues
5. Urbanization, Issues
6. Globalization, Issues
7. Social Empowerment
8. Regionalism, Communalism, Secularism

Candidates can get the Indian Society Questions for UPSC Mains GS 1 in the linked article.

Check all UPSC Previous Question Papers in one place, in the linked article.

UPSC Preparation: