UPSC Mains 2020 GS Paper I

The UPSC Mains 2020 kicked off on January 8, 2021, with the Essay Paper. In the first half of the second day of the Mains Exam (9th January), the General Studies Paper I was held.

The UPSC Mains consist of 9 papers in total. The UPSC 2020 Mains will go on till 17th January 2021.

GS Paper I covers Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society. There are 20 questions for a total of 250 marks. The paper is counted for merit ranking. All the questions are compulsory.

Download the UPSC Mains 2020 Essay Paper in the linked article.

Download the UPSC Mains 2020 GS Paper II in the linked article.

UPSC Mains 2020 GS Paper I:- Download PDF Here

UPSC 2020 Mains GS 1

1. The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks)
2. Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (150 words, 10 marks)
3. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movements. (150 words, 10 marks)
4. Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone. (150 words, 10 marks)
5. The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples. (150 words, 10 marks)
6. How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? (150 words, 10 marks)
7. Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. (150 words, 10 marks)
8. Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (150 words, 10 marks)
9. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (150 words, 10 marks)
10. Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. (150 words, 10 marks)
11. Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (250 words, 15 marks)
12. Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. (250 words, 15 marks)
13. Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (250 words, 15 marks)
14. The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (250 words, 15 marks)
15. Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (250 words, 15 marks)
16. India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. (250 words, 15 marks)
17. Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (250 words, 15 marks)
18. Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer. (250 words, 15 marks)
19. Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (250 words, 15 marks)
20. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (250 words, 15 marks)

You can download the previous years’ UPSC question papers in the linked article.

UPSC Mains 2020 GS Paper I:- Download PDF Here