UPSC Mains 2023 GS Paper I - Download PDF

The UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 was conducted on 16 September 2023 in the morning session from 9 AM to 12 noon. The General Studies Paper I is an important segment of the UPSC mains exam and counts for a total of 250 marks. In this article, you can read the GS paper I questions that would be asked in the 2023 mains exam and download the UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 question paper once the exam is over.

Aspirants can download the UPSC 2023 mains papers from the links below (Links will be added as soon as the exam is over).

• Download UPSC Mains 2023 GS Paper II from the linked article.
• Download UPSC Mains 2023 GS Paper III from the linked article.
• Download UPSC Mains 2023 GS Paper IV from the linked article.
• Download UPSC Mains 2023 Essay Paper from the linked article.
• Download UPSC Mains 2023 Indian Language Paper from the linked article.
• Download UPSC Mains 2023 English Language Paper from the linked article.
• Download UPSC Mains 2023 Optional Paper-I from the linked article.
• Download UPSC Mains 2023 Optional Paper-II from the linked article.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2023

The GS paper I comprises questions from the following subjects broadly:

1. History
2. Geography
3. Indian heritage and culture
4. Society

For a detailed view of the UPSC Mains syllabus, candidates can check the linked article.

The questions asked in the 2023 GS 1 paper are as follows:

1. Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. (150 words) (10 marks)
2. What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? (150 words) (10 marks)
3. Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world. (150 words) (10 marks)
4. Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries. (150 words) (10 marks)
5. Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? (150 words) (10 marks)
6. How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? (150 words) (10 marks)
7. Why is the South-West Monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region? (150 words) (10 marks)
8. Do you think marriage as a sacrament is losing its value in Modern India? (150 words) (10 marks)
9. Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society. (150 words) (10 marks)
10. Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (150 words) (10 marks)
11. What arc the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? (250 words) (15 marks)
12. What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society? (250 words) (15 marks)
13. How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression? (250 words) (15 marks)
14. Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. (250 words) (15 marks)
15. Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forest regions of India. (250 words) (15 marks)
16. Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India? (250 words) (15 marks)
17. From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. (250 words) (15 marks)
18. Docs urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises? (250 words) (15 marks)
19. Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static? (250 words) (15 marks)
20. Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism. (250 words) (15 marks)

Candidates can access our notes for the aforementioned subjects via the links provided below:

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 Pattern

The General Studies 1 paper comprises 20 descriptive questions from the subjects mentioned above. Each question is for 15 or 10 marks making it a total of 250 marks. The 15-mark questions have a word limit of 250 words whereas the 10-mark questions have a word limit of 150 words. All the questions are compulsory and the duration of the exam is 3 hours.

The commission made the following observations concerning the nature and level of questions asked in General Studies Paper I:

• Without any specific study, a well-educated individual will be able to answer the questions.
• The questions will be designed to assess a candidate’s general knowledge of a number of subjects relevant to a career in the Civil Services.
• The questions are expected to test the candidate’s fundamental comprehension of all pertinent topics, as well as their ability to analyse and weigh in on competing for socioeconomic aims, objectives, and demands.
• Candidates must provide answers that are relevant, meaningful, and brief.

Check out the resources below to learn more about the subject-specific questions that were asked in Mains GS Paper I:

UPSC candidates can check other UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers from the linked article.

Note: Visit the linked article to get all UPSC Previous Year Question Papers.