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UPSC Mains 2017 General Studies Paper I

Explore the complete UPSC Mains GS Paper I question paper from 2017, with every question clearly presented alongside its marks and word limit. Read online or download either PDF edition free.

The official PDF is UPSC’s own bilingual file. The UPSC Gurus edition is a clean English version formatted for easy reading and printing.

Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2017Time Allowed: Three HoursMaximum Marks: 250

Practise Under the Exam Clock

Set aside three hours, start the clock and write your answers on paper, just as you would in the examination. Nothing needs to be uploaded.

Question Paper Specific Instructions

  • There are TWENTY questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
  • All questions are compulsory.
  • The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
  • Answers to questions no. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to questions no. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words.
  • Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.
  • 1

    How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 2

    Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 3

    Why did the 'Moderates' fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 4

    What problems were germane to the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 5

    How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 6

    "In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development." Discuss.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 7

    Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 8

    How does the cryosphere affect global climate?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 9

    In the context of the diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 10

    What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (ST's)?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 11

    The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 12

    Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 13

    Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence since the twenties of the last century.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 14

    Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 15

    Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 16

    In what way can floods be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India?

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 17

    What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia?

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 18

    The women's questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 19

    Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 20

    "The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues of employment, but has also created new problems." Substantiate this statement with examples.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
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