UPSC Mains 2020 General Studies Paper I
Explore the complete UPSC Mains GS Paper I question paper from 2020, 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.
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.
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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.
The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.
Answer in about 150 wordsPala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.
Answer in about 150 wordsEvaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement.
Answer in about 150 wordsDiscuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.
Answer in about 150 wordsThe process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples.
Answer in about 150 wordsHow will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?
Answer in about 150 wordsAccount for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.
Answer in about 150 wordsHas caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.
Answer in about 150 wordsCOVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.
Answer in about 150 wordsDo you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.
Answer in about 150 wordsIndian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.
Answer in about 250 wordsPersian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.
Answer in about 250 wordsSince the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.
Answer in about 250 wordsThe interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.
Answer in about 250 wordsAccount for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.
Answer in about 250 wordsIndia has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate.
Answer in about 250 wordsExamine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.
Answer in about 250 wordsIs diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer.
Answer in about 250 wordsCustoms and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?
Answer in about 250 wordsHow have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer.
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