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UPSC Mains 2021 General Studies Paper I

Explore the complete UPSC Mains GS Paper I question paper from 2021, 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, 2021Time 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

    Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti literature and its contribution to Indian culture.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 2

    Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 3

    Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 4

    Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 5

    Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 6

    What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 7

    Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 8

    Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 9

    Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 10

    Examine the role of 'Gig Economy' in the process of empowerment of women in India.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 11

    To what extent did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 12

    Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 13

    "There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars." Evaluate the statement.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 14

    Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 15

    How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 16

    Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 17

    What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India?

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 18

    Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 19

    What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also?

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 20

    How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
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