UPSC Civil Services Mains 2015 — General Studies Paper I

20 questions · 250 marks · History, Geography & Society

Every question from the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2015 General Studies Paper I, transcribed from the commission's own paper and reproduced here with its printed marks and word limits. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Free to read. Attempt any question by hand and send the copy in to have it marked against this paper's own scale.

  1. 1.

    The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those o f Egypt, M esopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment. 121/2

    12.5
  2. 2.

    M esolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life o f the times but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment.

    12.5
  3. 3.

    How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi ? Discuss.

    12.5
  4. 4.

    Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal o f amelioration o f the downtrodden. Elucidate. 1214

    12.5
  5. 5.

    It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the Government o f India Act, 1935. Discuss. 1214

    12.5
  6. 6.

    Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England ? Discuss the quality o f life o f the people there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present ?

    12.5
  7. 7.

    To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars ? Discuss

    12.5
  8. 8.

    Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity. 12*/4

    12.5
  9. 9.

    Critically examine whether growing population is the cause o f poverty OR poverty is the main cause o f population increase in India. \2Vi

    12.5
  10. 10.

    How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes ? 12V4

    12.5
  11. 11.

    Discuss the changes in the trends o f labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. I2 V2

    12.5
  12. 12.

    Discuss the positive and negative effects o f globalization on women in India. 1214

    12.5
  13. 13.

    Debate the issue o f whether and how contemporary movements for assertion o f Dalit identity work towards annihilation o f caste. 12'/2

    12.5
  14. 14.

    Explain the factors responsible for the origin o f ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation ? 12V2

    12.5
  15. 15.

    Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities o f the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so ?

    12.5
  16. 16.

    India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. 12 Vi

    12.5
  17. 17.

    The states o f Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits o f their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate. 12 54

    12.5
  18. 18.

    How far do you agree that the behaviour o f the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes ? Discuss. 12V4

    12.5
  19. 19.

    Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop o f rural urban integration. 12'/2

    12.5
  20. 20.

    What are the economic significances o f discovery o f oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences ?

    12.5

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Source: UPSC CSE Mains 2015 — GS1 question paper