Mains Previous Year Question Papers

Q1. Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the later Vedic period.(Answer in 150 Words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q2. Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India.(Answer in 150 Words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q3. What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results. (Answer in 150 Words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q4. What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones? (Answer in 150 Words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q5. Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss inthe light of conditions in developing countries. (Answer in 150 Words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q6. What is the phenomenon of ‘cloudbursts’? Explain.(Answer in 150 Words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q7. What is the concept of a ‘demographic winter’? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate.(Answer in 150 Words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q8. ‘Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation? (Answer in 150 Words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q9. Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased to some extent, but this less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss.(Answer in 150 Words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q10. In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaborate between government, NGOs and private sector would be most Productive?(Answer in 150 Words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q11. “Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture.” Comment.(Answer in 250 words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q12. How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power? (Answer in 250 words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q13. How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India? (Answer in 250 words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q14. The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? (Answer in 250 words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q15. What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered? (Answer in 250 words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q16. What is twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico?(Answer in 250 words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q17. What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India? (Answer in 250 words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q18. Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q19. Globalization has increased urban migration by skilled, young unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family? (Answer in 250 words)

GS Paper I    

---

Q20. Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India’s cultural diversities and socio-economic. marginalities. (Answer in 250 words)

GS Paper I    

Q1. Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q2. What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q3. Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q4. Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q5. Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q6. How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q7. 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? (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q8. Do you think marriage as a sacrament in loosing its value in Modern India? (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q9. Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian Society. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q10. Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q11. What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q12. What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society? (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q13. How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression? (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q14. Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q15. Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forests regions of India. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q16. Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India? (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q17. From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q18. Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises? (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q19. Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static? (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q20. Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

Q1. How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q2. Why did the armies of the British East India Company – mostly comprising of Indian soldiers – win consistently against the more numerous and better equipped armies of the then Indian rulers? Give reasons. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q3. Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q4. Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q5. Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone-prone areas given by the India Meteorological Department. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q6. Discuss the natural resource potentials of ‘Deccan Trap’. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q7. Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q8. Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work from Home’ on family relationships. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q9. How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the culture of consumption? (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q10. Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category? (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q11. The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q12. Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q13. Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q14. What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing Industry of the world. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q15. Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q16. Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q17. The troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes. How? (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q18. Analyse the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q19. Are tolerance, assimilation, and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

---

Q20. Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper I    

Q1. Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti Literature and its contribution to Indian culture. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q2. Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q3. Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q4. Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS Paper I    

---

Q5. 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 150 words) 10 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q6. What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of the water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q7. Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q8. Why is India considered as a sub-continent? Elaborate your answer. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q9. Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q10. Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q11. To what extent did the role of the moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q12. Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q13. ” There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q14. Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q15. 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 250 words) 15 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q16. Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q17. What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q18. Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q19. What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also?(Answer in 250 words) 15 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q20. How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it.(Answer in 250 words) 15 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q2. Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

GS Paper I    

---

Q7. “‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

GS Paper I