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UPSC CSM 2020 — General Studies Paper I (Full Question Paper)

Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2020 · Question-cum-Answer Booklet

General Studies — Paper I

20 questions
250 marks total
3 hours
Q1–10: 150 words each (10 marks) · Q11–20: 250 words each (15 marks)
1.Ancient History10 marks · 150 words

The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.

2.Medieval History10 marks · 150 words

Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.

3.Modern History10 marks · 150 words

Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement.

4.Geography10 marks · 150 words

Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.

5.Geography10 marks · 150 words

The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples.

6.Geography10 marks · 150 words

How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?

7.Geography10 marks · 150 words

Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.

8.Society10 marks · 150 words

Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.

9.Society10 marks · 150 words

COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.

10.Society10 marks · 150 words

Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.

11.Art and Culture15 marks · 250 words

Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.

12.Medieval History15 marks · 250 words

Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.

13.Modern History15 marks · 250 words

Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.

14.Geography15 marks · 250 words

The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.

15.Geography15 marks · 250 words

Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.

16.Geography15 marks · 250 words

India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate.

17.Geography15 marks · 250 words

Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.

18.Society15 marks · 250 words

Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer.

19.Society15 marks · 250 words

Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?

20.Society15 marks · 250 words

How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer.

Source: UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2020 — General Studies Paper I, official question paper (upsc.gov.in).

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