UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper I Question Paper 2023 (Official) – Download PDF & Questions

The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2023 General Studies Paper I evaluates candidates on Indian Heritage and Culture, History, Geography of the World and Society. The paper carries 250 marks and consists of descriptive questions.

On this page, you can find the UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper I Question Paper 2023, official questions, exam pattern, question paper instructions, and the official UPSC PDF link.

UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper I Question Paper 2023: Overview

DetailsInformation
ExaminationUPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2023
PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
Year2023
Exam StageMain Examination
Maximum Marks250
Time Allowed3 Hours
Total Questions20
Question TypeDescriptive
MediumAny language authorized by UPSC in the Admission Certificate

Question Paper 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 must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of the Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
  • Answers to Question Nos. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words each, whereas answers to Question Nos. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words each.
  • Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.
  • Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.

UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper I Question Paper 2023

Questions 1–10 (150 Words, 10 Marks Each)

  1. Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. (150 words | 10 Marks)
  2. What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? (150 words | 10 Marks)
  3. Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world. (150 words | 10 Marks)
  4. Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries. (150 words | 10 Marks)
  5. Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? (150 words | 10 Marks)
  6. How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? (150 words | 10 Marks)
  7. 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? (150 words | 10 Marks)
  8. Do you think marriage as a sacrament is loosing its value in Modern India? (150 words | 10 Marks)
  9. Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society. (150 words | 10 Marks)
  10. Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (150 words | 10 Marks)

Questions 11–20 (250 Words, 15 Marks Each)

  1. What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? (250 words | 15 Marks)
  2. What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society? (250 words | 15 Marks)
  3. How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression? (250 words | 15 Marks)
  4. Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. (250 words | 15 Marks)
  5. Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forest regions of India. (250 words | 15 Marks)
  6. Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India? (250 words | 15 Marks)
  7. From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. (250 words | 15 Marks)
  8. Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises? (250 words | 15 Marks)
  9. Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static? (250 words | 15 Marks)
  10. Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism. (250 words | 15 Marks)

Official UPSC PDF

The official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2023 General Studies Paper I question paper can be downloaded from the UPSC website.

Download Official UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper I Question Paper 2023 (PDF)

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