(https://unacademy.

com/goal/KSCGY/KSCGY/educators)

Mrunal (https://mrunal.org/)


[Download] Topicwise UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-1 (GSM1): since new
Syllabus of 2013 to latest 2019
Subscribe (http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=CivilServiceExam) /
Mains-Answer-Writing (https://mrunal.org/category/mains-answer-writing) /
102 Comments (https://mrunal.org/2020/05/download-upsc-mains-general-studies-paper-1-topicwise-2013-19
1 year Ago

(https://unacademy.com/@mrunal.org)

1. Prologue
2. GSM1-Topicwise Questions since Pattern change in 2013
3. [Block-1] History
History: Art & Culture
History: India before Independence
History: India After independence
History: world
4. [Block-2] Social Science
Social Science: Caste, Religion, Region, Globalization
Social Science: Poverty, Population, Globalization

 Social Science: Globalization
Social Science: Women
5. [Block-3] Geography
Geography: Physical
Geography: Climate, Disaster related
Geography: Resources Distribution
Geography: factors affecting industrial locations
Geography: Urbanization

Prologue

I recently published a video lecture on Mains Answer Writing ki Pipudi DAY#1 se बजानी है की नही?
Misguided UPSC Aspirants’ FAQ#1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=htcu1I2PAtk&list=PLAMBum9_RkuPhizY512w9mT6rhe4oFZN_)
Before I release the next video in that series, I need to give reference to the previous years’ topicwise
Mains papers of UPSC since 2013-19.(ताकि दू सरे विडियो मे, में जब बोलू की “ये पुराने प्रश्न आप टोपिकवाइज़ आप देख
लेना”, तो देने के लिए पहेले से आर्टिकल का लिंक मांगता है!)
So, basically this article gives you the Question paper in Topicwise manner. If you want to download
question papers in year-wise manner, then please visit official website of UPSC
(https://www.upsc.gov.in/examinations/previous-question-papers/archives).

GSM1-Topicwise Questions since Pattern change in 2013

Category GS Mains Paper-1 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

History Culture 20 40 25 25 10 35 10

History Freedom struggle 30 30 25 37.5 65 10 50

History World History 40 30 25 12.5 10 15 15

History Post independence 50 0 0 0 0 0 0

Religion, Region,
Society 10 10 37.5 37.5 50 35 35
empowerment

Poverty, Population,
Society 0 10 25 12.5 0 40 0
Development

Society Globalization Impact 10 0 12.5 12.5 0 15 15

Society Women 10 30 12.5 0 0 15 35

Geography Climate 10 20 37.5 12.5 60 10 55


 Geography Disaster 10 10 0 12.5 15 0 0

Geography Urbanization 10 0 25 25 15 15 15

Geography Physical 20 20 0 0 10 20 0

Geography Resources 20 20 25 62.5 0 10 10

Geography Industrial Location 10 30 0 0 15 30 10

Total   250 250 250 250 250 250 250

In 2013, UPSC changed the syllabus-pattern of Mains examination and the number of general studies papers
were increased from two to four. Out of them, GS Paper-I deals with History, Culture, Society and
Geography. Overall breakup looks like this

[Block-1] History

Watch my FREE Lecture video (https://unacademy.com/plus/lesson/mrunals-upsc-gsm1-2019-model-

answer-writing-part-1-history-culture/D8ZDKB5K), I’ve given detailed analysis, model answers & common
mistakes of the History-Culture section of GSM1-2019 Paper, & roadmap/strategy for Mains-2020. Please
go through it. Overall scene is:
Keep a habit of solving the previous papers (since 2013) because sometimes the same question
themes get repeated. e.g. “foreign influence on Gandhara art: asked in 2014 and again asked 2019.”
Culture: Traditional prep sources (like Nitin Singhania
(https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/9353168198/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mrunal08-
21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=9353168198&linkId=d56fbcf292e1cfa4cf0258fab3e8a3e7
NCERT) are giving mixed utility. But if you go for higher end books (A.L. Bhasham
(https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/9389109345/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mrunal08- 
21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=9389109345&linkId=18f67e747ce8402ba5d682e3cbb646
etc.) = poor Cost:Benefit.
Freedom Struggle: Plassey to Partition book
(https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/8125057234/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mrunal08-
21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=8125057234&linkId=0c6e692e74b8a96c9fa2b04f8e5a3dc
(also available in Hindi (https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/8125058508/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?
ie=UTF8&tag=mrunal08-
21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=8125058508&linkId=7aa59216f29c72379c4ebc262d2db7
MUST be read. Because, since the last 3 years, verbatim themes have been lifted from there (e.g
Fragmented polity in the later Mughal Era, Women Issues that gained prominence in 19th century
freedom struggle etc). So if you use any other book like Bipan or Spectrum you’ll not be able to assemble
the answer in the tone/way in which UPSC examiner has framed the question. For Mains Freedom
struggle, You may even ignore Bipan Chandra’s book (https://www.amazon.in/Indias-Struggle-
Independence-Bipan-Chandra/dp/0140107819/ref=sr_1_2?
keywords=bipan+chandra&qid=1576901105&tag=mrunal08-21), as long as doing Plassey to partition the
book is done thoroughly.
World History: Hardly one question from this part in recent years. Recommended sources
Tamilnadu’s board Class-12 History Vol2 book (Free download
(http://tnschools.gov.in/media/textbooks/12th_History_EM_V2_Combined_26-09-2019.pdf))
Pratik Nayak’s FREE Youtube lecture series on World History (https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=n3nj4jNhhZo&list=PLAMBum9_RkuOI7yBmoUBwalvDMVqEKYe8)should suffice.
Some toppers also recommend (old) NCERT by Arjun Dev
(https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/8125036873/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mrunal08-
21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=8125036873&linkId=e00edfdf80cdaa160c9cfb39595f4
on World History  (हिन्दी मे भी उपलब्ध
(https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/8125036962/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mrunal08-
21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=8125036962&linkId=de4cafa18fb9be4ff4ea0f56fbaa1
but i find Tamilnadu board textbook Class12 Vol2
(http://tnschools.gov.in/media/textbooks/12th_History_EM_V2_Combined_26-09-2019.pdf) much
better and lucid and full of colorful images! And it’s available for free download.
Sometimes they ask very Obscure questions about decolonization in the Malaysian Peninsula or
Japanese dynasties.
But if you chase thick world history books like Jain and Mathur
(https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/8187449306/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mrunal08-
21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=8187449306&linkId=9c4248a54aeb1768d658a4d7cd8
or Norman Lowe (https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B07LH57TMW/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?
ie=UTF8&tag=mrunal08-

 21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07LH57TMW&linkId=e5b18c18d9172f66d4c9cbaa09
poor cost benefit. Aisi 400-500 rupees ki books not required.
Post independent India: No questions in recent years, including 2019’s paper. But at least land reform,
economic angles, and individual Prime Minister’s foreign policy should  be prepared  due to their
relevance in GSM2 and GSM3 as well. Source: Bipan Chandra’s India since independence
(https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/0143104098/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mrunal08-
21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0143104098&linkId=a1e901f41c6b61f9f750221ba3716f1
But read only selected chapters. Not the entire book.

(https://unacademy.com/plus/lesson/mrunals-upsc-gsm1-2019-model-answer-writing-part-1-history-
culture/D8ZDKB5K)

History: Art & Culture

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Salient aspects of Art, Architecture, literature from Ancient to Modern Times

Highlight the Central Asian and Greco -Bactrian elements in Gandhara art. (गांधाराई कला में मध्य
2019
एशियाई एवं यूनानी-बैक्ट्रि याई तत्वों को उजागर कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words)

Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. 2018

Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of
2018
the history of India.

The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya
2018
Mahaprabhu. Discuss.

 How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of Gupta numismatic art is not at all
2017
noticeable in later times?

Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds
2016
Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.

Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was
2016
also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.

The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and
Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present 2015
day. Comment.

Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a
2015
tine aesthetic sense comparable to modem painting. Critically evaluate this comment.

To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs
2014
to the present day urbanization? Discuss.

Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. 2014

Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a
number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its
2014
fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense.
Discuss.

Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the
2014
outward structure of Hindu / Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment.

Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the
Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable 2013
vividness. Comment.

Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions. 2013

Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. 2013

History: India before Independence

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); Freedom Struggle
(various stages, important contributors from different parts of the country)

The 1857 Uprising was the culmination the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had
occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate. (1857 का विप्लव ब्रिटिश शासन के 2019
पुर्ववर्ती सौ वर्षों में बार-बार घटित छोटे एवं बड़े स्थानीय विद्रोहों का चरमोत्कर्ष था | सुस्पष्ट कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words)

Examine the linkages between 19th centuries ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national
identity. (उन्नीसवीं शताब्दी के ‘भारतीय पुनर्जागरण’ और राष्ट्रीय पहचान के मध्य सहलग्नताओं का परिक्षण कीजिए | ) 2019
(10m,150 words) 
Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian
phase. Elaborate. (गांधीवादी प्रावस्था के दौरान विभिन्न स्वरों ने रास्ट्र वादी आंदोलन को सुदृढ़ एवं समृद्ध बनाया था | 2019
विस्तारपूर्वक स्पष्ट कीजिए | ) (15m,250 words)

Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during
the 1940s. (1940 के दशक के दौरान सत्ता हस्तान्तरण की प्रक्रिया को जटिल बनाने में ब्रिटिश साम्राज्यिक सत्ता की 2019
भूमिका का आकलन कीजिए | ) (15m,250 words)

Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. 2018

Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity. 2017

Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology
2017
and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century?

Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural
2017
economy.

The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform
2017
movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?

Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian
2017
independence since twenties of the last century.

Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British
2016
policies towards colonial India.

Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. 2016

Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the
2016
struggle for freedom.

How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma
2015
Gandhi? Discuss.

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 2015
Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss.

The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought
2014
at Panipat?

Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-
2014
eighteenth century till independence.

In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial
2014
aspirations in India?

Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer
2013
during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.

 Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze
2013
their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.

In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate. 2013

History: India After independence

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Post-Independence (consolidation and reorganisation within country)

Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba
2013
Bhave and their success.

Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”. 2013

Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India. 2013

Analyze the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the
2013
agreement.

Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the
2013
emergence of Bangladesh.

History: world

GS1 Syllabus Topic: 18th century events (e.g. Industrial revolution, WWs, redrawn boundaries, colonisation,
decolonisation); Political philosophies (e.g. communism, capitalism, socialism) and their effect on society

Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French
revolution. (स्पष्ट कीजिए की अमरीकी एवं फ्रांसीसी क्रांतियों ने आधुनिक विश्व की आधारशिलाएं किस प्रकार निर्मित की 2019
थीं |) (15m,250 words)

Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able
2018
to preserve their cultural identity over there?

What problems were germane to the decolonization process of Malay Peninsula. 2017

The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans.
2016
Examine.

Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people
2015
there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present?

To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss
2015
critically

What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated
2014
the anti-colonial struggle in India?

What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s
2014
self-image as a world power?

The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after
2014
independence. Evaluate.

“Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different
2013
from what west had experience.

Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse. 2013

American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. 2013

What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression? 2013

[Block-2] Social Science

Watch my FREE Lecture video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGJgYFSerW0&t=1848s), I’ve given

detailed analysis, model answers & common mistakes of  the Social-Science section of GSM1-2019 Paper,
& roadmap/strategy for Mains-2020. Please go through it. Overall scene is:
As such direct answers were not available for most of the social science questions asked in GSM-2019.
But you could use following resources for preparing fodder material:
( Free download (http://ncert.nic.in/textbook/textbook.htm)) NCERT 11-12 Sociology and Political
Science textbooks. Do not worry about its complex theories and thinkers just read it as story book,


 ( Free download) (http://egyankosh.ac.in/handle/123456789/4431)IGNOU MPS-003 material book1 and
2.
Majid Hussain’s book on (https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/9353167892/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?
ie=UTF8&tag=mrunal08-
21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=9353167892&linkId=34a5618fc3389569ad0af9fb07805ad
Geography (हिन्दी मे भी उपलब्ध (https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/9387886158/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?
ie=UTF8&tag=mrunal08-
21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=9387886158&linkId=8ee4298192c8fe48b0ae5c80e1de71
Ch13- Cultural settings Census and data about religious, linguistic, ethnic groups
Past Economic Surveys (https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/economicsurvey/allpes.php) (e.g. Son-meta
preference, demographic dividend, etc You can quote in the answer as and when required.)
Yojana-Kurukshetra magazine issues related to women and health (population)
Newspaper Columns.
Here also, solve previous papers from 2013 onwards. questions / themes get repeated.
Book Companies have published titles on this subject of “Poverty and communalism and women issues”
(just to milk cash on the new syllabus of UPSC) but they’re just copypasted stuff from wikipedia & census,
offering very little value addition to above (mostly free) material. So, I am not recommending a separate
book for the subject.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGJgYFSerW0&t=1848s)

Social Science: Caste, Religion, Region, Globalization

GS1 Syllabus Topic:

Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism; Social Empowerment 

 Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India;

“Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be
2018
eradicated in India.” Comment.

How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. 2018

‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Argue by giving suitable
2018
illustrations.

The spirit tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early
2017
times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate.

Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the
2017
former has got transformed into the latter in independent India.

In the context of diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than
2017
the States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint.

What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing
2017
discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)?

Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity? 2016

Why are the tribals in India referred to as the Scheduled Tribes? Indicate the major provisions
2016
enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment.

What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on

2016
regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer.

Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies,
2015
had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.

Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in
2015
building a national identity.

Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity
2015
work towards annihilation of caste.

How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the West? 2014

Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate
2013
state. Discuss.

Social Science: Poverty, Population, Globalization

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Poverty, Population; Development and associated issues


 What makes Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss. (क्या बात है जो भारतीय समाज को
2019
अपनी संस्कृ ति को जीवित रखने में अद्वितीय बना देती है ? चर्चा कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words)

What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism. (धर्मनिरपेक्षता के नाम पर
2019
हमारी सांस्कृ तिक प्रथाओं के सामने क्या-क्या चुनौतियां हैं ?) (10m,150 words)

Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples. (क्या हमारे
2019
राष्ट्र में सर्वत्र लघु भारत के सांस्कृ तिक क्षेत्र हैं ? उदाहरणों के साथ सविस्तार स्पष्ट कीजिए | ) (15m,250 words)

‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in

2018
India, poverty is still existing.’ Explain by giving reasons.

Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of
2018
India.

Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the
2018
nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success.

“An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from deprivation.” Substantiate
2016
this statement with suitable examples

Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main
2015
cause of population increase in India.

Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four
2015
decades.

The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss. 2014

Social Science: Globalization

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Globalisation (effects on Indian society)

Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (क्या हम वैश्विक पहचान के लिए अपनी
2019
स्थानीय पहचान को खोते जा रहे हैं ? चर्चा कीजिए | ) (15m,250 words)

‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural
2018
specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society. Elucidate.

Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. (2013, Asked about
2015
Globalization effect on Elderly)

To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain. 2016

Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India. 2013

Social Science: Women

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Role of women and women’s organisation; 

 Although some of the following questions fall under populationglobalization categories, but if a person
cultivates habit of noting down women related topics under one head, it’ll benefit in both GS1, GS2 and
Essay.

“Empowering women is the key to control population growth”. Discuss (“महिला सशक्तिकरण जनसंख्या
2019
संवृद्धि को नियंत्रित करने की कुं जी है |” चर्चा कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words)

What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (भारत में महिलाओं के
2019
समक्ष समय और स्थान संबंधित निरं तर चुनोतियाँ क्या-क्या है ?) (15m,250 words)

‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.
2018
Substantiate your view.

How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favourable
2015
to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes?

How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle class working woman in India? 2014

Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of
2014
agriculture in India.

Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give
2014
your arguments.

Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from
2013
gender bias. Comment.

[Block-3] Geography

Watch my FREE Lecture video (https://unacademy.com/class/mrunals-upsc-gsm1-2019-model-answer-

writing-environmental-geography/OPM0MJ8L) containing my detailed analysis, model answers & 
common mistakes of the Geography’s Climate-change section in GSM-2019 Paper, & roadmap/strategy
for Mains-2020. Overall scene is:
Rajtanil (https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=SMPO60DOTKQ&list=PLAMBum9_RkuNDtzpNQlCRcaOrNqrD4Gf7)’s Youtube video
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=SMPO60DOTKQ&list=PLAMBum9_RkuNDtzpNQlCRcaOrNqrD4Gf7)lecture series on Geography
Physical Geography:
First priority Class 11-12 NCERTs ( Free download (http://ncert.nic.in/textbook/textbook.htm)).
Afterwards, selective reading of Goh Cheng Leong’s Book
(https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/0195628160/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mrunal08-
21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0195628160&linkId=a60609f9586b308d7b8c6a8fadaa
(All of its chapters not important for Mains. E.g. erosion, landform etc.)
Further, If you start solving 2013-19’s answers, nature of question is either:
1) Sometimes NCERT is sufficient and only in rare cases, there have been cases where Goh Cheng
Leong has helped in enrichment of answers.
2) Sometimes Questions from such obscure areas, which are neither given in NCERT or Goh Cheng.
Here, theoretical understanding while helpful but not always enough to fill the word limit. E.g. Water-
mass question in GSM1-2019. But, beyond a point the cost:benefit = poor. Besides, you’re not
expected to write the best answer. You just have to write ‘less bad’ answers than other candidates.
Indian Geography: Majid Hussain’s book on
(https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/9353167892/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mrunal08-
21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=9353167892&linkId=34a5618fc3389569ad0af9fb07805ad
Geography (हिन्दी मे भी उपलब्ध (https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/9387886158/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?
ie=UTF8&tag=mrunal08-
21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=9387886158&linkId=8ee4298192c8fe48b0ae5c80e1de71
Do selective study of chapters related to economic and resources geography. All chapters are not equally
important for Mains.
World Geography: glancing over NCERT and some internet resources should suffice. World
Geography Books available in the market = not proven very useful in  this real questions which were
asked in portion in 2013-19. So, I don’t recommend a separate book on World Geography at present.
Environment Theory & Contemporary issues:
NIOS (Free PDF (https://www.nios.ac.in/online-course-material/sr-secondary-courses/enviornmental-
science-(333).aspx) available in both Hindi and English)
ShankarIAS Book (https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B07KF7H5JS/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?
ie=UTF8&tag=mrunal08-
21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07KF7H5JS&linkId=e069fdf0e8df7e2d8c21a1e8b658
Disaster  Management angles:

 Selective study of IGNOU MA (PubAD) Material (Free download
(http://egyankosh.ac.in/handle/123456789/25233))
Current Affairs PDFs,
Newspaper columns.

(https://unacademy.com/class/mrunals-upsc-gsm1-2019-model-answer-writing-environmental-
geography/OPM0MJ8L)

Geography: Physical

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Salient Features of World Physical Geography; Important Geophysical phenomena
(earthquakes, tsunami, volcanoes, cyclones); Geographical features and location;

Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in
2018
navigation?

Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. 2018

How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? 2017

“The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures
2016
of mitigation.

Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. 2014

Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the
association between the global distribution of Fold Mountains and the earthquakes and 2014
volcanoes. 
 What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its
2013
support.

There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why? 2013

Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the
2013
western side of the continents. Why?

Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats 2013

Geography: Climate, Disaster related

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Critical geographical features, flora, fauna (changes and effects thereof)

Assess the impact of global warming on coral life system with examples. (वैश्विक तापन का प्रवाल जीवन
2019
तंत्र पर प्रभाव का, उदाहरणों के साथ, आकलन कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words)

How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and the coastal
environment? Give suitable examples? (महासागर धाराएँ और जल राशियाँ समुद्री जीवन और तटीय पर्यावरण पर 2019
अपने प्रभावों में किस-किस प्रकार परस्पर भिन्न हैं ? उपयुक्त उदहारण दीजिए | ) (15m,250 words)

Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal
ecology. (मैंग्रोवों के रिक्तीकरण के कारणों पर चर्चा कीजिए और तटीय पारिस्थितिकी का अनुरक्षण करने में इनके महत्व 2019
को स्पष्ट कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words)

How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development
initiatives and tourism? (पर्वत पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र को विकास पहलों और पर्यटन के ऋणात्मक प्रभाव से किस प्रकार 2019
पूण:स्थापित किया जा सकता है ? ) (15m,250 words)

What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (जल प्रतिबल (वाटर स्ट्रैस) का क्या
2019
मतलब है ? भारत में यह किस प्रकार और किस कारन प्रादेशिकत: भिन्न-भिन्न है ?) (15m,250 words)

What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? 2018

In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.” Discuss. 2017

Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulse because of which the year 2016 was declared
2017
as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations.

How does the cryosphere affect global climate? 2017

Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects. 2017

In what way can flood be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland
2017
navigation in India?

What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50
2017
percent of the won population residing in Monsoon Asia?

Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes. 
2016
 Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional
2015
climates, fishing and navigation?

How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to
2015
humanizing landscapes? Discuss.

Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? 2014

Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do
2014
you agree?

Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate
2014
change in the Indian sub-continent.

The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones
2013
named across the world?

Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. 2013

What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How

2013
does it affect the weather and the habitants of the place?

Geography: Resources Distribution

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, S. Asia, Indian subcontinent)

Can the strategy of regional-resource based manufacturing help in promoting employment in

India? (क्या प्रादेशिक संसाधन-आधारित विनिर्माण की रणनीति भारत में रोज़गार की प्रोन्नति करने में सहायक हो सकती है 2019
?) (10m,150 words)

Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? 2018

The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human
2016
miseries. Explain

South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment. 2016

Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political
2016
implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.

Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. 2016

In what way micro-watershed Development projects help in water conservation in drought prone
2016
and semi-arid regions of India.

What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible
2015
environmental consequences?

India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water
2015
scarcity. 
 The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand reaching the limits of their
2015
ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.

Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the
2014
resource crisis in the world.

How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? 2014

With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in
India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India 2013
and in the world.

It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of
country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn’t appear to be high on the 2013
agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved.

Geography: factors affecting industrial locations

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Factors responsible for location of Industries (primary, secondary, tertiary; India, world)

Discuss the factors for localization of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India.
(उत्तर-पश्चिमी भारत के कृ षि-आधारित खाद्य प्रक्रमण उद्योगों के स्थाणुयकरण के कारकों पर चर्चा कीजिए | ) (10m,150 2019
words)

Define blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. 2018

What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial corridors, explain their
2018
main characteristics.

Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly
2017
in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications.

Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser
Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling 2014
area. Explain.

Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world. 2014

Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil and
2014
good availability of water?

Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of
2013
India? Discuss with justification

Analyze the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India 2013

Geography: Urbanization

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Urbanization: problems and remedies 

 How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of
India? (दक्ष और किफायती (अफोर्डेबल) शहरी सार्वजनिक परिवहन किस प्रकार भारत के द्रुत आर्थिक विकास की कुं जी है 2019
?) (15m,250 words)

“The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How
2018
can it be made effective in urban areas?

The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues employment but has also created
2017
new problems. Substantiate this statement with examples. Urbanization

With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of
2016
the ‘Smart City Programme’.

Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. 2016

Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much
2015
more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?

Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop
2015
of rural urban integration.

Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization
2013
in India.

Visit Mrunal.org/Mains (http://Mrunal.org/Mains) for more on UPSC Mains Answer-writing for General
Studies Paper.

(https://unacademy.com/@nayakpratik/courses?goal=KSCGY&type=plus)

 Mrunal recommends
 Books: UPSC Prelims (https://www.amazon.in/shop/mrunal?listId=3PFWESJDIV32B)

 Books: UPSC Mains (https://www.amazon.in/shop/mrunal?listId=25OT8K9M0AQDG)

 Books: Maths /Reasoning (https://www.amazon.in/shop/mrunal?listId=27HNNZRN4WHYO)


 More from this Category
[Download] UPSC Mains-2020 Essay Paper, Including Topicwise last 28 YEARS
Essay Question Papers (1993-2020) with booklist, strategy!
(https://mrunal.org/2021/01/download-upsc-mains-essay-topicwise-analysis-
strategy-booklist.html)
[Free Lecture] Mrunal’s Mains Ans Writing [FLM/R2] GSM3: Economy-Socialism &
Subsidies, PSUs, GST Compensation (https://mrunal.org/2020/11/mrunals-model-
upsc-mains-answers-gsm3-socialism-subsidies.html)
Mrunal’s Full Length Mains Mock Paper Round1 [FLM/R1] UPSC GSM3: Economy,
Agriculture, Environment, Disasters, Science & Security
(https://mrunal.org/2020/11/mrunals-full-length-mains-mock-paper-round1-flm-
r1-upsc-gsm3.html)
[FAQ] How NOT to WASTE 2 HRS DAILY in THEHINDU NEWSPAPERs & its Youtube
Summary Videos? UPSC Current Affairs ki हाय-हाय के से न करे ?
(https://mrunal.org/2020/07/daily-thehindu-current-affairs-upsc.html)
[Download] Topicwise UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-2 (GSM2): Polity,
Welfare, Governance, International Relations (IR) since new Syllabus of 2013
(https://mrunal.org/2020/06/download-upsc-mains-general-studies-paper-2-
topicwise.html)

 Get notified whenever I post new article!

(http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=CivilServiceExam)

102 Comments on “[Download] Topicwise UPSC Mains General

Studies Paper-1 (GSM1): since new Syllabus of 2013 to latest 2019”

Surndra bishnoi REPLY 

Nice sir

Harshal sanjay chachane REPLY 

Prilims papers not available


 Smitha V REPLY 

For main topicwise questions

 Anamika verma REPLY 

 Akanksha REPLY 

Thankyou sir

nandini mishra REPLY 

anyone who opted botany as optional

sanket jiwtode REPLY 

sir please add analysis of 2019 & 2020 question papers also… since que pprs
are key for preparation at any stage.

Priyanka Modanwal REPLY 

Thank you so much sir for this detailed explanation. this is very helpful for me.

Anupriya REPLY 

Please update this list with 2020 mains questions also. This site is really
helpful

 ishan dogra REPLY 

how to dwnload question papers please help me

Ashutosh pandey REPLY 

Amazing website

Divyansh REPLY 

How to download these ?

DR REPLY 

This site is very helpful. Appreciate efforts.

siddhesh karekar REPLY 

Please update this list with 2020 mains questions also. This site is really
helpful

Saumya REPLY 

Sir please upload pyq analysis till 2020 for 2021 upsc cse

Rahul REPLY 

Good

 Rahul REPLY 

Please update it sir with 2020 questions and analysis

 Vishnu REPLY 

Yes sir please update with 2020 questions and analysis

 Aman yadav REPLY 

How to download these questions

 Shivam Kumar REPLY 

Sir i want this paper dor seeing and preparing for gs 1 please give me

Prashant Sharma REPLY 

NYC

Ravi Rai REPLY 

I am your unacademy plus student

Sir i want to write some line to you

Without polity economy can not run

Similarly without murnal sir economy can not be understandable

Suraj Ramteke REPLY 


Want to download!

Dharmik REPLY 

I want to through out the ssource

Ritesh Kumar REPLY 

Want to download.

Satish Kotvaliya REPLY 

Want to download

Sahil Jha REPLY 

I want the pyq’s

Kamal REPLY 

Wow nice

Kajal Kumari REPLY 

Want to download

Vivek kumar REPLY 

want to download gs 2 questions topic wise from 2013 to 2019 

 Ananya shukla REPLY 

Very nice initiative

Ananya shukla REPLY 

Such an awesome initiative made by sir.. keep helping us sir .. thanks alot

Rahul REPLY 

Sir, Kindly update with UPSC CSE Mains 2020 questions.

← Older Comments (https://mrunal.org/2020/05/download-upsc-mains-general-studies-paper-

1-topicwise-2013-19.html/comment-page-2#comments)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment

Name * Your Name *


 Email * Your Email *

Website Your Website

Submit


 (https://learn.unacademy.com/@nayakpratik/courses)

Days Left

56 : Prelim-2021

-7 : CAPF-2021

91 : CDS-II-2021

98 : IES(M)-2021

145 : Mains-2021

196 : IFoS(M)-2021

Search B4 Asking

Type n Press Enter


 Comments

Rahul on [Download] Topicwise UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-1 (GSM1): since new
Syllabus of 2013 to latest 2019 (https://mrunal.org/2020/05/download-upsc-mains-general-
studies-paper-1-topicwise-2013-19.html/comment-page-3#comment-556654)

NAGIREDDY RAMESH on DISHA’s GIFT to UPSC Aspirants on 73rd Independence Day – Lucky
Draw (Gifts worth Rs 25000/-) + Free 500 Pages Content + Free Sample Chapters + Upto 45%
OFF on Disha Books (https://mrunal.org/2021/08/disha-independence-day-lucky-draw-25000-
gift.html/comment-page-1#comment-556640)

Rishabh Shukla on [Download] Disha’s Annual Current Affairs Compilation 2020 for FREE!
(https://mrunal.org/2021/01/download-disha-annual-current-affairs-compilation-
free.html/comment-page-4#comment-556637)

Anjali Priya on DISHA’s GIFT to UPSC Aspirants on 73rd Independence Day – Lucky Draw (Gifts
worth Rs 25000/-) + Free 500 Pages Content + Free Sample Chapters + Upto 45% OFF on
Disha Books (https://mrunal.org/2021/08/disha-independence-day-lucky-draw-25000-
gift.html/comment-page-1#comment-556628)

Aditya Ghodke on DISHA’s GIFT to UPSC Aspirants on 73rd Independence Day – Lucky Draw
(Gifts worth Rs 25000/-) + Free 500 Pages Content + Free Sample Chapters + Upto 45% OFF
on Disha Books (https://mrunal.org/2021/08/disha-independence-day-lucky-draw-25000-
gift.html/comment-page-1#comment-556621)

Aditi Srivatava on DISHA’s GIFT to UPSC Aspirants on 73rd Independence Day – Lucky Draw
(Gifts worth Rs 25000/-) + Free 500 Pages Content + Free Sample Chapters + Upto 45% OFF
on Disha Books (https://mrunal.org/2021/08/disha-independence-day-lucky-draw-25000-
gift.html/comment-page-1#comment-556620)

Aarti Bhalla on [Download] Disha’s Annual Current Affairs Compilation 2020 for FREE!
(https://mrunal.org/2021/01/download-disha-annual-current-affairs-compilation-
free.html/comment-page-4#comment-556614)

Vishal on DISHA’s GIFT to UPSC Aspirants on 73rd Independence Day – Lucky Draw (Gifts
worth Rs 25000/-) + Free 500 Pages Content + Free Sample Chapters + Upto 45% OFF on
Disha Books (https://mrunal.org/2021/08/disha-independence-day-lucky-draw-25000-
gift.html/comment-page-1#comment-556601)

Akshay Divse on DISHA’s GIFT to UPSC Aspirants on 73rd Independence Day – Lucky Draw
(Gifts worth Rs 25000/-) + Free 500 Pages Content + Free Sample Chapters + Upto 45% OFF

 on Disha Books (https://mrunal.org/2021/08/disha-independence-day-lucky-draw-25000-
gift.html/comment-page-1#comment-556599)

Nrusinghnath on DISHA’s GIFT to UPSC Aspirants on 73rd Independence Day – Lucky Draw
(Gifts worth Rs 25000/-) + Free 500 Pages Content + Free Sample Chapters + Upto 45% OFF
on Disha Books (https://mrunal.org/2021/08/disha-independence-day-lucky-draw-25000-
gift.html/comment-page-1#comment-556595)

Mayank Parmar on [Download] Disha’s Annual Current Affairs Compilation 2020 for FREE!
(https://mrunal.org/2021/01/download-disha-annual-current-affairs-compilation-
free.html/comment-page-4#comment-556593)

Arindam Goswami on DISHA’s GIFT to UPSC Aspirants on 73rd Independence Day – Lucky
Draw (Gifts worth Rs 25000/-) + Free 500 Pages Content + Free Sample Chapters + Upto 45%
OFF on Disha Books (https://mrunal.org/2021/08/disha-independence-day-lucky-draw-25000-
gift.html/comment-page-1#comment-556575)

DEOMANI on [Download] Disha’s Annual Current Affairs Compilation 2020 for FREE!
(https://mrunal.org/2021/01/download-disha-annual-current-affairs-compilation-
free.html/comment-page-4#comment-556570)

(http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/mrunal.org)

HOME (HTTPS://MRUNAL.ORG/)
/ ECONOMY (HTTPS://MRUNAL.ORG/ECONOMY)

/ DOWNLOAD (HTTPS://MRUNAL.ORG/DOWNLOAD)
/ CONTACT ME (HTTPS://MRUNAL.ORG/CONTACT)

© Copyright 2009-2019 Mrunal Patel, Gujarat, India | All Rights Reserved