UPSC Mains 2024 GS1 Analysis

UPSC MAINS 2024 GS-I PAPER QUESTION PAPER, ANALYSIS AND PAST YEAR TRENDS

GS Paper-I of UPSC Mains 2024 exam was conducted on 21^st  September 2024 in the first shift (09-12 AM).

• There were 20 questions printed in both English and Hindi.
• 10 questions were of 10 marks each, while the remaining 10 questions were of 15 marks each.
• Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
• All questions were compulsory.
• The number of marks carried by a question/part was printed against it.
• Answers had to be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which had to be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
• Answers to questions no. 1 to 10 were to be in 150 words, whereas answers to questions no. 11 to 20 were to be in 250 words.
• Any page or portion of the page left blank, had to be struck off clearly.

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER 1 QUESTION PAPER: UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAIN EXAM (WRITTEN) 2024

1. Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the later Vedic period. (Answer in 150 words) 
2. Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India. (Answer in 150 words) 
3. What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results. (Answer in 150 words) 
4. What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones? (Answer in 150 words) 
5. Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries. (Answer in 150 words)
6. What is the phenomenon of ‘cloudbursts’? Explain. (Answer in 150 words) 
7. What is the concept of a ‘demographic winter’? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)
8. 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)
9. Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
10. In dealing with socio-economic Issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGOs and private sector would be most productive? (Answer in 150 words)
11. “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)
12. 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)
    
13. How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India? (Answer in 250 words)
14. 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)
15. What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered? (Answer in 250 words)
16. What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico? (Answer in 250 words)
17. What is regional disparity How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India? (Answer in 250 words)
18. 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)
19. 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)
20. Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India’s cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities. (Answer in 250 words)

ANALYSIS OF 2023 PAPER: 

YEAR	WORLD HISTORY	INDIAN HISTORY/ART AND CULTURE	GEOGRAPHY	INDIAN SOCIETY
2023	01	5	8	6

History:

• The paper focuses on both ancient(Vedic society, Pallavas) and modern history (Quit India Movement, Industrial Revolution's impact on Indian handicrafts).
• World Historyis also touched upon with a question on the First World War.
• Art and architectureare highlighted in questions on the Pallavas and Cholas.

Geography:

• A significant portion of the paper includes questions on physical geography, particularly climatology(sea surface temperature, cyclones, cloudbursts, auroras, and twisters).
• Human geographyis explored through questions on urban migration and regional disparities.
• The question on the Gangetic valley’s groundwaterhighlights the link between geography and food security in India.

Society:

• The society section deals with gender issues, marriage patterns(intercaste vs interreligious), and collaboration for socio-economic development.
• The question on affirmative actionand the impact of globalization on women reflects the social justice themes critical to the UPSC syllabus.
• Demographic trendslike the possibility of a demographic winter and its implications are also asked.

Key Trends:

• There is emphasis on interdisciplinary themes, especially where geography intersects with society and economy.
• The society sectionhas increasingly focused on gender and social justice
• The environment and climate-related questions highlight current global concerns like sea surface temperature riseand cloudbursts.

ANALYSIS OF PREVIOUS YEAR PAPERS: 

YEAR	HISTORY	ART AND CULTURE	GEOGRAPHY	INDIAN SOCIETY
2013	Freedom Struggle – 3   Post Independence – 5   World History – 4	3	12	6
2014	Freedom Struggle – 3   World History – 3	4	10	5
2015	Freedom Struggle – 2   World History – 2	2	7	6
2016	Freedom Struggle – 3   World History – 1	2	9	6
2017	Freedom Struggle – 1   Post Independence – 3   World History – 1	2	6	7
2018	Freedom Struggle – 1   Post Independence – 2	3	4	11
2019	Freedom Struggle – 2   Post Independence – 1   World History – 1	1	8	10
2020	Freedom Struggle – 2	4	8	6
2021	2	5	8	5
2022	6		8	6
2023	6		8	6

The level of this paper is easy to moderate, requiring clear conceptual understanding and ability to interlink diverse subjects. The questions are designed to test the candidates' skills by way of analytical and critical thinking rather than mere factual recall. In terms of the structure of answers, the paper requires well-organized and coherent answers that call for the integration of current affairs with historical and cultural contexts. This paper, therefore, challenges aspirants to demonstrate holistic thinking, cross-disciplinary awareness, and clarity in articulation of ideas.

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