UPSC GS Paper-1 Syllabus

UPSC GS Paper-1 Syllabus (250 marks)

सामान्य अध्ययन प्रश्नपत्र – 1 का सिलेबस (250 अंक) 

GS-Paper-1 Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society		सामान्य अध्ययन प्रश्नपत्र-1 भारतीय विरासत और संस्कृति, विश्व का इतिहास एवं भूगोल और समाज
S.No.	Topic	क्र.सं.	विषय
1.	Arts & Culture (2+1 Qs):— Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.	1.	कला एवं संस्कृति (2+1 Qs):— भारतीय संस्कृति में प्राचीन काल से आधुनिक काल तक के कला के रूप, साहित्य और वास्तुकला के मुख्य पहलू शामिल होंगे।
2.	Indian Freedom Struggle (2+1 Qs):— ● Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues. ● The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.	2.	भारतीय स्वतंत्रता संग्राम (2+1 Qs):— ● 18वीं सदी के लगभग मध्य से लेकर वर्तमान समय तक का आधुनिक भारतीय इतिहास- महत्त्वपूर्ण घटनाएँ, व्यक्तित्व, विषय। ● स्वतंत्रता संग्राम- इसके विभिन्न चरण और देश के विभिन्न भागों से इसमें अपना योगदान देने वाले महत्त्वपूर्ण व्यक्ति/उनका योगदान।
3.	Post Independent India (1 Q):— Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.	3.	Post Independent India (1 Q):— स्वतंत्रता के पश्चात् देश के अंदर एकीकरण और पुनर्गठन।
4.	World History (1 Q):— History of the world will include events from 18th century such as Industrial revolution, World wars, Redrawal of national boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, Political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.	4.	विश्व के इतिहास (1 Q):— विश्व के इतिहास में 18वीं सदी तथा बाद की घटनाएँ यथा औद्योगिक क्रांति, विश्व युद्ध, राष्ट्रीय सीमाओं का पुनःसीमांकन, उपनिवेशवाद, उपनिवेशवाद की समाप्ति, राजनीतिक दर्शन जैसे साम्यवाद, पूंजीवाद, समाजवाद आदि शामिल होंगे, उनके रूप और समाज पर उनका प्रभाव।
5.	Society (5-7 Qs):— Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. ● Diversity of India ● Women and girls related issues ● Population ● Poverty ● Urbanization ● Globalization ● Communalism, regionalism and Secularism	5.	समाज (5-7 Qs):— भारतीय समाज की प्रमुख विशेषताएँ, भारत की विविधता। ● भारत की विविधता ● महिलाओं एवं लड़कियों से संबंधित मुद्दे ● जनसंख्या ● गरीबी ● शहरीकरण ● वैश्वीकरण ● साम्प्रदायिकता, क्षेत्रवाद एवं धर्मनिरपेक्षता
6.	Geography (4-6 Qs):— Salient features of world’s physical & human geography. ● Geomorphology ● Oceanography ● Physical Settings of India ● Resources in India ● Industries in India	6.	भूगोल (4-6 Qs):— विश्व के भौतिक एवं मानव भूगोल की प्रमुख विशेषताएँ। ● भू-आकृति विज्ञान ● सामुद्रिक शास्त्र ● भारत की भौतिक संरचनाएँ ● भारत में संसाधन ● भारत में उद्योग
7.	Environment and Climate Change	7.	पर्यावरण और जलवायु परिवर्तन

GS 1 Previous Year Question Paper

GS 1 Previous Year Question Paper

The significance of practicing previous years’ questions for the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam is undeniable. Reviewing the General Studies (GS) Paper 1 past questions allows candidates to understand trends in the exam and formulate an effective strategy. It also helps in identifying key topics for the exam. Below is a link to access the GS 1 previous year question papers:—

S. No.	Year	Download Link
1.	GS 1 Paper 2024	Click Here
2.	GS 1 Paper 2023	Click Here
3.	GS 1 Paper 2022	Click Here
4.	GS 1 Paper 2021	Click Here
5.	GS 1 Paper 2020	Click Here
6.	GS 1 Paper 2019	Click Here
7.	GS 1 Paper 2018	Click Here
8.	GS 1 Paper 2017	Click Here
9.	GS 1 Paper 2016	Click Here
10.	GS 1 Paper 2015	Click Here
11.	GS 1 Paper 2014	Click Here
12.	GS 1 Paper 2013	Click Here
13.	GS 1 Paper 2012	Click Here
14.	GS 1 Paper 2011	Click Here

General Preparation Strategy

1.	Create a Study Routine	● Divide time effectively between History, Geography, and Society. ● Dedicate specific hours for revision and answer writing.
2.	Notes Making	● Make concise notes for each section of the syllabus. ● Use bullet points, flowcharts, and diagrams for clarity.
3.	Practice Previous Year Questions	● Analyze past trends to identify important topics. ● Practice answering in the introduction-body-conclusion format.
4.	Integrate Current Affairs	● Link current events to topics like social issues, climate change, and urbanization. ● Use newspapers like The Hindu and Indian Express for relevant updates.
5.	Focus on the Demand of the Question	● Carefully read the question and address all components. ● Write direct, relevant, and well-structured answers.

Recommended Resources

Books

1. Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania
2. India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
3. A Brief History of Modern India (Spectrum Books Pvt. Ltd.)
4. Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong
5. NCERT textbooks for History, Geography, and Sociology

Magazines and Reports

• Yojana, Kurukshetra, and Down to Earth
• Economic Survey and India Yearbook

Online Resources

• PIB for government updates
• Rajya Sabha TV (Sansad TV) debates on social and cultural issues

Answer Writing Tips

• Start with a relevant introduction (definition, fact, or quote).
• Use subheadings for clarity.
• Provide examples and case studies to substantiate your arguments.
• Use maps, diagrams, or flowcharts wherever applicable.
• Conclude with a balanced viewpoint or future outlook.

FAQs about General Studies Paper 1

1. What is the weightage of GS Paper 1 in UPSC Mains?

Answer:—

GS Paper 1 carries 250 marks in the Mains exam. It covers diverse topics like culture, history, geography, and society, making it significant in the overall score.

2. How should I begin preparing for GS Paper 1?

Answer:—

Start with NCERT textbooks for history, geography, and sociology to build a foundation. Gradually move to advanced resources like standard reference books and current affairs integration.

3. What are the most important topics in GS Paper 1?

Answer:—

• History: Freedom struggle, world wars, post-independence consolidation.
• Geography: Monsoons, disaster management, climate change.
• Society: Urbanization, secularism, women empowerment, and social issues.

4. How can I make my answers unique?

Answer:—

• Include facts, data, and case studies to enrich answers.
• Use maps and diagrams in geography-related answers.
• Link historical or cultural topics to current affairs for relevance.

5. How do I prepare for world history?

Answer:—

Focus on major events like:

• French Revolution
• Industrial Revolution
• World Wars
• Use NCERTs and reference books like Mastering Modern World History by Norman Lowe.

6. What is the role of current affairs in GS Paper 1?

Answer:—

Current affairs help you connect static topics with contemporary issues. For example:

• Urbanization: Link with smart cities mission.
• Climate change: Relate to global initiatives like COP.

7. How do I prepare for Indian Society topics?

Answer:—

• Study NCERT Class 12 Sociology books.
• Use examples from government initiatives and schemes.
• Analyze current social issues, like caste-based discrimination and women empowerment.

8. What kind of maps should I practice for geography?

Answer:—

• Indian physical maps: Rivers, mountains, and climate zones.
• World maps: Oceans, continents, and climatic regions.
• Use maps to support answers on resource distribution or urbanization.

9. How do I manage time for GS Paper 1 preparation?

Answer:—

• Allocate 2–3 hours daily to GS Paper 1, focusing on history, geography, and society.
• Use weekends for revision and mock tests.

10. Is note-making necessary for GS Paper 1?

Answer:—

Yes, concise notes are crucial for quick revision. Focus on key points, facts, and diagrams for better retention.

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Official PDF UPSC GS Paper-1 Syllabus