Cracking the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) Mains examination requires more than just hard work. It demands a strategic approach, deep conceptual clarity, and rigorous answer-writing practice. To bridge the gap between preparation and selection, MYUPSC introduces its highly curated book: UPPSC Mains Previous Year’s Solved Papers (From 2018–2025) for General Studies I & II.
UPPSC MAINS Previous Year’s Solved Papers– General Studies I – (2018-2025)
Syllabus and PYQs Analysis
GENERAL STUDIES – I
- History of Indian Culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times. (Art & Culture)
- Modern Indian history (from A.D.1757 to A.D. 1947): Significant events, personalities and issues, etc. (Modern History)
- The Freedom Struggle- its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country. (Modern History)
- Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country (till 1965 A.D.) (Post-independence)
- History of the world will include events from the 18th century to the middle of the 20th century such as French Revolution of 1789, industrial revolution, World Wars, the redraw of national boundaries, Socialism, Nazism, Fascism etc-their forms and effect on society. (World History)
- Salient features of Indian Society and culture. (Indian Society)
- Role of Women in society and women’s organization, population, and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems, and their remedies. (Indian Society)
- Meaning of liberalization, privatization, and globalization and their effects on the economy, polity, and social structure. (Indian Society)
- Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. (Indian Society)
- Distribution of major natural resources of the World- Water, Soils, and Forests in reference to South and Southeast Asia with special reference to India. Factors responsible for the location of industries (with special reference to India). (Physical Geography-India/World)
- Salient features of Physical Geography- Earthquake, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, Cyclone, Ocean Currents, winds and glaciers. (Physical Geography-India/World)
- Oceanic resources of India and their potential. (Indian Geography)
- Human migration-refugee problem of the World with focus on India. (Indian Geography)
- Frontiers and boundaries with reference to the Indian subcontinent. (Indian Geography)
- Population and Settlements- Types and Patterns, Urbanization, Smart Cities and Smart Villages. (Human Geography)
PDF Download – UPPSC Mains Previous Year’s Solved Papers (From 2018–2025) for General Studies I & II
Trend Analysis 2018-2024 (GS1)
| Topic | No. of Question (Out of 140) | Percentage |
| Art & Culture | 13 | 9.2% |
| Modern History | 14 | 10.00% |
| Post-independence | 2 | 1.4% |
| World History | 8 | 5.7% |
| Indian Society | 43 | 31.7% |
| Physical Geography | 17 | 12.1% |
| Indian Geography | 8 | 5.7% |
| Human Geography | 10 | 7.1% |
| UP Special (Till 2022) | 24 | 17.1% |
UPPSC PCS MAIN GS 1 PYQS ANALYSIS
| Q. No. | Questions | Topic | Marks | Year | |
| History and Art & Culture | |||||
| 1. | Explain the tale of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the integration of the Princely States of India. | Post-independence | 8 | 2018 | |
| 2. | Mahatma Gandhi represents the middle path approach in India Politics. Give a logical explanation. | Modern History | 8 | 2018 | |
| 3. | “The spine of the Indian Economy was badly injured during the 200 years of British Rule.” Explain. | Modern History | 12 | 2018 | |
| 4. | “Revolt of 1857 was a turning point in Indian History” Analysis. | Modern History | 12 | 2018 | |
| 5. | Describe the role of Buddhist literature in the creation of world peace. | Art & culture | 8 | 2018 | |
| 6. | Discuss the role of Hitler in bringing about the Second World War. | World History | 12 | 2018 | |
| 7. | Critically examine the effects of the British Industrial Revolution on India’s Economic life. | Modern History | 8 | 2019 | |
| 8. | Examine the role of Quit India Movement in the freedom movement of India. | Modern History | 12 | 2019 | |
| 9. | Describe the main features of the Vedic education system and review its significance in present. | Art & Culture | 12 | 2019 | |
| 10. | Describe the efforts made for world peace after the second world war on a global level. | World History | 12 | 2019 | |
| 11. | Write a note on the town planning of Harappan civilization period. | Art & Culture | 8 | 2020 | |
| 12. | Discuss the expansion of British rule in India during Governor Generalship of Lord Wellesley. | Modern History | 12 | 2020 | |
| 13. | Who were the Jacobins? What was their role in the French Revolution? | World History | 12 | 2020 | |
| 14. | Write a critical note on the Foreign Policy of Mussolini, the leader of Fascism in Italy. | World History | 8 | 2020 | |
| 15. | Describe the geographical features of India mentioned in the Vedic literature. | Art & culture | 8 | 2021 | |
| 16. | Discuss the scientific aspects of Indian cultural heritage. | Art & culture | 8 | 2021 | |
| 17. | Throw light on the development of science and technology during the Gupta period. | Art & culture | 12 | 2021 | |
| 18. | “The Industrial Revolution was not only a technological revolution but also a socio-economic revolution that changed the way people live.’ Comment. | Modern History | 8 | 2021 | |
| 19. | How did the Indian Renaissance Movement of the 19th Century help in the development of India? Describe. | Modern History | 12 | 2021 | |
| 20. | What do you understand about the Balkan Crisis? What was its role in the First World War? | World History | 12 | 2021 | |
| 21. | Describe the salient features of Mauryan Art and Architecture. | Art & Culture | 8 | 2022 | |
| 22. | Illustrate the contributions of nationalist leader Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the struggle for the freedom of press | Modern History | 8 | 2022 | |
| 23. | Throw light on the ‘Revolutionary Philosophy’ formulated by Bhagat Singh. | Modern History | 12 | 2022 | |
| 24. | Why is the Gupta period considered as the ‘Golden-Age’ of Ancient Indian History? | Art & Culture | 12 | 2022 | |
| 25. | Explain the points of Ancient Indian Knowledge on the basis of which India was designated as ‘Vishwaguru’ | Art & Culture | 12 | 2022 | |
| 26. | Give an account of the Vedic literature. | Art & Culture | 8 | 2023 | |
| 27. | Describe the architectural features of the temples of Nagar Style. | Art & culture | 12 | 2023 | |
| 28. | Write a note on the contribution of Sir Syed Ahmand Khan in modern education | Modern History | 8 | 2023 | |
| 29. | Discuss the role of Sardar Patel in the unification of India after independence. | Modern History | 8 | 2023 | |
| 30. | Underline ideological dimensions of the uprising of 1857. | Modern History | 12 | 2023 | |
| 31. | Evaluate the role of Bismarck in the unification of Germany. | World history | 12 | 2023 | |
| 32. | Introduce the literary sources for the study of Ancient Indian History. | Art & Culture | 8 | 2024 | |
| 33. | Give an account of the challenges faced by India immediately after Independence. | Post-independence | 8 | 2024 | |
| 34. | “Nepolean was the son of the Revolution.” – Explain. | World History | 8 | 2024 | |
| 35. | “The French Revolution was a great result of enlightenment period.” Comment. | World History | 12 | 2024 | |
| 36. | Outline the development of revolutionary movement in Bengal. | Modern History | 12 | 2024 | |
| 37. | What are the main features of Sangam Period Culture? | Art & Culture | 12 | 2024 | |
| Indian Society | |||||
| 38. | “Communal violence is instigated by religious fanatics, initiated by anti-social elements, supported by political activists, financed by vested interests.” Comment. | Indian Society | 8 | 2018 | |
| 39. | Evaluate the changing status of women in India. | Indian Society | 8 | 2018 | |
| 40. | “Secularism as an orientation and a set of practices is indispensable to India’s future as a liberal democracy.” Discuss. | Indian Society | 12 | 2018 | |
| 41. | Discuss the impact of globalization on the status of women in Indian society by citing suitable examples. | Indian Society | 12 | 2018 | |
| 42. | What is globalization? Discuss its impact on the social structure of India. | Indian Society | 12 | 2018 | |
| 43. | Write a note on the role of urban planning for development of basic civic amenities in slums. | Indian Society | 8 | 2019 | |
| 44. | Evaluate the main problems of the empowerment of Schedule Tribes in India. | Indian Society | 8 | 2019 | |
| 45. | Indian Culture is the symbol of Unity in Diversity’. Analyse the statement logically by giving suitable illustrations. | Indian Society | 12 | 2019 | |
| 46. | Define urbanization. Discuss the problems caused by the fast pace of urbanization. | Indian Society | 12 | 2019 | |
| 47. | The politics of religion and ethnic violence is basically the politics of secularism and secularization. Critically analyse the statement. | Indian Society | 12 | 2019 | |
| 48. | Evaluate the views of Gandhi on the Varna system. | Indian Society | 8 | 2020 | |
| 49. | Describe the advantages of India being a composite culture society. | Indian Society | 8 | 2020 | |
| 50. | Critically examine the contributions of major women’s organisations in contemporary India. | Indian Society | 8 | 2020 | |
| 51. | Critically examine whether growing population is the main cause of poverty or poverty is the main cause of population increase in India’ | Indian Society | 8 | 2020 | |
| 52. | Critically examine the impacts of the West on the field of Indian education. | Indian Society | 12 | 2020 | |
| 53. | Critically examine the concept of nation and citizenship in context of communalism. | Indian Society | 12 | 2020 | |
| 54. | What is Liberalization? How is it affecting the Indian social structure? | Indian Society | 12 | 2020 | |
| 55. | Do you agree that urbanization and slums are inseparable? Explain. | Indian Society | 8 | 2021 | |
| 56. | Examine how regionalism affects national integration. | Indian Society | 8 | 2021 | |
| 57. | Why is social empowerment of women necessary for inclusive development? Elaborate in detail. | Indian Society | 12 | 2021 | |
| 58. | Define globalization. Assess its impacts on rural social structure in India. | Indian Society | 12 | 2021 | |
| 59. | Highlight the salient features of India’s Population Policy (2000). Suggest some measures for population stabilization. | Indian Society | 12 | 2021 | |
| 60. | Examine the nature of Urbanization in India and discuss the social implications of the fast pace of urbanization. | Indian Society | 12 | 2021 | |
| 61. | Discuss the causes of population explosion in India and give suggestions to combat this problem. | Indian Society | 8 | 2022 | |
| 62. | Evaluate the role of Information Technology and Internet in social empowerment. | Indian Society | 8 | 2022 | |
| 63. | When poverty is transmitted over generations it becomes a culture. Elucidate. | Indian Society | 8 | 2022 | |
| 64. | Throw light on the factors of continuity and change in Indian Society. | Indian Society | 12 | 2022 | |
| 65. | Define Globalization and Privatization. Discuss their objectives. | Indian Society | 12 | 2022 | |
| 66. | Caste alliances emanate from secular and political factors and do not spring from primordial identities. Discuss. | Indian Society | 12 | 2022 | |
| 67. | What kind of hindrances do regionalism create in the development of India? | Indian Society | 8 | 2023 | |
| 68. | ‘Unemployment is the only cause for the prevalent poverty in India’ – Comment | Indian Society | 8 | 2023 | |
| 69. | Do you agree with the statement that crime against women in India is increasing? | Indian Society | 8 | 2023 | |
| 70. | Throw light on Rohingya refugee in South Asia | Indian Society | 8 | 2023 | |
| 71. | How did Indian culture affect the world during the Corona pandemic period? | Indian Society | 12 | 2023 | |
| 72. | Evaluate the role of women organizations in woman empowerment. | Indian Society | 12 | 2023 | |
| 73. | The process of urbanization leads to development or devastation in the society. Write your views. | Indian Society | 12 | 2023 | |
| 74. | Discuss the causes and consequences of internal human migration in India | Indian Society | 12 | 2023 | |
| 75. | Describe the main characteristics of Indian culture. | Indian Society | 8 | 2024 | |
| 76. | Discuss the impacts of Globalisation on Indian Society. | Indian Society | 8 | 2024 | |
| 77. | Explain the contribution of woman’s organisation in the development of Indian rural society. | Indian Society | 8 | 2024 | |
| 78. | Indian society is known for its uniqueness and cultural diversity. Discuss. | Indian Society | 12 | 2024 | |
| 79. | Discuss the causes and consequences of poverty. | Indian Society | 12 | 2024 | |
| 80. | How is the growing regionalism in India affecting the economy and polity? Explain. | Indian Society | 12 | 2024 | |
| 81. | Population explosion is a serious challenge to India’s holistic development.’ Examine the statement. | Indian Society | 12 | 2024 | |
| Geography | |||||
| 82. | Throw light on the concept of smart village in India and describe the main features of smart village. | Human Geography/Indian Society | 12 | 2024 | |
| 83. | Discuss the solution to urban problems. | Human Geography | 8 | 2018 | |
| 84. | Enumerate the core infrastructure elements for Smart City development. | Human Geography | 8 | 2018 | |
| 85. | Write a note on Global Warming. | World Geography | 8 | 2018 | |
| 86. | What is an air mass? Describe its chief characteristics. | Physical Geography | 12 | 2018 | |
| 87. | How are volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis related to each other? Highlight all the possible causes for volcanic eruptions. | Physical Geography | 12 | 2018 | |
| 88. | Mention the factors responsible for the origins of ocean currents and name the currents of the Atlantic Ocean. | Physical Geography-World | 12 | 2018 | |
| 89. | Describe the role of Iron minerals in Socio-economic development of human beings during 300-300 B.C. | Physical Geography | 8 | 2019 | |
| 90. | “Tropical cyclones originate on the oceanic parts and as soon as they reach the terrestrial parts, these storms gradually weaken and end. Explain with reasons. | Physical Geography | 8 | 2019 | |
| 91. | Discuss the spatial distribution of types of rural settlements in Ganga Plain. | Human Geography | 12 | 2019 | |
| 92. | Describe the landforms formed by wind erosion and depositional works. | Physical Geography | 12 | 2019 | |
| 93. | Write a systematic essay on the ocean currents of the northern Atlantic Ocean with their reasons of origin. | Physical Geography-World | 12 | 2019 | |
| 94. | Critically examine the oceanic energy resources and their potentialities on the coast zone of India. | Indian Geography | 12 | 2019 | |
| 95. | Explain the difference between the frontier and the boundary with special reference to India. | Human Geography | 8 | 2020 | |
| 96. | Discuss the causes of volcanic eruption and describe the land-forms formed by deposition of its lava. | Physical Geography | 12 | 2020 | |
| 97. | Highlight the various ecological problems associated with the exploitation and utilization of resources from the Indian Ocean. | Indian Geography | 12 | 2020 | |
| 98. | Describe the role of Glaciers in shaping the land-forms in high mountain areas. | Physical Geography | 12 | 2020 | |
| 99. | What is the water crisis? Suggest suitable measures for water resource management. | Human Geography | 8 | 2021 | |
| 100. | Discuss the patterns of rural settlements in Gangetic Plain. | Human Geography | 8 | 2021 | |
| 101. | What is a cyclone? Explain the causes of the origin of temperate cyclones. | Physical Geography | 12 | 2021 | |
| 102. | Describe the causes of origin, structure and weather associated with tropical cyclones. | Physical Geography-World | 12 | 2022 | |
| 103. | Discuss the factors affecting rural settlement pattern in India | Human Geography | 12 | 2022 | |
| 104. | Describe earthquake belts in India | Indian Geography | 12 | 2022 | |
| 105. | ‘Oceans are the store-house of resources.’ – Write a short note | Physical Geography | 8 | 2023 | |
| 106. | Soil profile plays an important role in agriculture. Do you agree? | Physical Geography | 8 | 2023 | |
| 107. | Write a short note on Nine number Channel and its strategic importance. | Indian Geography | 8 | 2023 | |
| 108. | Discuss the relationship between El Nino and south-east monsoon in India and its impact on agriculture. | Indian Geography | 12 | 2023 | |
| 109. | Write a short note on temperate cyclones. How does it impact India? | Physical Geography | 12 | 2023 | |
| 110. | Discuss India’s mineral development policy. | Indian Geography | 12 | 2023 | |
| 111. | What is the use of oceans for humans ? | Physical Geography | 8 | 2024 | |
| 112. | Explain the interrelationship between climate, soils and vegetation. | Physical Geography | 8 | 2024 | |
| 113. | What is smart city? Describe its main characteristics. | Human Geography | 8 | 2024 | |
| 114. | Write a note on seismic zones of India. | Indian Geography | 8 | 2024 | |
| 115. | Throw light on the concept of smart village in India and describe the main features of smart village. | Human Geography/Indian Society | 12 | 2024 | |
| 116. | Biodiversity conservation of forest and water bodies in India is essential to maintain ecological balance. Elucidate in detail. | Indian Geography | 12 | 2024 | |
| 117. | Discuss the characteristics, causes and effects of Tsunami with example. | Physical Geography | 12 | 2024 | |
| UP Special | |||||
| 118. | Give an account of the minerals found in Uttar Pradesh. | UP special | 8 | 2018 | |
| 119. | Give a geographical account of Bundelkhand as a cultural region. | UP special | 8 | 2018 | |
| 120. | Give an account of the primary targets of Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy (2018). | UP Special | 12 | 2018 | |
| 121. | Describe the cultural significance of ‘Prayagraj’ in ancient UP special | UP special | 8 | 2019 | |
| 122. | Evaluate the population growth and role of women in Population control in Uttar Pradesh. | UP Special | 8 | 2019 | |
| 123. | What is ‘Heritage Arch’ underlines its importance in Uttar Pradesh in terms of tourism potential. | UP Special | 8 | 2019 | |
| 124. | Explain the geographical factors which have attracted refugees to settle them in different parts of Uttar Pradesh. | UP Special | 8 | 2019 | |
| 125. | Give an account of Minor Irrigation projects of Uttar Pradesh with suitable examples. | UP special | 8 | 2019 | |
| 126. | Divide Uttar Pradesh into major physical regions and describe the geographical features of Bhabar and Terai regions. | UP Special | 8 | 2020 | |
| 127. | What is ‘Smart City Mission’? Discuss the main characteristics of cities of Eastern Uttar Pradesh selected under this scheme. | UP Special | 8 | 2020 | |
| 128. | Describe the location of major tourist places of Budelkhand Tourist Circuit of U.P. | UP Special | 8 | 2020 | |
| 129. | Underline the changes happening gradually in the sources of irrigation in U.P. | UP Special | 12 | 2020 | |
| 130. | What is ‘reverse migration’? What was its impact on the economy and social order of Uttar Pradesh during the COVID-19 Lockdown? | UP Special | 12 | 2020 | |
| 131. | Evaluate the contribution of revolutionaries of Uttar Pradesh in the Indian freedom struggle. | UP special | 8 | 2021 | |
| 132. | Describe the main industries and major industrial centers of Uttar Pradesh. | UP special | 8 | 2021 | |
| 133. | Illustrate the major features of Wildlife-Eco Tourism Circuits of Uttar Pradesh. | UP special | 8 | 2021 | |
| 134. | Describe the areas of Uttar Pradesh affected by soil erosion and also identify the factors responsible for it. | UP special | 12 | 2021 | |
| 135. | What are the means of irrigation in Uttar Pradesh? Discuss the role of irrigation in agricultural development. | UP Special | 12 | 2021 | |
| 136. | What is ‘Heritage Arch’? Underline its importance in Uttar Pradesh in terms of tourism potential. | UP Special | 8 | 2022 | |
| 137. | What is the ‘Smart City Mission’? Discuss the main characteristics of cities of Eastern Uttar Pradesh selected under this scheme | UP Special | 8 | 2022 | |
| 138. | Give an account of Irrigation projects of Uttar Pradesh in detail with suitable examples. | UP Special | 8 | 2022 | |
| 139. | Mention various festivals which are celebrated in Uttar Pradesh | UP Special | 8 | 2022 | |
| 140. | Throw light on the nature of Renaissance in Uttar Pradesh in the 19th century | UP Special | 8 | 2022 | |
| 141. | Presenting the details of the popular folk songs in the ‘Purvanchal region’ of Uttar Pradesh, mention their salient features. | UP Special | 12 | 2022 | |