GS Paper 1 UPSC 2022 (Mains): Questions, Topics & Marks Distribution

UPSC Civil Services Mains 2022 GS Paper 1: The UPSC Civil Services Examination Mains General Studies Paper I was held on September 17, 2022, in the morning session. The Civil Services (Main) Exam is made up of 9 papers and is held over the course of 5 days. GeeksforGeeks have brought you the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2022 GS Paper 1 which will aid to prepare for the next exam beforehand.

The following topics are covered in GS Paper 1:

• Indian Heritage and Culture
• History
• Geography of the World
• Society

General Studies Paper 1 Question Paper – UPSC Civil Services Main Exam

Below are the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2022 GS 1 Questions:

Q1. How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q2. Why did the armies of the British East India Company – mostly comprising of Indian soldiers – win consistently against the more numerous and better equipped armies of the then Indian rulers? Give reasons. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q3. Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q4. Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. (Answer in 150 words ) 10 Marks

Q5. Discuss the meaning of color-coded weather warnings for cyclone-prone areas given by the India Meteorological Department. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q6. Discuss the natural resource potentials of Deccan Trap’. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q7. Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q8. Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q9. How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the culture of consumption? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q10. Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q11. The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q12. Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q13. Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art, and architecture. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q14. What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing Industry of the world. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q15. Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q16. Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q17. The troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes. How? (Answer in 250 words ) 15 Marks

Q18. Analyse the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q19. Are tolerance, assimilation, and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q20. Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Pattern of Question Asked in UPSC 2022 Mains GS Paper 1:

The UPSC Civil Services Mains 2022 GS Paper 1 consists of 20 descriptive-type questions about Indian Heritage and Culture, World History and Geography, and Society. This paper is worth 250 marks and has a 3-hour time limit. This paper is being evaluated for merit. It is also critical to remember that all of the questions must be answered.

The following observations were made by the commission regarding the nature and level of questions asked in UPSC Civil Services Mains 2022 GS Paper 1:

• The questions will be designed to assess a candidate’s general knowledge of a variety of subjects relevant to a Civil Service career.
• The questions are designed to assess the candidate’s fundamental understanding of all relevant topics, as well as their ability to analyze and weigh in on competing for socioeconomic goals, objectives, and demands.
• Candidates must provide meaningful, impactful, and concise responses.

Aspirants can evaluate and plan their approach for the Civil Services Examination’s Mains level based on the Mains Question Paper 2022.

• UPSC Mains 2022 Essay Paper
• UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 2
• UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 3
• UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 4

Question Topics in General Studies Paper 1 (2022 Mains)

Here is a comprehensive list of question topics covered in General Studies Paper 1 (2022 Mains):

1. Indian Heritage and Culture

1. The Indus Valley Civilization: Significance and Cultural Contributions
2. Bhakti Movement: Impact on Indian Culture and Spirituality
3. Concept of Dharma in Indian Society: Evolution and Implications
4. Buddhism and Jainism: Influence on Indian Thought and Society
5. Role of Women in Indian Society: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Challenges

2. History and Geography of the World

1. French Revolution: Causes, Consequences, and Global Impact
2. British Empire: Rise, Fall, and Legacy
3. American Civil War: Significance, Turning Points, and Enduring Lessons
4. Industrial Revolution: Global Transformation, Economic Impact, and Social Repercussions
5. Challenges of Global Governance in the 21st Century: Sovereignty, Security, and Sustainable Development

3. Society

1. Poverty in India: Multidimensional Causes, Complex Dynamics, and Policy Interventions
2. Education in India: Challenges, Opportunities, and Road to Equitable Access
3. Caste System: Historical Roots, Contemporary Realities, and Implications for Social Justice
4. Urbanization in India: Trends, Impacts, and Sustainable Urbanization Strategies
5. Gender Equality in India: Progress, Challenges, and Path to Empowered Women

4. Science and Technology

1. Climate Change: Scientific Basis, Human Impact, and Mitigation Strategies
2. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Benefits, Risks, and Ethical Considerations
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Impact on Society, Ethical Dilemmas, and Future Directions
4. Nuclear Energy: Scientific Principles, Applications, and Safety Concerns
5. Water Scarcity in India: Causes, Consequences, and Sustainable Water Management Practices

5. Environment and Ecology

1. Deforestation: Causes, Impacts, and Conservation Efforts
2. Environmental Pollution: Sources, Consequences, and Pollution Control Strategies
3. Biodiversity Conservation: Importance, Threats, and Preservation Strategies
4. Sustainable Development: Balancing Economic Growth, Environmental Protection, and Social Equity
5. Climate Change in India: Vulnerability, Mitigation Strategies, and Adaptation Measures

6. Current Affairs

1. COVID-19 Pandemic: Global Impact, Economic Disruptions, and Public Health Challenges
2. Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Geopolitical Implications, Humanitarian Crisis, and Global Repercussions
3. Quad Grouping: Significance, Objectives, and Role in Maintaining Indo-Pacific Security
4. Belt and Road Initiative: Economic Opportunities, Geopolitical Concerns, and India’s Strategic Response
5. Challenges Facing Democracy in the 21st Century: Populism, Polarization, and Threats to Democratic Institutions

General Studies Paper 1 – Total Mark Distribution

• Modern History:   35 marks
• Geography:           100 marks
• Society:                   75 marks
• Art and Culture:    40 marks

For More:

• GS Paper 2 UPSC 2022 (Mains)
• GS Paper 3 UPSC 2022 (Mains)