Prelims GS I
Prelims GS I · 47 questions · 2016–2026
Ancient India: every Prelims question, by topic
UPSC syllabus: “History of India and Indian National Movement.” Below, the topics inside it — most asked first — and how often each came up year by year.
- Buddhism, Jainism & other schools15 questions · asked in 9 of 11 years
- Prehistory & the Harappan civilisation8 questions · asked in 6 of 11 years
- Vedic age & the Mahajanapadas6 questions · asked in 3 of 11 years
- The Mauryan empire6 questions · asked in 5 of 11 years
- Post-Mauryan kingdoms & the Guptas6 questions · asked in 4 of 11 years
- Sangam age & early South India6 questions · asked in 5 of 11 years
Latest questions
- 2026 · Q3 · Vedic age & the MahajanapadasConsider the following statements: I. Pali texts contain the first definite references to coins, e.g., kahapana, nikkha, kamsa, and kakanika. II. The literary evidence fr…
- 2026 · Q5 · Buddhism, Jainism & other schoolsAmong the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is not included?…
- 2026 · Q8 · Prehistory & the Harappan civilisationConsider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns: I. There is wide occurrence of spindle-whorls in the houses but absence of spinning…
- 2026 · Q10 · Vedic age & the MahajanapadasConsider the following statements about the Rigvedic period: I. Irrigation from wells allowed agriculture to expand away from flood plains and strips on river margins int…
- 2026 · Q13 · Vedic age & the MahajanapadasWhich of the following pairs of ancient and modern names of rivers is/are correctly matched?…
The same ground in Mains
These official Mains syllabus lines cover Ancient India. Prelims facts become Mains arguments.