Minimalist IAS
Mains

Detailed syllabus · Main examination · Paper II

UPSC GS Paper I Syllabus 2026 (Mains): Topic by Topic

Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society. 12 lines in UPSC's words, opened into sub-topics with the 215 questions UPSC set from 2016 to 2026.

हिन्दी में पढ़ें
1. Indian culture will cover the salient…2. Modern Indian history from about the…3. The Freedom Struggle 4. Post-independence consolidation and…5. History of the world will include…6. Salient features of Indian Society,…7. Role of women and women’s…8. Effects of globalization on Indian…9. Social empowerment, communalism,…10. Salient features of world’s physical…11. Distribution of key natural resources…12. Important Geophysical phenomena such…

GS Paper I in short

250 marks, three hours, essay-type. UPSC's 12 lines below drew 215 questions from 2016 to 2026; the busiest were Role of women and women’s organization, population and… (30), Distribution of key natural resources across the world (30) and Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms,… (26).

Your GS I checklist0 of 66 sub-topics covered

Tick the circle beside a sub-topic once you've covered it. Your ticks are saved in this browser on this device — nothing to sign up for.

Line 1 of 12 · Indian art, literature & architecture · UPSC's words

“Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.”

26 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

  1. Temple, cave & stupa architecture

    11 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2022, 2020 and 1 more

    “Vijayanagara architecture exemplifies the amalgamation of past traditions with contemporary practices. Elucidate with examples.” 2026 · GS I Q11 →

    See all 11 questions

  2. Sculpture, painting & art schools

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2019

    “Highlight the Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art.” 2019 · GS I Q1 →

    See all 1 question

  3. Literature & language traditions

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2020, 2016

    “Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.” 2020 · GS I Q12 →

    See all 2 questions

  4. Religious & philosophical movements: Bhakti, Sufi, Buddhism

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018

    “Examine the main aspects of Akbar’s religious syncretism.” 2025 · GS I Q2 →

    See all 5 questions

  5. Coins, inscriptions & travellers' accounts

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2018, 2017

    “Analyze the importance of Ashokan inscriptions for reconstructing Mauryan history.” 2026 · GS I Q1 →

    See all 3 questions

  6. Heritage conservation & intangible culture

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2018

    “Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.” 2018 · GS I Q1 →

    See all 1 question

  7. Vedic society, religion & ancient geography

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023

    “Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the later Vedic period.” 2024 · GS I Q1 →

    See all 3 questions

  8. Medieval society, technology & sources

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2023

    “What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society?” 2023 · GS I Q12 →

    See all 1 question

Line 2 of 12 · Modern Indian history · UPSC's words

“Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.”

14 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

  1. Decline of the Mughals & the rise of the Company

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2017

    “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.” 2022 · GS I Q2 →

    See all 2 questions

  2. Colonial economy: drain, de-industrialisation & land

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2017

    “How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?” 2024 · GS I Q13 →

    See all 5 questions

  3. 1857 and early resistance

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2019, 2016

    “How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression?” 2023 · GS I Q13 →

    See all 3 questions

  4. Socio-religious reform & the Indian renaissance

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2021, 2019, 2017

    “Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.” 2025 · GS I Q11 →

    See all 4 questions

  5. Indentured labour & the diaspora

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2018

    “Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies ? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there ?” 2018 · GS I Q13 →

    See all 1 question

  6. Education & ideas: Macaulay, Gandhi, Tagore

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2023, 2018

    “Discuss the impact of Macaulay’s Minute on colonial administration and education in India.” 2026 · GS I Q2 →

    See all 3 questions

  7. National movement: ideologies & the transfer of power

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2020, 2019, 2017

    “Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement.” 2020 · GS I Q3 →

    See all 4 questions

  8. Reorganisation of provinces & states

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2022

    “The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples.” 2022 · GS I Q11 →

    See all 1 question

Line 3 of 12 · The freedom struggle · UPSC's words

“The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.”

13 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

  1. Moderates, extremists & early nationalism

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2021, 2020, 2017

    “To what extent did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement ? Comment.” 2021 · GS I Q11 →

    See all 3 questions

  2. Gandhian mass movements

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2024, 2023, 2021, 2018 and 1 more

    “The significance of the Gandhian movements lay in the masses they mobilized. Elucidate.” 2026 · GS I Q3 →

    See all 6 questions

  3. Revolutionaries, Bose & the INA

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2020, 2016

    “Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.” 2020 · GS I Q13 →

    See all 2 questions

  4. Women, peasants, workers & regions in the struggle

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2019

    “How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression?” 2023 · GS I Q13 →

    See all 3 questions

  5. Constitutional demands, Purna Swaraj & transfer of power

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2019, 2017

    “Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s.” 2019 · GS I Q12 →

    See all 2 questions
  6. Other questions on this line (1)

Line 4 of 12 · Post-independence consolidation · UPSC's words

“Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.”

7 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

  1. Integration of princely states

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2021

    “Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States.” 2021 · GS I Q3 →

    See all 1 question

  2. Linguistic reorganisation & new states

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2022, 2018, 2017, 2016

    “Linguistic reorganization of Indian States was driven by popular pressure from below. Comment.” 2026 · GS I Q12 →

    See all 5 questions

  3. Planning, non-alignment & nation-building

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2025

    “Trace India’s consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education and international relations.” 2025 · GS I Q12 →

    See all 1 question

  4. Building institutions: the civil services

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2025

    “The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate.” 2025 · GS I Q9 →

    See all 1 question

  5. Regional imbalance & the colonial legacy

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2026

    “The model of planned economy was adopted in India to address the regional imbalances left behind by colonial rule. Comment.” 2026 · GS I Q13 →

    See all 1 question

Prelims topics behind this line

Line 5 of 12 · World history · UPSC's words

“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.”

7 questions & model answers Write the 2025 question — free evaluation

  1. Revolutions & the age of Enlightenment

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2019

    “The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain.” 2025 · GS I Q13 →

    See all 2 questions

  2. Industrial Revolution, colonialism & imperialism

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023

    “How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?” 2024 · GS I Q13 →

    See all 2 questions

  3. World Wars, the interwar years & ideologies

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2021

    “How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power?” 2024 · GS I Q12 →

    See all 2 questions

  4. Decolonisation & the redrawing of boundaries

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2017, 2016

    “What problems were germane to the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula ?” 2017 · GS I Q4 →

    See all 2 questions

  5. Political philosophies: communism, capitalism, socialism

    Not asked yet

    In the syllabus; UPSC hasn't set a question on it since 2016 — read it, don't skip it.

Line 6 of 12 · Indian society & diversity · UPSC's words

“Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.”

19 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

  1. Diversity & unity: religion, language, culture

    12 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020 and 4 more

    “Unity in diversity remains the defining feature of Indian society despite the challenges from communalism and regionalism. Comment.” 2026 · GS I Q8 →

    See all 12 questions

  2. Caste: mobility, Sanskritisation & politics

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 1 more

    “Is caste disappearing in urban India? Illustrate your answer with examples.” 2026 · GS I Q18 →

    See all 6 questions

  3. Tribes: scheduled areas, PESA & forest rights

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2021, 2017, 2016

    “Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category?” 2022 · GS I Q10 →

    See all 4 questions

  4. Family, kinship & social institutions

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023, 2022

    “Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss.” 2024 · GS I Q9 →

    See all 4 questions

  5. Regional identities & secularism in society

    7 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 1 more

    “What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India?” 2024 · GS I Q17 →

    See all 7 questions
  6. Other questions on this line (3)

Line 7 of 12 · Women, population, poverty & urbanisation · UPSC's words

“Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.”

30 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

  1. Women: role, organisations & empowerment

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018 and 2 more

    “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?” 2024 · GS I Q8 →

    See all 8 questions

  2. Population, demographic transition & ageing

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2022, 2021 and 1 more

    “Critically examine the challenges of demographic transition in contemporary India.” 2026 · GS I Q19 →

    See all 6 questions

  3. Poverty & developmental issues

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2020, 2018 and 1 more

    “Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.” 2025 · GS I Q19 →

    See all 6 questions

  4. Urbanisation: problems & remedies

    16 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 5 more

    “How does smart city in India, address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice?” 2025 · GS I Q8 →

    See all 16 questions
  5. Other questions on this line (3)

Prelims topics behind this line

Line 8 of 12 · Globalisation & Indian society · UPSC's words

“Effects of globalization on Indian society.”

12 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

  1. Globalisation & culture: homogenisation vs glocalisation

    9 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 4 more

    “Evaluate the impact of globalization on Indian youths with reference to social, political, economic and cultural spheres.” 2026 · GS I Q20 →

    See all 9 questions

  2. Globalisation, work & the economy: IT, gig & migration

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2021, 2017

    “Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships.” 2022 · GS I Q8 →

    See all 5 questions

  3. Family, gender & youth in a globalised world

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2023

    “Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children.” 2023 · GS I Q10 →

    See all 1 question

  4. Technology & the digital divide

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2021, 2020

    “What is Cryptocurrency ? How does it affect global society ? Has it been affecting Indian society also ?” 2021 · GS I Q19 →

    See all 2 questions
  5. Other questions on this line (1)

Line 9 of 12 · Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism · UPSC's words

“Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.”

14 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

  1. Social empowerment: SCs, STs, women & minorities

    11 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2022, 2020 and 3 more

    “How do you understand disability? Substantiate the need for inclusive policy framework in India in this regard.” 2026 · GS I Q9 →

    See all 11 questions

  2. Communalism

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2018, 2017

    “Analyse the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion.” 2022 · GS I Q18 →

    See all 3 questions

  3. Regionalism

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2024, 2023, 2020, 2016

    “Unity in diversity remains the defining feature of Indian society despite the challenges from communalism and regionalism. Comment.” 2026 · GS I Q8 →

    See all 6 questions

  4. Secularism: Indian vs Western models

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017

    “Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer.” 2022 · GS I Q19 →

    See all 4 questions

  5. Caste in modern India

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2024, 2023, 2018

    “Is caste disappearing in urban India? Illustrate your answer with examples.” 2026 · GS I Q18 →

    See all 4 questions

  6. Digital & educational empowerment

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2020

    “How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer.” 2020 · GS I Q20 →

    See all 1 question

Prelims topics behind this line

Line 10 of 12 · World physical geography · UPSC's words

“Salient features of world’s physical geography.”

19 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

  1. Geomorphology: plates, mountains & volcanism

    9 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2 more

    “Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses.” 2025 · GS I Q16 →

    See all 9 questions

  2. Climatology: monsoon, cyclones & air masses

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2017 and 1 more

    “What is the Fujiwhara effect? Explain its impact on the movement and intensity of tropical cyclones.” 2026 · GS I Q4 →

    See all 8 questions

  3. Oceanography: currents, salinity & circulation

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016

    “What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world.” 2022 · GS I Q14 →

    See all 4 questions

  4. Cryosphere, permafrost & land degradation

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2020, 2017, 2016

    “Tundra regions are ecologically fragile but economically important.” Examine this statement critically.” 2026 · GS I Q5 →

    See all 5 questions

  5. The solar system & planetary science

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2017

    “How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth ?” 2017 · GS I Q5 →

    See all 1 question
  6. Other questions on this line (4)

Line 11 of 12 · Resources & industrial location · UPSC's words

“Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).”

30 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

  1. Water resources & water security

    10 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2023, 2020, 2019 and 3 more

    “Water resources are both an asset and a source of conflict in South Asia.” Examine this statement giving examples.” 2026 · GS I Q7 →

    See all 10 questions

  2. Energy & mineral resources

    9 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017

    “What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples.” 2025 · GS I Q5 →

    See all 9 questions

  3. Food, land & agricultural resources

    7 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018 and 1 more

    “The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India?” 2024 · GS I Q14 →

    See all 7 questions

  4. Location of industries: primary, secondary, tertiary

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2017

    “How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning?” 2025 · GS I Q15 →

    See all 6 questions

  5. Strategic routes & resource geopolitics

    7 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2022, 2018, 2016

    “Tundra regions are ecologically fragile but economically important.” Examine this statement critically.” 2026 · GS I Q5 →

    See all 7 questions
  6. Other questions on this line (5)

Line 12 of 12 · Geophysical phenomena & changing features · UPSC's words

“Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.”

24 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

  1. Earthquakes, volcanoes & tsunamis

    7 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2018

    “What are Tsunamis? How and where are they formed? What are their consequences? Explain with examples.” 2025 · GS I Q7 →

    See all 7 questions

  2. Cyclones, cloudbursts & floods

    7 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020

    “What is the Fujiwhara effect? Explain its impact on the movement and intensity of tropical cyclones.” 2026 · GS I Q4 →

    See all 7 questions

  3. Landslides & Himalayan hazards

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2016

    “Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats.” 2021 · GS I Q4 →

    See all 5 questions

  4. Changes in critical geographical features

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2 more

    “Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard?” 2025 · GS III Q8 →

    See all 8 questions

  5. Effects on flora, fauna & human life

    13 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2023, 2020, 2019 and 3 more

    “Analyze the major drivers of human-induced land-use changes in India and their geographical consequences.” 2026 · GS I Q17 →

    See all 13 questions

  6. Other atmospheric & planetary phenomena

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2017

    “What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?” 2024 · GS I Q15 →

    See all 3 questions
  7. Other questions on this line (1)

FAQ

GS Paper I: questions, answered

What is the syllabus of UPSC GS Paper I?

GS Paper I (Mains Paper II, 250 marks) covers Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society. UPSC lists 12 lines for it; this page sets each out in UPSC's words and breaks it into the sub-topics UPSC has actually asked.

Which topics are asked most in GS Paper I?

From 2016 to 2026, the lines with the most questions were: "Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated…" (30); "Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including…" (30); "Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms,…" (26).

How many questions are there in GS Paper I?

Each GS paper is three hours and 250 marks. In recent years UPSC has set 20 questions — ten of 10 marks (about 150 words) and ten of 15 marks (about 250 words).