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UPSC Syllabus

Detailed syllabus · Preliminary examination

UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026: GS Paper I, Topic by Topic

UPSC's seven lines, each opened into the topics and sub-topics it has actually asked — 1,100 questions from 2016 to 2026, each one tap away.

हिन्दी में पढ़ें
1. Current events of national and international importance2. History of India and Indian National Movement3. Indian and World Geography4. Indian Polity and Governance5. Economic and Social Development6. General issues on Environmental ecology7. General Science

Where Paper I's questions come from

Paper I has 100 questions for 200 marks in two hours. Across 11 papers (2016–2026), this is how UPSC spread them:

Your Prelims GS checklist0 of 289 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 7 · UPSC's words

“Current events of national and international importance.”

International relations & current affairs · 134 PYQs

All questions Practice tests

International organisations & groupings

All 47 questions →

  1. United Nations & its agencies

    15 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 3 more

    See all 15 questions

    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 1Class 12 · Contemporary World Politics · Ch 6

  2. Regional groupings: SAARC, BIMSTEC, ASEAN, SCO

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2022, 2018, 2017 and 1 more

    See all 6 questions

  3. Global & economic groupings: G20, BRICS, QUAD

    11 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 3 more

    See all 11 questions

  4. Financial & trade institutions

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2019, 2016

    See all 8 questions

  5. Treaties, regimes & export controls

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 1 more

    See all 8 questions

India & the world: places, pacts & relations

All 17 questions →

  1. Neighbourhood & borders

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2016

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Contemporary World Politics · Ch 3Class 11 · Political Theory · Ch 7

  2. Strategic places, ports & corridors

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2017

    See all 2 questions

  3. Agreements & partnerships

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2019

    See all 3 questions

  4. Diaspora & global issues

    Not asked yet

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

  5. Global hotspots & crises

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023, 2018, 2016

    See all 8 questions

Government schemes & initiatives

All 31 questions →

  1. Farmers, rural & livelihoods

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2017

    See all 2 questions

  2. Health, nutrition & sanitation

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2020

    See all 2 questions

  3. Education, skills & youth

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2017, 2016

    See all 5 questions

  4. Women, children & vulnerable groups

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2021, 2017, 2016

    See all 5 questions

  5. Enterprise, credit & financial schemes

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2024

    See all 2 questions

  6. Digital, urban & infrastructure missions

    13 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2024, 2022, 2020, 2019 and 3 more

    See all 13 questions

  7. Energy & power schemes

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2020, 2016

    See all 4 questions

  8. Identity, awards & other initiatives

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2018

    See all 2 questions

Reports & indices

All 8 questions →

  1. Global reports & who publishes them

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016

    See all 8 questions

Security, defence & exercises

All 14 questions →

  1. Military exercises

    Not asked yet

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

  2. Armed forces & defence acquisitions

    10 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2024, 2018, 2017, 2016

    See all 10 questions

  3. Internal security & laws

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2024, 2023

    See all 3 questions
  4. Other questions on this topic (2)

Persons, awards & miscellany

All 17 questions →

  1. Awards & honours

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2021

    See all 5 questions

  2. Persons & places in the news

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023, 2016

    See all 3 questions

  3. Sports, events & miscellany

    10 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2023, 2021, 2018

    See all 10 questions

Line 2 of 7 · UPSC's words

“History of India and Indian National Movement.”

Ancient India · 47 PYQs

All questions Practice tests NCERT books

Prehistory & the Harappan civilisation

All 8 questions →

  1. Stone Age to Chalcolithic cultures

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2019

    See all 2 questions

  2. Harappan sites, town planning & water management

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2021, 2019, 2017

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 1Class 9 · Understanding Society: India and Beyond · Ch 4Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 5

  3. Harappan crafts, art & daily life

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2025

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 11 · An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I · Ch 2

  4. Archaeological sites across eras

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2021

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 1Class 9 · Understanding Society: India and Beyond · Ch 4Class 11 · An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I · Ch 6

Vedic age & the Mahajanapadas

All 6 questions →

  1. Rigvedic and later Vedic society & economy

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2026

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 1

  2. Vedic geography & rivers

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2026

    See all 1 question

  3. Mahajanapadas & the second urbanisation

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 2Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 4Class 11 · India: Physical Environment · Ch 3

  4. Oral traditions: chronicles & epic tales

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2016

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 2Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 3Class 9 · Understanding Society: India and Beyond · Ch 5

Buddhism, Jainism & other schools

All 15 questions →

  1. The Buddha: life & teachings

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2020

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 4Class 12 · An Introduction to Indian Art, Part II · Ch 1Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 3

  2. Buddhist sects, councils & texts

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 1 more

    See all 6 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 4Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 2Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 5

  3. Buddhist centres, monks & spread abroad

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 4Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 2Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 5

  4. Jainism: doctrines, sects & texts

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2023, 2022, 2018

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 4Class 12 · An Introduction to Indian Art, Part II · Ch 1Class 11 · An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I · Ch 4

  5. Ajivikas, Lokayatas & wandering ascetics

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2020

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 9 · Understanding Society: India and Beyond · Ch 5

Post-Mauryan kingdoms & the Guptas

All 6 questions →

  1. Gupta administration, land & economy

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2020, 2019

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 2

  2. Post-Mauryan dynasties: Shungas, Kushanas, Satavahanas

    Not asked yet

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

  3. Trade, ports & foreign travellers

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2020

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 7Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 2Class 11 · An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I · Ch 6

  4. Scholars & literature of the age

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2020

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 7Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 2Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 3

  5. From the Guptas to Harsha

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2021

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 3Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 3Class 9 · Understanding Society: India and Beyond · Ch 5

Sangam age & early South India

All 6 questions →

  1. Sangam age: poems, kings & society

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2023, 2022

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 9 · Understanding Society: India and Beyond · Ch 5Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 2Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 3

  2. Early ports & trade of the south

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2023

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 3Class 9 · Understanding Society: India and Beyond · Ch 5

  3. Pallavas, Chalukyas & Rashtrakutas

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2025

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 11 · An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I · Ch 5Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 3

  4. Village bodies & land-revenue terms

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2016

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 7

Medieval India · 27 PYQs

All questions Practice tests NCERT books

Early medieval kingdoms (c. 700–1200)

All 8 questions →

  1. Regional kingdoms: Pratiharas, Palas, Rajputs & others

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2022, 2020, 2017

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I · Ch 6Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 4Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 3

  2. The Cholas & maritime South-East Asia

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2025

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 4

  3. Economy, trade & technology

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2020

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Understanding Society · Ch 1Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part II · Ch 4Class 12 · Indian Society · Ch 4

  4. Capitals & places of the period

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2020

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 3Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 4

Vijayanagara, Bahmani & regional kingdoms

All 6 questions →

  1. Vijayanagara: rulers, revenue & works

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2016

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part II · Ch 3Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 11Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 8

  2. Bahmanis & the Deccan sultanates

    Not asked yet

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

  3. Successor states & the Portuguese on the coast

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2021

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part II · Ch 3

The Mughals & the Marathas

All 4 questions →

  1. Mughal administration: mansab, jagir & suba

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2021, 2019

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part II · Ch 4

  2. Mughal culture & translations

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2022

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 2

  3. European travellers & the economy

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2018

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part II · Ch 1

  4. The Marathas

    Not asked yet

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

Modern India & the freedom struggle · 73 PYQs

All questions Practice tests NCERT books

Europeans & the East India Company

All 7 questions →

  1. Portuguese, Dutch, French & English traders

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2023, 2022, 2021

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 4

  2. Company expansion: wars, alliances & annexation

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2018

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 4Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part III · Ch 2

  3. Company trade & exports

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2018

    See all 1 question

  4. Colonial-era archaeology & surveys

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2023

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 4

British administration, land revenue & economy

All 13 questions →

  1. Land revenue: Permanent, Ryotwari & Mahalwari

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2017

    See all 1 question

  2. Economic impact: drain, de-industrialisation, indigo

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2020, 2018

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Economic Development · Ch 1Class 10 · India and the Contemporary World – II · Ch 4

  3. Education policy & colonial institutions

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2018

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 4

  4. Labour laws & currency

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2017

    See all 3 questions

  5. Colonial administration & its terms

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2020

    See all 2 questions

Social & religious reform movements

All 8 questions →

  1. Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj & reformers

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2021, 2018, 2016

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Indian Society · Ch 5Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 2Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 4

  2. Anti-caste movements & leaders

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2020, 2016

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Indian Society · Ch 3Class 12 · Politics in India since Independence · Ch 7

  3. The women's question

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2020

    See all 1 question

  4. Literature & press of reform

    Not asked yet

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

1857 & early resistance movements

All 3 questions →

  1. The Revolt of 1857 & its aftermath

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2026

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part III · Ch 2

  2. Tribal & peasant uprisings

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2020, 2018

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 2Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part III · Ch 1

Rise of nationalism, 1885–1917

All 9 questions →

  1. Early associations & the moderate Congress

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2017, 2016

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 2

  2. Swadeshi & the partition of Bengal

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2020, 2019, 2016

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 2

  3. The Surat split, extremists & revolutionaries

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2022

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 2

  4. Leaders, Home Rule & national symbols

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2021, 2018

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 2

The Gandhian era, 1917–1947

All 18 questions →

  1. Champaran, Non-Cooperation & Khilafat

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2018

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 10 · India and the Contemporary World – II · Ch 2Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part III · Ch 3Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 2

  2. Civil Disobedience & the Gandhi-Irwin Pact

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2025

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part III · Ch 3

  3. Quit India, the INA & the last phase

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2021, 2017, 2016

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 2Class 10 · India and the Contemporary World – II · Ch 2Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part III · Ch 3

  4. Peasant, labour & anti-untouchability movements

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2019

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Social Change and Development in India · Ch 8Class 10 · India and the Contemporary World – II · Ch 2Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 2

  5. Parties, organisations & leaders

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2021, 2019, 2018

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Politics in India since Independence · Ch 2Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 2

Constitutional development & the transfer of power

All 11 questions →

  1. Company-era acts: Regulating Act to Charter Acts

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2019

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 4

  2. Morley-Minto & Montagu-Chelmsford reforms

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2022, 2021, 2017, 2016

    See all 5 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part III · Ch 4

  3. The Government of India Act, 1935

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2018

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 2

  4. Cripps, Cabinet Mission & the transfer of power

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2022

    See all 1 question

  5. Princely states & the Butler Committee

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2017

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 12 · Politics in India since Independence · Ch 1

Post-independence India

All 4 questions →

  1. Integration & reorganisation of states

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2025

    See all 1 question

  2. Parties & labour after 1947

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2018

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Politics in India since Independence · Ch 2Class 12 · Politics in India since Independence · Ch 6

  3. Economy after 1947: banks & planning

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2018

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 12 · Politics in India since Independence · Ch 2Class 12 · Politics in India since Independence · Ch 7

Art & culture · 38 PYQs

All questions Practice tests NCERT books

Architecture & sculpture

All 11 questions →

  1. Temple architecture: Nagara, Dravida, Vesara

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2017

    See all 5 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I · Ch 6Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part II · Ch 1Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 4

  2. Rock-cut caves & stupas

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2023, 2021, 2016

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Knowledge Traditions and Practices of India, Part I · Ch 4Class 11 · An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I · Ch 4Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 4

  3. Indo-Islamic architecture

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2018

    See all 1 question

  4. Sculpture & early Buddhist iconography

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2026

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 4

Painting, crafts & GI heritage

All 5 questions →

  1. Mural & cave painting

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2017

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I · Ch 4

  2. Miniature schools: Mughal, Rajput, Pahari

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2019, 2018

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · An Introduction to Indian Art, Part II · Ch 3Class 12 · An Introduction to Indian Art, Part II · Ch 2

  3. Crafts, textiles & GI-tagged heritage

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2018

    See all 1 question

Music, dance & theatre

All 6 questions →

  1. Classical music: Hindustani & Carnatic

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2019, 2018

    See all 5 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Knowledge Traditions and Practices of India, Part I · Ch 3Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 8

  2. Classical & folk dance

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2017

    See all 1 question

  3. Theatre & puppetry

    Not asked yet

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

Literature, philosophy & religion

All 10 questions →

  1. Sanskrit drama & literature

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023, 2021, 2016

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Knowledge Traditions and Practices of India, Part I · Ch 3Class 11 · Knowledge Traditions and Practices of India, Part I · Ch 1Class 9 · Understanding Society: India and Beyond · Ch 5

  2. Philosophical schools & sacred texts

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2020

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 6 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond · Ch 7Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 4Class 11 · Political Theory · Ch 3

  3. Buddhist & Jain scholars

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2022

    See all 1 question

  4. Law, mathematics & science traditions

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2021

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Knowledge Traditions and Practices of India, Part I · Ch 6

  5. Languages & scripts

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2021

    See all 1 question

Festivals, UNESCO heritage & miscellany

All 6 questions →

  1. Festivals & fairs

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2018, 2017

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 8

  2. UNESCO World & Intangible Heritage

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2024

    See all 3 questions

  3. Monuments, people & miscellany

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2021

    See all 1 question

Line 3 of 7 · UPSC's words

“Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.”

Geography · 162 PYQs

All questions Practice tests NCERT books

Earth, landforms & geomorphology

All 12 questions →

  1. Earth's interior, earthquakes & seismic waves

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2018

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 3Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 2

  2. Volcanoes, plates & mountain building

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2024

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 4Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 3

  3. Rocks, weathering & soils

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2024, 2023

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 5Class 10 · Contemporary India – II · Ch 1

  4. Earth's motions, seasons & solstices

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2022, 2019

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 7 · Curiosity · Ch 12

  5. Space weather

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2025

    See all 1 question

Climate & atmosphere

All 16 questions →

  1. Atmosphere: structure, insolation & heat budget

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2020

    See all 8 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 7Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 8Class 9 · Exploration · Ch 13

  2. Pressure, winds & jet streams

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2024

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 9

  3. Clouds, humidity & precipitation

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2019

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 10

  4. Monsoon, El Niño & the Indian Ocean Dipole

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2017

    See all 1 question

  5. Climate types, isotherms & forecasting

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 8Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 11

Oceans

All 8 questions →

  1. Ocean temperature, currents & salinity

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2021, 2020

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 12Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 13Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 9

  2. Coral reefs

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2018

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 12

  3. Water on Earth

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2021

    See all 1 question

  4. Law of the sea & deep-sea exploration

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2022, 2021

    See all 3 questions

World: places, rivers & mapping

All 30 questions →

  1. Seas, straits, lakes & pipelines

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2022, 2019 and 1 more

    See all 6 questions

  2. Countries, regions & conflicts in the news

    16 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2 more

    See all 16 questions

    NCERT:Class 9 · Understanding Society: India and Beyond · Ch 4

  3. Rivers, basins, volcanoes & landforms

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2023, 2022, 2020

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Fundamentals of Human Geography · Ch 7Class 6 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond · Ch 3

  4. Cities, time zones & routes

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2018, 2017

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    NCERT:Class 6 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond · Ch 1

  5. Other questions on this topic (1)

India: relief, rivers & drainage

All 29 questions →

  1. Himalayas: peaks, glaciers & passes

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2020, 2019

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    NCERT:Class 11 · India: Physical Environment · Ch 3Class 11 · India: Physical Environment · Ch 5

  2. Peninsular plateau, hills, canyons & falls

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2017

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    NCERT:Class 11 · India: Physical Environment · Ch 3Class 11 · India: Physical Environment · Ch 2Class 6 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond · Ch 3

  3. Rivers: Himalayan & peninsular systems

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2024, 2021, 2017, 2016

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    NCERT:Class 11 · India: Physical Environment · Ch 3Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 8Class 11 · India: Physical Environment · Ch 2

  4. Lakes, wetlands, mangroves & coasts

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2023, 2021, 2018, 2017

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    NCERT:Class 11 · India: Physical Environment · Ch 2Class 11 · India: Physical Environment · Ch 3Class 11 · India: Physical Environment · Ch 5

  5. Islands

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2018, 2017

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    NCERT:Class 11 · India: Physical Environment · Ch 2

  6. Locating India: states, longitudes & regions

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2019, 2018, 2016

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    NCERT:Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part II · Ch 3Class 11 · India: Physical Environment · Ch 3

  7. Other questions on this topic (1)

India: climate, soils & vegetation

All 5 questions →

  1. Soils of India

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2021, 2018

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    NCERT:Class 10 · Contemporary India – II · Ch 1Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 3Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 1

  2. Natural vegetation & trees

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2019

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    NCERT:Class 11 · India: Physical Environment · Ch 5

  3. Climate of India's regions

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2019

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Agriculture & crops

All 30 questions →

  1. Crops & cropping seasons

    10 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019

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    NCERT:Class 9 · Exploration · Ch 12Class 10 · Contemporary India – II · Ch 4Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I · Ch 1

  2. Soil health, fertilisers & pesticides

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2020, 2019, 2016

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    NCERT:Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 5

  3. Water-saving & conservation agriculture

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016

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    NCERT:Class 12 · India: People and Economy · Ch 3Class 12 · India: People and Economy · Ch 4

  4. Sustainable & climate-smart farming

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2021, 2020, 2018, 2016

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    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 7Class 11 · Indian Economic Development · Ch 5

  5. Allied: aquaculture, fibres & farm produce

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2019

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  6. India's farm sector in comparison

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2023, 2022

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    NCERT:Class 10 · Contemporary India – II · Ch 4

  7. Other questions on this topic (1)

Minerals, energy & industry

All 28 questions →

  1. Minerals, critical minerals & mining law

    10 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2023, 2022, 2020 and 2 more

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    NCERT:Class 12 · India: People and Economy · Ch 5Class 10 · Contemporary India – II · Ch 5

  2. Coal, oil & gas

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016

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  3. Renewable energy & storage

    7 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2018 and 1 more

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  4. Nuclear & thermal power

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2023

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    NCERT:Class 12 · India: People and Economy · Ch 5

  5. Industry, ports & industrial by-products

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2020, 2016

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 10 · Science · Ch 1Class 10 · Contemporary India – II · Ch 6

  6. Water resources

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2023

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 12 · India: People and Economy · Ch 4

Population, settlement & transport

All 4 questions →

  1. Population & census

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2024

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 6

  2. Cities & the right to the city

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2021

    See all 1 question

  3. Transport & connectivity

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2023

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · India: People and Economy · Ch 7

  4. Tribes, migration & settlements

    Not asked yet

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

Line 4 of 7 · UPSC's words

“Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.”

Polity & governance · 152 PYQs

All questions Practice tests NCERT books

Making of the Constitution, Preamble & features

All 23 questions →

  1. Constituent Assembly & making of the Constitution

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023

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    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 1

  2. Preamble & its ideals

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018

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    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 6Class 11 · Political Theory · Ch 2Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 1

  3. Salient features & borrowed provisions

    10 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2021 and 3 more

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    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 6Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 9Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 1

  4. Schedules, citizenship & the Union's territory

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2021

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 6Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 7

  5. Amendment procedure & basic structure

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2022

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 9

  6. Emergency provisions

    Not asked yet

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

  7. Other questions on this topic (2)

Fundamental Rights, DPSP & Duties

All 25 questions →

  1. Right to equality (Articles 14–18)

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2023, 2021, 2020

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    NCERT:Class 12 · Social Change and Development in India · Ch 3Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 2

  2. Freedoms & Article 21: life, liberty, privacy

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018

    See all 5 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 2

  3. Against exploitation; religion, culture & education

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2017

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 2

  4. Constitutional remedies & writs

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2021, 2020

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 2

  5. Directive Principles of State Policy

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2021, 2020, 2017

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    NCERT:Class 12 · Politics in India since Independence · Ch 3Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 2Class 12 · Politics in India since Independence · Ch 1

  6. Fundamental Duties

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2017

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 5Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 2Class 11 · Political Theory · Ch 5

  7. Nature of rights, Article 13 & right to property

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2021, 2019, 2017

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    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 2Class 11 · Political Theory · Ch 5

Parliament & the Union executive

All 33 questions →

  1. President & Vice-President

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2023

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    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 6

  2. Prime Minister & Council of Ministers

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2017

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 4Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 5

  3. Parliament: houses, sessions & conduct of business

    24 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 6 more

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    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 5Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 4Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 6

  4. Bills, budget & money matters

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2018

    See all 2 questions

  5. Parliamentary committees & privileges

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2024

    See all 1 question

  6. Attorney General & law officers

    Not asked yet

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

  7. Other questions on this topic (1)

Judiciary

All 16 questions →

  1. Supreme Court: jurisdiction & powers

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2021, 2019

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    NCERT:Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 4Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 9Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 6

  2. Appointment & removal of judges

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2019, 2018

    See all 2 questions

  3. High Courts & subordinate courts

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2022

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    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 2

  4. Judicial review & public interest litigation

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2020, 2019, 2017

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 6Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 9Class 12 · Politics in India since Independence · Ch 6

  5. Tribunals & alternative dispute resolution

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2020, 2016

    See all 2 questions

  6. Courts, lawyers & criminal justice

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2021

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Federalism, states & centre–state relations

All 20 questions →

  1. Centre–state legislative & financial relations

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2017, 2016

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    NCERT:Class 10 · Democratic Politics – II · Ch 2

  2. Governor, Chief Minister & state legislature

    10 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2019, 2018 and 2 more

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    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 7

  3. Inter-state relations & councils

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2025

    See all 1 question

  4. Special provisions & scheduled areas

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2023, 2022, 2019

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  5. Union territories & Delhi

    Not asked yet

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

  6. Other questions on this topic (3)

Panchayati Raj & local government

All 4 questions →

  1. Panchayati Raj (73rd Amendment)

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2017, 2016

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 10 · Democratic Politics – II · Ch 2Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 8

  2. Urban local bodies (74th Amendment)

    Not asked yet

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

Constitutional, statutory & regulatory bodies

All 17 questions →

  1. Election Commission, UPSC, CAG & Finance Commission

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2019, 2017

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Politics in India since Independence · Ch 3Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 3

  2. National commissions for rights & communities

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2023

    See all 1 question

  3. Regulators & statutory bodies

    14 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2022, 2021 and 3 more

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  4. Quasi-judicial bodies & tribunals

    Not asked yet

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

Elections, rights issues & governance

All 14 questions →

  1. Elections & the Representation of the People Act

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2020, 2017

    See all 5 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 3Class 9 · Understanding Society: India and Beyond · Ch 7

  2. Rights-based laws

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2023

    See all 2 questions

  3. Governance, transparency & e-governance

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2020, 2017

    See all 5 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Constitution at Work · Ch 4Class 10 · Democratic Politics – II · Ch 5Class 10 · Democratic Politics – II · Ch 4

  4. Criminal procedure & policing

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2026

    See all 2 questions

Line 5 of 7 · UPSC's words

“Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.”

Economy & social development · 189 PYQs

All questions Practice tests NCERT books

National income, growth & inflation

All 11 questions →

  1. National income: GDP, GNP, GVA

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2018

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 12 · India: People and Economy · Ch 6

  2. Inflation & price indices

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2021, 2020

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Introductory Microeconomics · Ch 2Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 5Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 3

  3. Growth, savings & employment concepts

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2020, 2018

    See all 2 questions

  4. Sectors, capital & planning basics

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2022, 2019

    See all 5 questions

    NCERT:Class 10 · Understanding Economic Development · Ch 2Class 12 · Fundamentals of Human Geography · Ch 4Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 4

Money, banking & monetary policy

All 41 questions →

  1. RBI & monetary policy tools

    13 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 4 more

    See all 13 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 3Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 6

  2. Money supply & credit creation

    7 PYQs

    Asked in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016

    See all 7 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 3

  3. Banks: structure & regulation

    10 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2 more

    See all 10 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 3

  4. NPAs, insolvency & banking reforms

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2017

    See all 1 question

  5. Digital payments & currency

    11 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2023, 2019, 2018 and 2 more

    See all 11 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 6Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 3Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 11

Capital markets, insurance & financial instruments

All 27 questions →

  1. Capital markets: shares, bonds & SEBI

    14 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2 more

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    NCERT:Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 5

  2. Government securities & the money market

    7 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2018

    See all 7 questions

  3. Foreign investment: FDI, FPI & P-notes

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2019

    See all 1 question

  4. Insurance & pension

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2020

    See all 2 questions

  5. New-age instruments: green bonds, crypto, REITs

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2023, 2016

    See all 3 questions

Budget, taxation & public finance

All 25 questions →

  1. Budget & its components

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2016

    See all 6 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 5Class 12 · Social Change and Development in India · Ch 3Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 4

  2. Deficits, debt & fiscal policy

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2022, 2021, 2018 and 1 more

    See all 8 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 5

  3. Taxation: direct, indirect & GST

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2022, 2021, 2018, 2017 and 1 more

    See all 8 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 5Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 3Class 12 · Introductory Microeconomics · Ch 1

  4. Centre–state finances & the Finance Commission

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2023

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

External sector & international economic bodies

All 26 questions →

  1. Balance of payments & forex reserves

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2020, 2019, 2017

    See all 5 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Economic Development · Ch 3Class 11 · Indian Economic Development · Ch 5

  2. Exchange rates & convertibility

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2021, 2019

    See all 4 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 6

  3. Trade, tariffs & trade agreements

    10 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2017 and 1 more

    See all 10 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Introductory Macroeconomics · Ch 6

  4. IMF, World Bank, WTO & development banks

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2018, 2016

    See all 4 questions
  5. Other questions on this topic (3)

Agriculture economy, MSP & food security

All 20 questions →

  1. MSP & agricultural pricing

    7 PYQs

    Asked in 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

    See all 7 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Economic Development · Ch 5Class 11 · Indian Economic Development · Ch 3Class 12 · Indian Society · Ch 5

  2. Food security, PDS & buffer stocks

    Not asked yet

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

  3. Farm subsidies, insurance & credit

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2020, 2017, 2016

    See all 5 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Social Change and Development in India · Ch 4

  4. Agricultural marketing & reforms

    Not asked yet

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

  5. Allied sectors & food processing

    Not asked yet

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

  6. Agricultural trade: exports & imports

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2020, 2019, 2018

    See all 4 questions

  7. Land reforms & farm households

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2019, 2018

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Economic Development · Ch 2

  8. Sustainable agriculture missions: organic, rainfed, millets

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2018, 2016

    See all 3 questions

Industry, infrastructure & investment

All 20 questions →

  1. Industrial policy, MSMEs & manufacturing

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2023, 2019, 2017, 2016

    See all 6 questions

  2. Infrastructure: transport, power & logistics

    7 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2020, 2017

    See all 7 questions

  3. Investment models: PPP & infrastructure finance

    Not asked yet

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

  4. Companies, startups & the business climate

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2024

    See all 1 question

  5. Business models, standards & commodity boards

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2023, 2022, 2017

    See all 6 questions

    NCERT:Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 12Class 10 · Understanding Economic Development · Ch 5

Poverty, inclusion, demographics & social sector

All 19 questions →

  1. Poverty & inequality

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2019, 2018

    See all 3 questions

  2. Employment, labour & social security

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2017 and 1 more

    See all 8 questions

  3. Demography & human development

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2019, 2018

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Indian Society · Ch 2Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1) · Ch 7Class 11 · Indian Economic Development · Ch 4

  4. Financial inclusion & welfare delivery

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2021

    See all 2 questions

    NCERT:Class 10 · Understanding Economic Development · Ch 3

  5. Health, education & nutrition

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2018, 2017

    See all 3 questions

Line 6 of 7 · UPSC's words

“General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization.”

Environment & ecology · 156 PYQs

All questions Practice tests NCERT books

Ecology & ecosystems

All 15 questions →

  1. Food chains, energy flow & ecological pyramids

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2021

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 12 · Biology · Ch 11Class 8 · Curiosity · Ch 2

  2. Biogeochemical cycles

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2021

    See all 1 question

    NCERT:Class 9 · Exploration · Ch 13Class 12 · Biology · Ch 12

  3. Ecological concepts: succession, niche, ecotone

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2021, 2017

    See all 6 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Biology · Ch 11Class 9 · Exploration · Ch 12Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 5

  4. Wetlands, mangroves & special ecosystems

    7 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2022, 2021

    See all 7 questions

    NCERT:Class 8 · Curiosity · Ch 12Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 6Class 11 · India: Physical Environment · Ch 5

Biodiversity, plants & animals

All 38 questions →

  1. Animals in the news: species & habitats

    26 PYQs

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

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    NCERT:Class 9 · Exploration · Ch 12Class 12 · Biology · Ch 11Class 12 · Biology · Ch 13

  2. Plants & their uses

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2021 and 1 more

    See all 8 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Biology · Ch 11Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part II · Ch 4Class 8 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2) · Ch 1

  3. IUCN Red List & threatened species

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2021, 2018

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Biology · Ch 13

  4. Invasive & alien species

    Not asked yet

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

  5. Microbes, pollinators & ecological roles

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2022

    See all 1 question

Protected areas & conservation

All 15 questions →

  1. National parks, sanctuaries & tiger reserves

    9 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

    See all 9 questions

  2. Biosphere reserves & Ramsar sites

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2019

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  3. Conservation & community reserves

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2020

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  4. Biodiversity hotspots & natural heritage

    Not asked yet

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

  5. Other questions on this topic (2)

Climate change & agreements

All 33 questions →

  1. UNFCCC, Kyoto & the Paris Agreement

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2016

    See all 1 question

  2. Greenhouse gases, emissions & carbon markets

    19 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 6 more

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  3. Climate finance & global initiatives

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2018, 2017

    See all 5 questions

  4. Climate science, impacts & geoengineering

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2019, 2018, 2016

    See all 6 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 11

  5. Other questions on this topic (2)

Pollution & waste

All 30 questions →

  1. Air pollution & air-quality standards

    11 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019 and 1 more

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    NCERT:Class 11 · Political Theory · Ch 3Class 10 · Science · Ch 2Class 8 · Curiosity · Ch 8

  2. Water pollution & treatment

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2018, 2017

    See all 3 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Biology · Ch 8

  3. Solid, plastic & e-waste

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2024, 2021, 2019

    See all 6 questions

    NCERT:Class 12 · Fundamentals of Human Geography · Ch 4Class 12 · Biology · Ch 8

  4. Soil, noise & heavy-metal pollution

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2023, 2020, 2019, 2017

    See all 5 questions

    NCERT:Class 11 · Indian Economic Development · Ch 7Class 12 · Biology · Ch 10Class 8 · Curiosity · Ch 2

  5. Clean fuels & pollution-control technology

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2019

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

Environmental laws, bodies & conventions

All 25 questions →

  1. Environmental laws of India

    12 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 1 more

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    NCERT:Class 10 · Contemporary India – II · Ch 2Class 12 · Contemporary World Politics · Ch 6Class 10 · Contemporary India – II · Ch 1

  2. Environmental bodies & institutions

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2019, 2018, 2016

    See all 5 questions

  3. Biodiversity & species conventions: CBD, CITES, CMS

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2023

    See all 1 question

  4. Ozone, chemicals & waste conventions

    Not asked yet

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

  5. Global environmental bodies & initiatives

    7 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2023, 2021, 2019, 2017 and 1 more

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Line 7 of 7 · UPSC's words

“General Science.”

Science & technology · 122 PYQs

All questions Practice tests NCERT books

Human body, health & diseases

All 16 questions →

  1. Human body, nutrition & genetics basics

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2022, 2020

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    NCERT:Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 11Class 12 · Biology · Ch 8Class 12 · Biology · Ch 7

  2. Diseases, vaccines & immunity

    10 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2 more

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    NCERT:Class 8 · Curiosity · Ch 2Class 12 · Biology · Ch 8Class 12 · Biology · Ch 5

  3. Medicine, diagnostics & health technology

    Not asked yet

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

  4. Other questions on this topic (2)

Biotechnology & genetics

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  1. DNA, genes & genome editing

    11 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2 more

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    NCERT:Class 12 · Biology · Ch 10Class 12 · Biology · Ch 5Class 12 · Biology · Ch 9

  2. GM crops & agricultural biotechnology

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2021, 2018

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    NCERT:Class 12 · Biology · Ch 10

  3. Stem cells, cloning & new therapies

    3 PYQs

    Asked in 2021, 2020, 2017

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  4. Biotech applications & bio-industry

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2016

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    NCERT:Class 12 · Biology · Ch 5

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Physics & chemistry in everyday life

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  1. Everyday physics: light, sound, heat & electricity

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2021, 2018, 2017

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    NCERT:Class 10 · Science · Ch 9

  2. Everyday chemistry: materials & reactions

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2020, 2017

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  3. Nanotechnology & new materials

    Not asked yet

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

Space technology

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  1. India's launch vehicles & space missions

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2018, 2016

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  2. Satellites, orbits & navigation

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2025, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018 and 2 more

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    NCERT:Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 3Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 2

  3. Astronomy & astrophysics

    4 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023, 2019, 2017

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    NCERT:Class 11 · Knowledge Traditions and Practices of India, Part I · Ch 5Class 11 · Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Ch 2

  4. Global missions & space law

    Not asked yet

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

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IT, computing & emerging technologies

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  1. Artificial intelligence & data

    5 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2020, 2018

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  2. Internet, telecom & wireless technology

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016

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  3. Blockchain, crypto & fintech

    7 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016

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  4. Cybersecurity & data protection

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2019, 2017

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  5. Quantum, semiconductors, robotics & frontier tech

    8 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2022, 2020 and 2 more

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  6. Digital public infrastructure & everyday tech

    7 PYQs

    Asked in 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2016

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  7. Patents & intellectual property

    1 PYQ

    Asked in 2019

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  8. Other questions on this topic (2)

Defence, nuclear & energy technology

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  1. Missiles & defence technology

    7 PYQs

    Asked in 2026, 2025, 2023

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  2. Nuclear technology & treaties

    2 PYQs

    Asked in 2020, 2016

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  3. Energy technology: batteries, hydrogen, fusion

    6 PYQs

    Asked in 2024, 2023, 2019, 2018, 2017

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FAQ

Prelims syllabus: questions, answered

What is the syllabus of UPSC Prelims GS Paper I?

UPSC lists seven areas: current events of national and international importance; history of India and the Indian National Movement; Indian and world geography; Indian polity and governance; economic and social development; general issues on environmental ecology, biodiversity and climate change; and general science. This page breaks each into the topics and sub-topics UPSC has actually asked.

Which subjects get the most questions in UPSC Prelims?

Across Paper I from 2016 to 2026, the most questions came from Economy & social development (189, about 17%), Geography (162, about 15%), Environment & ecology (156, about 14%). The spread changes from year to year, so no subject is safe to skip.

How many questions are there in UPSC Prelims Paper I?

Paper I has 100 questions of 2 marks each — 200 marks in two hours — with one-third of a question's marks deducted for a wrong answer.

Are NCERT books enough for the UPSC Prelims syllabus?

They are the foundation, not the whole syllabus. Of the 1,091 Paper I questions UPSC kept in evaluation since 2016, 357 could be answered from a specific NCERT chapter in our checks; current affairs, environment and science-in-the-news questions need more. Each topic below lists the NCERT chapters that answered its questions.

Is current affairs part of the UPSC Prelims syllabus?

Yes — it is the first line of the syllabus: "Current events of national and international importance." Many questions in polity, economy, environment and science also start from the news.