Most Asked Questions in UPSC Prelims and Repeated Themes

PWOnlyIAS October 18, 2024 07:24 4055 0

Most Asked Questions in UPSC Prelims are provided here. Learn more about the most asked questions in UPSC prelims and topics that are repeated in Prelims.

Most Asked Questions in UPSC Prelims and Repeated Themes

Most asked questions in UPSC prelims are the key to understanding the examiner’s mindset. These questions can be identified by analyzing preliminary question papers from the past few years. Many questions are asked questions repeated in UPSC prelims are applicable to only themes and not exactly the questions, as UPSC usually does repeat the questions. These themes will give an idea of the nature of questions that can be asked.

Here, we will identify the most asked questions in UPSC prelims and also provide a strategy to be prepared for questions from these themes.

Most Asked Questions in UPSC Prelims Themes

There are certain themes that UPSC repeats multiple times in the UPSC prelims exam. By preparing these themes, candidates can have a high chance of scoring good marks. The following table contains the most asked questions in UPSC prelims in terms of themes.

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Subject Repeated Themes
Polity and Governance
  • Origin and Theme of the Indian Constitution
  • Schedules of Constitution
  • Preamble
  • Fundamental Rights
  • Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
  • Fundamental Duties
  • President, Council of Ministers
  • Parliament
  • Judiciary
  • Emergency Provisions
  • Amendment of Constitution
  • Constitutional Bodies
  • Important Parliament Acts 
History 
  • Indus Valley Civilization 
  • Maurya, Gupta, and the Harshvardhan Empire.
  • Jainism and Buddhism
  • Sangam Period
  • Bhaktism and Sufism 
  • Vijayanagara Empire
  • Delhi Sultanate
  • Mughal Rule (Akbar and Aurangazeb) 
  • British Colonialism (Advent, Evolution, Characteristics, and Crown Rule)
  • Freedom Movements (Key Movement-Swadeshi, Noncooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India Movement)
  • Famous Personalities
  • Socio-Religious reforms
  • Development of Education, Press, and Organisations.
Geography
  • Physiography
  • Human Geography
  • Climatology 
  • River System of India
  • Soils of India
  • Vegetations
  • Distribution of Minerals
  • Geomorphology
  • Major Crops and Cropping Patterns
  • Map-based Questions
  • World Geography
Environment and Ecology
  • Basics of Environment and Ecology
  • Environment Pollution 
  • Species in News
  • Conservation of Biodiversity
  • Climate change
  • Climate Engineering
  • Environmental Policies and Acts
  • Environmental Organizations
Economics
  • Inflation
  • Planning in India
  • National Income
  • Monetary Policy 
  • Exchange Rate
  • Balance of Payment
  • Taxation
  • Fiscal Policy and Union Budget
  • Banking
  • Infrastructure Developments
  • APMC Act, NAM, MSP, etc
  • WTO, IMF, etc
Art and Culture
  • Temple Architecture
  • Buddhist Cave Architecture
  • Paintings
  • Music and Dance
Science and Technology
  • Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Information Technology
  • Space Technology
  • Material Science
  • Basics of Cells and Tissues
International Relations
  • G20, G7, G4 etc
  • BIMSTEC, ASEAN, BRICS, QUAD, SAARC
  • UN bodies
  • Reports and Indices
  • Free Trade Agreement
  • Major Agreements and Conventions Related to Global Challenges.
  • Environmental Grouping and Economic Partnerships

Also Read: Environment Questions with Answers

Sample List of Most Asked Questions in UPSC Prelims

UPSC usually asks questions about certain themes. These themes get repeated every year or every alternate year, depending on the events. Here is a list of the most asked questions in UPSC prelims from repeated themes.

International Organizations

  1. Q) Consider the following statements about G-20: (2023)
  1. The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss international economic and financial issues.
  2. Digital public infrastructure is one of India’s G-20 priorities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

  1. Q) In which one of the following groups are all four countries members of G20? (2020)

(a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey

(b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand

(c) Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam

(d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea

Government Policies and Schemes

  1. Q) Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Maternity Benefit ‘ (Amendment) Act, 2017? (2019)
  1. Pregnant women are entitled to three months of pre-delivery and three months of post-delivery paid leave.
  2. Enterprises with creches must allow the mother a minimum of six creche visits daily.
  3. Women with two children get reduced entitlements.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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  1. Q) Concerning the funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct?
  1. MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc.
  2. A specified portion of each MP’s fund must benefit SC/ST populations.
  3. MPLADS funds are sanctioned every year and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year.
  4. The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year.

Select the correct answer using the code given below: (2020)

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, and DPSP

  1. Q) Under the Indian Constitution, concentration of wealth violates (2021)

(a) the Right to Equality

(b) the Directive Principles of State Policy

(c) the Right to Freedom

(d) the Concept of Welfare

  1. Q) Which one of the following categories of Fundamental Rights incorporates protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination? (2020)

(a) Right against Exploitation

(b) Right to Freedom

(c) Right to Constitutional Remedies

(d) Right to Equality

Indus Valley Civilization

  1. Q) Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channeling water into connected reservoirs? (2021)

(a) Dholavira

(b) Kalibangan

(c) Rakhigarhi

(d) Ropar

  1. Q) Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? (2019)

(a) Chanhudaro

(b) Kot Diji

(c) Sohgaura

(d) Desalpur

Jainism and Buddhism

  1. Q) Concerning Indian history, consider the following texts. (2022)
  1. Nettipakarana
  2. Parishishtaparvan
  3. Avadanashataka
  4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana

Which of the above are Jaina texts?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 4

(c) 1, 3 and 4

(d) 2, 3 and 4

  1. Q) Concerning ancient India, consider the following statements :
  1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
  2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
  3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

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  1. Q) Indian Government Bond Yields are influenced by which of the following?
  1. Actions of the United States Federal Reserve
  2. Actions of the Reserve Bank of India
  3. Inflation and short-term interest rates

Select the correct answer using the code given below. (2021)

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

  1. Q) With reference to Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS), which of the following statements is/are correct?
  1. Quantitative restrictions on imports by foreign investors are prohibited.
  2. They apply to investment measures related to trade in both goods and services.
  3. They are not concerned with the regulation of foreign investment.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Monetary Policy

  1. Q) In India, which one of the following is responsible for maintaining price stability by controlling inflation? (2022)

(a) Department of Consumer Affairs

(b) Expenditure Management Commission

(c) Financial Stability and Development Council

(d) Reserve Bank of India

  1. Q) If the RBI decides to adopt an expansionist monetary policy, which of the following would it not do? (2020)
  1. Cut and optimize the Statutory Liquidity Ratio
  2. Increase the Marginal Standing Facility Rate
  3. Cut the Bank Rate and Repo Rate

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Bhakti and Sufi Movement

  1. Q) The sufi saint who maintained that devotional music was one way of coming close to God was (2021)

(a) Muin-ud-din Chishti

(b) Baba Farid

(c) Saiyid Mohammad Gesudaraz

(d) Shah Alam Bukhari

  1. Q) Consider the following statements. (2019)
  1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
  2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither I nor 2

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Places in News

  1. Q) Consider the following countries: (2022)
  1. Armenia
  2. Azerbaijan
  3. Croatia
  4. Romania
  5. Uzbekistan

Which of the above are members of the Organization of Turkic States?

(a) 1, 2 and 4

(b) 1 and 3

(c) 2 and 5

(d) 3, 4 and 5

  1. Q) Siachen Glacier is situated to the (2020)
  1. East of Aksai Chin
  2. East of Leh
  3. North of Gilgit
  4. North of Nubra Valley

Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries

  1. Q) Which one among the following is India’s first ‘Mixed World Heritage Site’? (2020)
  1. Kaziranga National Park
  2. Khangchendzonga National Park
  3. Banni grassland of Gujarat
  4. Western Ghats
  1. Q) Which of the following Protected Areas are located in the Cauvery basin?  (2020)
  1. Nagarhole National Park
  2. Papikonda National Park
  3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
  4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 3 and 4 only
  3. 1, 3 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Species in News

  1. Q) Which of the following is not a bird? (2022)

 (a) Golden Mahseer

 (b) Indian Nightjar

 (c) Spoonbill

 (d) White Ibis

  1. Q) Which one of the following is a filter feeder? (2021)

(a) Catfish 

(b) Octopus

(c) Oyster

(d) Pelican

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New Technological Developments

  1. Q) Consider the following: (2022)
  1. Aarogya Setu
  2. CoWIN
  3. DigiLocker
  4. DIKSHA

Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  1. Q) With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant Vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements: (2021)

Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.

Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Personalities Associated with Freedom Struggle 

  1. Q) Consider the following freedom fighters:
  1. Barindra Kumar Ghosh
  2. Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee
  3. Rash Behari Bose

Who of the above was/were actively associated with the Ghadar Party? (2022)

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 3 only

  1. Q) The Vital-Vidhwansak, the first monthly journal to have the untouchable people as its target audience was published by: (2020)

(a) Gopal Baba Walangkar

(b) Jyotiba Phule

(c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

(d) Bhimrao Ranji Ambedkar

Reports and Index

  1. Q) Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (2023)

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect

(d) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

  1. Q) The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the (2019)

(a) International Monetary Fund

(b) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

(c) World Economic Forum

(d) World Bank

Oceanography

Consider the following statements: (2021)

1) The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.

2) India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.

3) ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. a) 1 and 2 only
  2. b) 2 and 3 only
  3. c) 1 and 3 only
  4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Also Read: Questions in UPSC Prelims

Preparing for Repeated Topics in UPSC Prelims

Just identifying the Most asked questions in UPSC prelims is not enough to score high marks. Candidates will have to study the topic in a holistic way so that they can answer any type of question-related to these themes. The following tips can be followed by candidates to excel in their preparation.

  • Inter-linking of Topics: Candidates have to study by interlinking multiple topics to have a better chance of attempting the question.
  • Integrate Current Affairs: Every static topic is closely linked to current affairs. Candidates have to integrate current affairs with their static notes.
  • Develop Analytical Abilities: Candidates have to predict what types of questions can be asked about a particular theme. This is only possible by developing analytical abilities.
  • Multiple Revisions: Candidates have to revise topics multiple times to develop a deeper understanding of them. This can help them solve questions correctly.

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Most Asked Questions in UPSC Prelims FAQs

UPSC does not repeat any questions in prelims. However, themes are repeated multiple times.

Yes. PYQ analysis is the best tool available to identify the most repeated themes in UPSC prelims.

No. Candidates need to focus on repeated themes, but they also have to read other topics.

Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Parliament, Judiciary, Schedules, etc. are the most repeated themes in polity.

Places in News, Space Science, species in news, etc are most repeated themes from current affairs.
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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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