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UPSC Mains GS 1 Paper Analysis, Subjects Weightage and Trends!

PWOnlyIAS May 16, 2024 06:44 921 0

UPSC mains GS 1 paper analysis will help aspirants tackle the subjects in a better way. You can check more information about UPSC mains GS 1 paper here!

UPSC Mains GS 1 Paper Analysis, Subjects Weightage and Trends!

UPSC mains GS 1 paper is one of the papers of UPSC mains examination. Candidates have to prepare the subjects well to score maximum marks in this paper. UPSC mains GS 1 paper analysis is the best way to predict the themes that may be repeated.

UPSC mains GS 1 paper is not a single subject. It consists of multiple subjects that are combined together to form the syllabus. To score well in the GS 1 paper, performance in all the subjects mentioned is important.

UPSC mains GS 1 paper analysis will serve as the necessary tool that will help candidates perform well in this paper and subsequently in the UPSC mains exam.

UPSC Mains Exam Overview

The UPSC mains exam consists of nine papers that have to be answered in descriptive format. The marks scored in the essay, 4 GS papers, and 2 optional papers will be considered to prepare the merit list. The 2 language papers are only qualifying in nature. The details of the UPSC mains exam are provided below.

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Exam Name UPSC Mains Exam 2024
Eligibility Qualify Prelims
UPSC Mains Exam Date 20th to 28th September 2024
Exam Format Descriptive format
Number of Papers 9
Duration 3 hrs each
Qualifying Papers Paper A (Indian Language)

Paper B (English)

Qualifying Marks 75 Marks
Papers used for Calculating Merit Essay

General Studies 1

General Studies 2

General Studies 3

General Studies 4

Optional Paper 1

Optional Paper 2

Total Marks 250 X 7 = 1750
Cutoff marks Varies every year (741 for General in 2023)

UPSC Mains GS 1 Paper Overview

UPSC mains GS paper 1 is one of the nine papers candidates have to attempt in the UPSC mains exam. The marks scored in GS paper 1 will be considered while preparing the merit list and hence is important for candidates. Details of GS paper 1 are provided in the table below.

Paper Name General Studies paper 1
Total Marks 250
Duration 3 hrs
Number of Questions 20 Questions

(10X10 marks and 10X15 marks)

Nature of Paper Considered for Merit List
Minimum Marks 10% (25 marks)

Also Read: UPSC Mains GS Syllabus

UPSC Mains GS 1 Paper Subject-wise Division

UPSC mains GS 1 paper consists of four subjects viz Geography, History, Indian Society and Indian Art and Culture. The detailed breakdown of these subjects into subtopics are as follows.

Geography Indian Geography

World Geography

History Modern History

Medieval History

Post Independence History

World History

Ancient History

Indian Society
Indian Art and Culture Indian Dance and Music

Indian Temple Architecture

Bhakti and Sufi Traditions

Indian Literature

UPSC Mains GS 1 Paper 2024

UPSC mains GS 1 paper 2024 will be held on 21st September 2024 (tentative). Going by the trends from past few years, questions are likely to be at moderate and difficult level. A subject-wise breakdown of UPSC mains GS 1 paper will be available after the exam. You can also download the paper as and when it becomes available.

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Date of Exam 21st September 2024 (tentative)
Timing 9 am to 12 pm
Duration  3 hrs

UPSC Mains GS 1 Paper Analysis 2023

UPSC mains GS 1 paper 2023 was held on 16th September 2023. Following were the trends observed in the UPSC mains GS 1 paper 2023.

  • The examiner had asked many open-ended questions in GS Paper 1. This increased the difficulty level.
  • In history, many questions were analytical in nature. The difficulty level was between moderate and difficult.
    • The questions from ancient history tested the analytical skills and knowledge depth of the candidate. 
    • Modern history questions were tricky, as ideologies of famous personalities and the impact of colonial rule were also asked.
    • Post independence India and medieval history questions were simple and did not go much into analytical aspects.
    • The world history question was based on colonisation across the world. The question can be considered a little challenging.
    • There was no direct question related to art and culture in this year’s paper. 
  • In Indian society, candidates must be able to present the current challenges. The impact of modern trends and technology on society must be known.
  • In geography, climate change has added a new dimension to the subject. Questions have been asked linking climate change and its effects on geographical phenomena.
Also Read: UPSC Mains PYQ

UPSC Mains GS 1 Paper Analysis Last Five Years

UPSC mains GS 1 paper has subjects such as History and Geography. UPSC does not ask an equal number of questions from all these subjects. Candidates can check the weightage of subjects in the past few years by analysing the graph below.

UPSC mains GS 1 paper

Year Download Link
2024 Click Here
2023 Click Here
2022 Click Here
2021 Click Here
2020 Click Here
2019 Click Here

Also Read: UPSC Mains Subject List

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Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions asked in UPSC GS 1 paper range from moderate to difficult level.

The average score in UPSC mains GS 1 paper is 85-100.

Yes. There have been instances where UPSC has picked themes from optional papers and asked in UPSC mains GS 1 paper.

Geography and History subjects have more weightage in UPSC mains GS 1 paper.

Yes. Art and Culture is an integral part of UPSC mains GS 1 paper.

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
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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