General Studies

UPSC General Studies 2024

All 72 questions from the 2024 Civil Services Mains General Studies paper across 4 papers — 990 marks in total. Each question comes with a detailed evaluation rubric, directive word analysis, and model answer points.

72Questions
990Total marks
4Papers
2024Exam year

GS Paper I

20 questions · 250 marks
Q1
10M 150w Compulsory underline Rig Vedic to Later Vedic society and economy

Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the later Vedic period. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q2
10M 150w Compulsory estimate Pallavas of Kanchi art and literature

Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q3
10M 150w Compulsory enumerate Quit India Movement causes and results

What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q4
10M 150w Compulsory explain Sea surface temperature and tropical cyclones

What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q5
10M 150w Compulsory discuss Urban migration to large cities in developing countries

Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q6
10M 150w Compulsory explain Cloudburst phenomenon

What is the phenomenon of 'cloudbursts'? Explain. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q7
10M 150w Compulsory elaborate Demographic winter concept

What is the concept of a 'demographic winter'? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q8
10M 150w Compulsory distinguish Gender equality equity and empowerment

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? (Answe…

Q9
10M 150w Compulsory discuss Intercaste and interreligious marriages

Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss. (Answer in 150 wor…

Q10
10M 150w Compulsory suggest Government NGO private sector collaboration

In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGOs and private sector would be most productive? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q11
15M 250w Compulsory comment Chola art and architecture achievements

"Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture." Comment. (An…

Q12
15M 250w Compulsory evaluate First World War and balance of power

How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power? (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q13
15M 250w Compulsory evaluate Industrial Revolution and Indian handicrafts decline

How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India? (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q14
15M 250w Compulsory how Gangetic valley groundwater and food security

The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q15
15M 250w Compulsory explain Aurora australis and aurora borealis

What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered? (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q16
15M 250w Compulsory explain Twisters and Gulf of Mexico

What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico? (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q17
15M 250w Compulsory differentiate Regional disparity versus diversity in India

What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India? (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q18
15M 250w Compulsory comment Affirmative action and underprivileged sections

Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. C…

Q19
15M 250w Compulsory how Globalization and women urban migration

Globalization has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with…

Q20
15M 250w Compulsory critically analyse Cultural diversity and socio-economic marginality

Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India's cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS Paper II

20 questions · 250 marks
Q1
10M 150w Compulsory examine Electoral reforms and one nation one election

Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to "one nation – one election" principle. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q2
10M 150w Compulsory distinguish Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals

Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases ? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q3
10M 150w Compulsory elucidate Cabinet system and parliamentary supremacy

"The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy." Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q4
10M 150w Compulsory comment CAG role in legality and propriety of expenditure

"The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety." Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q5
10M 150w Compulsory analyse Local bodies and merger of rural urban local bodies

Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies. (Answer in…

Q6
10M 150w Compulsory comment Public charitable trusts and inclusive development

Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India's development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q7
10M 150w Compulsory suggest Poverty malnutrition vicious cycle and human capital

Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle ? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q8
10M 150w Compulsory discuss Democratic governance and civil servants integrity

The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss. (Answer…

Q9
10M 150w Compulsory explain West India strategic alliance against China

'The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China's supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China's political and economic dominance.' Explain t…

Q10
10M 150w Compulsory critically analyse India Central Asian Republics relations

Critically analyse India's evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and…

Q11
15M 250w Compulsory explain Public Examination Prevention of Unfair Means Act 2024

What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 ? Whether University/State Education Board examination…

Q12
15M 250w Compulsory explain Right to privacy and DNA testing for paternity

Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to…

Q13
15M 250w Compulsory suggest Centre-State relations and federalism strengthening

What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations ? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the St…

Q14
15M 250w Compulsory explain Public interest litigation growth and Supreme Court power

Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world's most powerful judiciary ? (Answer…

Q15
15M 250w Compulsory discuss India as secular state comparison with US

Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q16
15M 250w Compulsory suggest Citizens charter implementation challenges

The Citizens' charter has been a landmark initiative in ensuring citizen-centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the real…

Q17
15M 250w Compulsory suggest Public healthcare marketisation and state role

In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures…

Q18
15M 250w Compulsory evaluate E-governance Interactive Service Model evaluation

e-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency a…

Q19
15M 250w Compulsory evaluate UNSC Counter Terrorism Committee effectiveness

'Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security.' Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council's Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and…

Q20
15M 250w Compulsory discuss Maldives geopolitical importance for India

Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India'…

GS Paper III

20 questions · 250 marks
Q1
10M 150w Compulsory examine Public expenditure on social services

Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective…

Q2
10M 150w Compulsory comment Food inflation and monetary policy

What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation. (Answer in 150 wo…

Q3
10M 150w Compulsory elaborate Land reforms implementation

What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q4
10M 150w Compulsory explain Millets for nutritional security

Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q5
10M 150w Compulsory explain IPR and patent commercialization

What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although, India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have be…

Q6
10M 150w Compulsory explain Electronic toll collection technology

What is the technology being employed for electronic toll collection on highways? What are its advantages and limitations? What are the proposed changes that will make this proces…

Q7
10M 150w Compulsory discuss River water industrial pollution

Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government's init…

Q8
10M 150w Compulsory explain NGOs role in EIA outcomes

What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all important…

Q9
10M 150w Compulsory explain Narco-terrorism threat and countermeasures

Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q10
10M 150w Compulsory describe Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023

Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q11
15M 250w Compulsory discuss Four Labour Codes merits and demerits

Discuss the merits and demerits of the four 'Labour Codes' in the context of labour market reforms in India. What has been the progress so far in this regard? (Answer in 250 words…

Q12
15M 250w Compulsory discuss UDAN Scheme and regional air connectivity

What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government's UDAN Scheme and its achievements. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q13
15M 250w Compulsory state Indian irrigation system challenges

What are the major challenges faced by Indian irrigation system in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management. (Answer in 250 wor…

Q14
15M 250w Compulsory elucidate Buffer stocks for agricultural price stabilization

Elucidate the importance of buffer stocks for stabilizing agricultural prices in India. What are the challenges associated with the storage of buffer stock? Discuss. (Answer in 25…

Q15
15M 250w Compulsory discuss Alternative technologies for freshwater crisis

The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies…

Q16
15M 250w Compulsory what Asteroids threat and prevention strategies

What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe? (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q17
15M 250w Compulsory describe Disaster resilience and Sendai Framework

What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduc…

Q18
15M 250w Compulsory discuss Urban flooding causes and policies

Flooding in urban areas is an emerging climate-induced disaster. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two such major floods in the last two decades in Indi…

Q19
15M 250w Compulsory examine Border security challenges and BADP BIM

India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give ou…

Q20
15M 250w Compulsory suggest Social media security challenges and measures

Social media and encrypting messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social…

GS Paper IV

12 questions · 240 marks
Q1
20M 150w Compulsory critically examine AI in administrative decision-making and dimensions of ethics

(a) The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement f…

Q2
20M 150w Compulsory evaluate Peace, war ethics and climate change ethics

(a) "It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough to believe in it, one must act upon it." In the present context, the major weapon industrie…

Q3
20M 150w Compulsory elucidate Quotations of great thinkers

Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) "Learn everything that is good from others, but brin…

Q4
20M 150w Compulsory examine Justice and administrative discretion

(a) "The concept of Just and Unjust is contextual. What was just a year back, may turn out to be unjust in today's context. Changing context should be constantly under scrutiny to…

Q5
20M 150w Compulsory suggest Code of Ethics and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

(a) "The 'Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not…

Q6
20M 150w Compulsory examine Gender challenges in public service and Mission Karmayogi

(a) "In Indian culture and value system, an equal opportunity has been provided irrespective of gender identity. The number of women in public service has been steadily increasing…

Q7
20M 250w Compulsory discuss AI expansion and environmental sustainability in tech company

There is a technological company named ABC Incorporated which is the second largest worldwide, situated in the Third World. You are the Chief Executive Officer and the majority sh…

Q8
20M 250w Compulsory suggest Terrorist recruitment of unemployed youth and police response

Raman is a senior IPS officer and has recently been posted as D.G. of a state. Among the various issues and problems/challenges which needed his immediate attention, the issue rel…

Q9
20M 250w Compulsory evaluate Naxalite operation and ethical dilemma for police officer

With multipronged strategy of the Central and State Governments specially in the last few years, the naxalite problem has been resolved to a large extent in the affected states of…

Q10
20M 250w Compulsory suggest Conflict of interest in medical procurement

Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big reputed hospital chain in a mid-sized city. She has been made in-charge of the new super speciality center that the hospital is buildin…

Q11
20M 250w Compulsory discuss Water crisis and stakeholder conflict

With the summer heat being exceptionally severe this year, the district has been facing severe water shortage. The District Collector has been mobilizing his subordinate officials…

Q12
20M 250w Compulsory examine Ethical shortcuts in drug trials and research

Dr. Srinivasan is a senior scientist working for a reputed biotechnology company known for its cutting-edge research in pharmaceuticals. Dr. Srinivasan is heading a research team…

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