Subjects in GS Paper 1:
Subject |
Sub-Topics |
|
History |
– Art & Culture – Modern History – World History |
|
Geography |
– Physical Geography of India & World – Human Geography |
|
Indian Society |
– Demography, Social Issues, and Developments in Indian Society |
Focus Areas in Mains General Studies-I:
Subject |
Topics |
|
Art & Culture |
– Classical dances – Temple architecture – Themes of ancient Indian history – Literature – Music and musical instruments |
|
Modern History |
– Four important agitations/movements: Swadeshi and Boycott movement, Khilafat and Non-cooperation movement, Civil Disobedience movement, Quit India movement – Social/religious reform movements: personalities and their contributions – Contributions of important personalities (Indian and foreign) – India after Independence & Political Philosophies – Admission of princely states – Role of important personalities – Important movements after 1947 – Communism – Capitalism – Socialism |
|
World History |
– American, French, Russian, and Industrial Revolution – World War I and II – Current affairs – International pages of The Hindu and The Indian Express |
|
Indian Society |
– Diversity in India – Women Empowerment – Issues in Indian Society |
|
Geography |
– Cyclones, hurricanes, earthquakes – Location of industries in India – Water bodies – Climate change – Natural Resources |
How to Approach Mains General Studies Paper 1:
- Important sources for UPSC Mains GS-I preparation based on subjects:
Subject |
Sources |
|
History |
– Books: India’s Ancient Past (RS Sharma), Facets of Indian Culture (Spectrum publications) – Website: Centre for Cultural Resources & Training (CCRT) website |
|
Modern History |
– Books: India’s Struggle for Independence (Bipan Chandra), A Brief History of Modern India (Rajiv Ahir, Spectrum Publications), India Since Independence (Bipan Chandra) |
|
World History |
– Books: Mastering World History (Norman Lowe), History of the World (Arjun Dev) |
|
Indian Society |
– Newspapers – Magazines (EPW) – Reports of NGOs, international organizations, etc. |
|
Geography |
– NCERTs from classes VI through XII |
Detailed Structure of Mains General Studies Paper-I for IAS:
- Important features of UPSC General Studies I Mains paper:
Feature |
Details |
|
Number of Questions |
20 compulsory questions in Hindi and English based on language selection during application |
|
Total Marks |
250 marks |
|
Word Limit |
– 150 words for 10 marks questions – 250 words for 15 marks questions |
|
Emphasis |
– Modern History – Current affairs in Geography – Women’s role in Indian Society – Effects of Globalization on Indian society – Social Empowerment – Communalism – Regionalism – Secularism |
GS 1 Syllabus:
Topic |
Sub-Topics |
|
History |
– Modern Indian History – The Freedom Struggle – Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization – History of the World including Industrial Revolution, world wars, colonization, political philosophies (Communism, Capitalism, Socialism) |
|
Art & Culture |
– Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times |
|
Geography |
– Salient features of World’s Physical Geography – Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world – Important Geophysical Phenomena – Changes in geographical features, flora, and fauna |
|
Indian Society |
– Salient features of Indian Society – Diversity of India – Role of Women and Women’s Organization – Population and Associated Issues – Poverty and Developmental issues – Urbanization, their problems and their remedies – Effects of Globalization on Indian society – Social Empowerment – Communalism – Regionalism – Secularism |
FAQs for GS 1 Notes
Q1: Why Paper 1 of General Studies having such a much importance in the Mains examination of UPSC?
GS Paper 1 is one of the four general studies papers that are part of the UPSC Mains examination process. It has sections on subjects such as History, Geography, Arts and Culture, and Society in India. The GS Paper 1 is compulsory because it focuses on aspects of Indian History, Geography, Society, and Culture that are vital in comprehending the working and growth of the country in its entirety.
Q2. What should I do to prepare for history section of GS Paper 1?
If you are appearing for the history section of GS Paper 1, then it is advised that you must revise the following areas of history; ancient history, medieval history, modern history and world history. Some of the reference books include: “India’s Ancient Past” by RS Sharma and “A Brief History of Modern India” by Rajiv Ahir. Moreover, Indian history including historical events, movements, personalities and the society in general should also be of focus.
Q3. What are the sources for reading more about the geography part of the GS paper 1?
For geography section, it is advisable to refer textbooks of classes VI to XII under NCERT. Also, it is important to refer to current events regarding geography like natural disasters, climate change and tendency of industries. One can find information on the latest geographical advancements in newspapers and magazines.
Q4. What should be my strategy to prepare for Indian Society section in GS Paper 1?
While covering Indian Society area, the primary concerns should include diversity, women, population, urbanization/ globalization, social Justice, Communalism/Regionalism, Secularism. Another important source of information involves reading newspapers and weeklies such as the EPW (Economic and Political Weekly). Books and Ncerts are the best knowledge provider.
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