UPSC Mains 2026 — GS1 questions

Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography & Society. 20 questions in this collection, each linked to its theme.

1. GS1202610 marks · 150 wordsGS1-CUL-01-M2026-S01

   Analyze the importance of Ashokan inscriptions for reconstructing Mauryan history

   Theme: T3 Sources of history: inscriptions, rock-cut caves, travellers, Sangam & Persian texts

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2. GS1202615 marks · 250 wordsGS1-CUL-02-M2026-S01

   Vijayanagara architecture exemplifies the amalgamation of past traditions with contemporary practices. Elucidate with examples

   Theme: T5 Temple architecture & regional dynasties: Pallava, Chola, Chandela, Vijayanagara, Gupta

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3. GS1202610 marks · 150 wordsGS1-GEO-01-M2026-S01

   Discuss the role of aeolian processes in desertification and land degradation

   Theme: T40 Desertification, land degradation & land-use change

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4. GS1202610 marks · 150 wordsGS1-GEO-02-M2026-S01

   What is the Fujiwhara effect? Explain its impact on the movement and intensity of tropical cyclones

   Theme: T31 Tropical cyclones, twisters & cyclone warnings

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5. GS1202615 marks · 250 wordsGS1-GEO-02-M2026-S02

   Compare the Loo, Chinook and Foehn winds with respect to their regions of prevalence, their nature and climatic impacts

   Theme: T29 Atmosphere, air masses, winds, inversion, deserts & auroras

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6. GS1202610 marks · 150 wordsGS1-GEO-05-M2026-S01

   Water resources are both an asset and a source of conflict in South Asia. Examine this statement giving examples

   Theme: T47 River interlinking & water disputes: inter-state and transboundary

   Also needs: T115 Neighbourhood: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Project MausamCopyReport a typo
7. GS1202615 marks · 250 wordsGS1-GEO-06-M2026-S01

   The centre of global trade is gradually shifting from the Atlantic region to the Indo-Pacific region. Examine this statement

   Theme: T116 Indo-Pacific, Quad, AUKUS & sea lanes: straits, South China Sea, trade shift

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8. GS1202610 marks · 150 wordsGS1-GEO-07-M2026-S01

   Tundra regions are ecologically fragile but economically important. Examine this statement critically

   Theme: T37 Polar regions: Arctic resources, tundra & India's interest

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9. GS1202615 marks · 250 wordsGS1-GEO-07-M2026-S02

   Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India

   Theme: T140 Technology in agriculture: e-technology, Digital India, nano, satellites

   Also needs: T146 Space & geospatial technology: Chandrayaan, JWST, NavIC, asteroids, GISAlso needs: T159 Climate change impacts on India: food security, Himalayan & coastal statesCopyReport a typo
10. GS1202615 marks · 250 wordsGS1-GEO-07-M2026-S03

    Analyze the major drivers of human-induced land-use changes in India and their geographical consequences

    Theme: T40 Desertification, land degradation & land-use change

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11. GS1202610 marks · 150 wordsGS1-HIS-01-M2026-S01

    Discuss the impact of Macaulay’s Minute on colonial administration and education in India

    Theme: T11 Colonial administration & education policy: Macaulay, Curzon

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12. GS1202610 marks · 150 wordsGS1-HIS-06-M2026-S01

    The significance of the Gandhian movements lay in the masses they mobilized. Elucidate

    Theme: T15 Gandhi: mass movements, constructive programme, ideas & contemporaries

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13. GS1202615 marks · 250 wordsGS1-HIS-08-M2026-S01

    Linguistic reorganization of Indian States was driven by popular pressure from below. Comment

    Theme: T19 Integration & reorganisation of states: princely states, linguistic states, new & smaller states

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14. GS1202615 marks · 250 wordsGS1-HIS-08-M2026-S02

    The model of planned economy was adopted in India to address the regional imbalances left behind by colonial rule. Comment

    Theme: T127 Planning: Nehruvian planning, Soviet influence, NITI Aayog

    Also needs: T63 Regionalism & regional disparityCopyReport a typo
15. GS1202610 marks · 150 wordsGS1-SOC-01-M2026-S01

    Unity in diversity remains the defining feature of Indian society despite the challenges from communalism and regionalism. Comment

    Theme: T48 Diversity & national unity

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16. GS1202615 marks · 250 wordsGS1-SOC-01-M2026-S02

    Is caste disappearing in urban India? Illustrate your answer with examples

    Theme: T50 Caste: continuity, change, mobility & Dalit assertion

    Also needs: T55 Urbanisation: social problems, segregation & urban povertyCopyReport a typo
17. GS1202615 marks · 250 wordsGS1-SOC-03-M2026-S01

    Critically examine the challenges of demographic transition in contemporary India

    Theme: T52 Population & demographic transition

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18. GS1202615 marks · 250 wordsGS1-SOC-06-M2026-S01

    Evaluate the impact of globalization on Indian youths with reference to social, political, economic and cultural spheres

    Theme: T59 Globalisation & Indian society and culture

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19. GS1202610 marks · 150 wordsGS1-SOC-07-M2026-S01

    How do you understand disability? Substantiate the need for inclusive policy framework in India in this regard

    Theme: T71 Disability & inclusion: RPwD Act 2016

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20. GS1202610 marks · 150 wordsGS1-SOC-07-M2026-S02

    Do you think digital technology promotes social empowerment? Explain with examples

    Theme: T60 Technology & social change: mobiles, WFH, fast food, crypto, digital education

    Also needs: T106 E-governance & the digital divideCopyReport a typo

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