The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the UPSC Mains Exam 2025 General Studies Paper I (GS-I) on 23 August 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This paper is one of the most important stages in the CSE process, as it evaluates aspirants on a wide range of subjects, including Indian heritage, art and culture, modern history, geography, and social issues. This article includes the UPSC Mains GS 1 Question Paper 2025 PDF to download.
UPSC Mains 2025 GS I Exam
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the UPSC Mains Schedule 2025 which will take place between August 22 and August 31. According to the schedule, each paper will have sessions held in the morning and afternoon. Candidates must refer to the table below to get the UPSC Mains 2025 GS I Exam Schedule.
| UPSC Mains 2025 GS I Exam | |
|
UPSC Mains GS I Exam Date |
23 August, 2025 |
|
Total Marks |
250 Marks |
|
Duration |
3 Hours (9 AM to 12 PM - Morning Session) |
|
Number of Questions |
20 Questions (All questions are compulsory) |
UPSC Mains GS 1 Question Paper 2025
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has conducted the UPSC Mains Exam 2025 for GS Paper 1 on 23rd August, 2025. Candidates can download the UPSC Mains GS 1 Question Paper 2025 PDF from the official UPSC website or from the link provided below in the article.
Also Check:
- UPSC Mains GS 2 Question Paper 2025
- UPSC Mains GS 3 Question Paper 2025
- UPSC Mains GS 4 Question Paper 2025
- UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2025
UPSC Mains 2025 GS I Question Paper Download PDF
The UPSC Mains Exam 2025 for GS 1 has been conducted on 23rd August 2025, and the UPSC Mains GS 1 Question Paper 2025 is available for download once the exam is completed. Reviewing the GS I question paper will help candidates analyze the type and depth of questions asked this year. The direct link to download the UPSC Mains GS 1 Question Paper 2025 is available here for easy access.
UPSC Mains 2025 GS I Question Paper Download PDF
Questions of UPSC Mains 2025 GS 1 Paper
- Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture. (Answer in 150 words) 10
- Examine the main aspects of Akbar’s religious syncretism. (Answer in 150 words) 10
- ‘The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigor and breadth of life.’ Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words) 10
- How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
- What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
- Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
- What are Tsunamis? How and where are they formed? What are their consequences? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
- How does smart city in India, address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice? (Answer in 150 words) 10
- The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words) 10
- Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words) 10
- Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15
- Trace India’s consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education and international relations. (Answer in 250 words) 15
- The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain. (Answer in 250 words) 15
- Give a geographical explanation of the distribution of off-shore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the on-shore occurrences of oil reserves? (Answer in 250 words) 15
- How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning? (Answer in 250 words) 15
- Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses. (Answer in 250 words) 15
- Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources. (Answer in 250 words) 15
- How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience. (Answer in 250 words) 15
- Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment. (Answer in 250 words) 15
- Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Topic Wise Question Division for UPSC Mains 2025 GS-I Paper
The table below includes the Topic Wise Question Division for UPSC Mains 2025 GS-I Paper for the reference of aspirants who are preparing for UPSC Exam 2026
| Topic Wise Question Division for UPSC Mains 2025 GS-I Paper | |
|
Indian Art and Culture |
Updated Soon |
|
Modern History |
Updated Soon |
|
Post Independence |
Updated Soon |
|
World History |
Updated Soon |
|
Indian Society |
Updated Soon |
|
Physical Geography |
Updated Soon |
|
Human/Economic Geography |
Updated Soon |
|
Total Questions |
Updated Soon |
Steps to Download UPSC Mains 2025 GS I Question Paper PDF
Candidates must refer the below mentioned Steps to Download UPSC Mains 2025 Question Paper PDF:
Step 1: Go to the official UPSC website, where all exam-related resources are published.
Step 2: Open the “Examination” section and choose the year 2025 from the list.
Step 3: Find “General Studies Paper I (GS-I)” and click on the download option.
Step 4: Save the PDF file to your device for easy reference and detailed study.
Topics Covered in UPSC Mains 2024 GS I Paper
The Topics Covered in UPSC Mains 2024 GS I Paper evaluates the knowledge of candidates of India’s cultural roots, history, society, and geography which includes the below mentioned key areas:
- Indian Heritage and Culture: This section asks about India’s art, architecture, literature, and traditions. Aspirants are expected to have a deep grasp of the country’s cultural richness and diversity.
- History of India and World History: Along with modern Indian history and the freedom movement, this part extends to important global events such as the Industrial Revolution, the two World Wars, and major political transformations across the world.
- Indian Society: Questions here deal with social change, urbanization, demographic patterns, poverty, women’s issues, and other developmental challenges shaping Indian society today.
- Geography: This segment includes both physical and human geography. Topics may range from natural processes to environmental issues and their influence on human settlements and society.
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UPSC Mains GS 1 Question Paper 2025 FAQs
Q1. What was the difficulty level of UPSC Mains GS-1 2025?+
Q2. Were there any notable shifts in question themes for GS-1 in 2025?+
Q3. What was the subject-wise balance observed in GS-1 2025?+
Q4. Did GS-1 require more factual knowledge or analytical responses in 2025?+
Q5. What strategies are advised for future aspirants based on GS-1 2025 trends?+



