We will be going through the UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – World History. The official UPSC Syllabus reads – History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.

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UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – World History will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society – Questions and Sub-themes from 2013-2023

Question	Year	Marks	Sub-theme
Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world.	2023	10	Introduction of railways- Socio-economic effects in different countries of world
“There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (250 words)	2021	15	Challenge to the Democratic State System emerged in inter-war years
Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French revolution. (15m,250 words)	2019	15	American and French revolution- their impact on foundation of modern world
Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?	2018	15	Indentured labour- Reason of being taken away from India to other colonies, Preservation of Cultural Identity over there
What problems were germane to the decolonization process of Malay Peninsula.	2017	10	Problems in the Decolonization Process of the Malay Peninsula
The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine.	2016	12.5	Anti-colonial struggles in West Africa
Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present?	2015	12.5	Industrial Revolution in England- Reason of occurence, quality of life and comparison with present India
To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically	2015	12.5	Germany role in 2 WW, other factors involved
What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India?	2014	10	Global factors motivating anti-colonial struggle in India
What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s self-image as a world power?	2014	10	Suez Crisis- Impact on Britain’s Status as a World Power
Latecomer Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what west had experience.	2013	10	Different Factors Involved in the Japanese IR from the Western IR
Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse.	2013	10	Fragmentation of Africa- Due to European competition
American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate.	2013	10	Mercantilism- American revolution against it
What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression?	2013	10	Great economic depression- Policy measures deployed

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We will be going through the UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Post-Independence. The official UPSC Syllabus reads – Post-Independence-consolidation and reorganisation within country.

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UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Post-Independence-consolidation and reorganisation within country – Questions and Sub-themes from 2013-2023

Question	Subject	Year	Marks	Sub-theme
The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples.	Post Independence	2022	15	Reorganization of states- (Phase-1:1850’s to 1947) and (Phase 2: 1947- 2022)
Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. (150 words)	Post Independence	2021	10	Integration process of Indian Princely States- Administrative issue and socio-cultural problems
Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India.	Post Independence	2018	15	New states formation- (Benefits) and (concerns) for economy
Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity?	Post Independence	2016	12.5	Linguistic States formation- (Strengthen) and (challenges) the cause of Indian Unity
Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success.	Post Independence	2013	10	Bhoodan and Gramdan movements- Objectives, success and limited impact
Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”.	Post Independence	2013	10	Slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”- Evolution and significance
Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India.	Post Independence	2013	10	Contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Analyze the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement.	Post Independence	2013	10	Tashkent Agreement- Circumstances led to its formation and Highlights
Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh.	Post Independence	2013	10	Reasons for India’s intervention in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War
The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after independence. Evaluate.	Post Independence	2014	10	Vladimir Lenin NEP-1921 and its influence on India

Read More – Complete UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs (2013-2023)

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We will be going through the UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Freedom Struggle. The official UPSC Syllabus reads – Freedom Struggle-various stages, important contributors/ contributions from different parts of the country.

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UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Freedom Struggle – various stages, important contributors/ contributions from different parts of the country – Questions from 2013-2023

Question	Subject	Year	Marks	Sub-theme
To what extent did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment. (250 words)	Freedom Struggle	2021	15	Moderates- role in freedom movement and their limitations
Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (250 words)	Freedom Struggle	2021	15	Constructive programme of Gandhi- During NCM and CDM
Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.	Freedom Struggle	2020	15	Ideological strands and their impact on the national movement during 1920s
Examine the linkages between 19th centuries ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity.	Freedom Struggle	2019	10	Emergence of National Identity- Due to Renaissance and other reasons as well
Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate.	Freedom Struggle	2019	15	Gandhian phase- Various sections and their voices which strengthened national movement
Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s.	Freedom Struggle	2019	15	Various British Proposals for power transfer in 1940s
Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.	Freedom Struggle	2018	10	Present day significance of Gandhi’s thoughts
Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century?	Freedom Struggle	2017	10	Moderates- their contributions and failures
Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy.	Freedom Struggle	2017	15	Reasons for decline in traditional artisanal industry and rural economy
The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?	Freedom Struggle	2017	15	Women’s issues and debates during social reform movement
Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.	Freedom Struggle	2016	12.5	Women’s role in freedom struggle
It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss.	Freedom Struggle	2015	12.5	GoI Act, 1935- Features and Provisions of it adopted in Indian Constitution
In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India?	Freedom Struggle	2014	10	Naval Mutiny- Reasons and Impact on British
In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate.	Freedom Struggle	2013	10	Work of Lord Dalhousie in various sector

Read More – Complete UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs (2013-2023)

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We will be going through the UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Modern History. The official UPSC Syllabus reads – Modern Indian History-Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues)

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UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Modern Indian History – Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues)

Question	Subject	Year	Marks	Sub-theme
What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?	Modern History	2023	10	Gandhi and Tagore- Difference in approach towards education and Nationalism
How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression?	Modern History	2023	15	Impact of colonial rule on Tribes and tribal response
Why did the armies of the British East India Company – mostly comprising of Indian soldiers-win consistently against the more numerous and better equipped armies of the then Indian rulers ? Give reasons.	Modern History	2022	10	Reasons behind the supremacy power of British armies against the Indian rulers
Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century ? Give reasons.	Modern History	2022	10	Reasons of famines in colonial India
Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.	Modern History	2021	10	Socio-religious reform movements- Rise and growth, Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj
Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement.	Modern History	2020	10	Lord Curzon- his policies and long term implication on national movement
The 1857 Uprising was the culmination the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate.	Modern History	2019	10	Major factors and local rebellions that led to the 1857 uprising
Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity.	Modern History	2017	10	Factors that played role in fragmented polity during 1750s
Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence since twenties of the last century.	Modern History	2017	15	Factors that could be considered to play a potent role in fragmented polity were
Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.	Modern History	2016	12.5	Uprising of 1857- Changes in British policies after that
Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.	Modern History	2016	12.5	Gandhi and Bose- Difference in Approach in freedom struggle
How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss.	Modern History	2015	12.5	Independence without Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.	Modern History	2015	12.5	Gandhi and Ambedkar- Divergent and common approaches
The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat?	Modern History	2014	10	Third battle of Panipat; Reason for battles fought at panipat
Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence.	Modern History	2014	10	British economic policies in India
Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.	Modern History	2013	10	Role of Indian women in freedom struggle
Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.	Modern History	2013	10	Foreigners role in Indian freedom struggle

Read More – Complete UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs (2013-2023)

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A lot of toppers this year talked about the significance of PYQs. Generally, what we go after are PYQ Booklets from the Market, which are either erroneous (wrong questions tagged under wrong syllabus headings), or outdated – only subject-wise (All questions from History, Polity, Internal Security, that too till 2021/22).

We are providing you not only Topic-Wise, but Sub-theme wise PYQs of UPSC Mains from 2013-2023. This will help you understand the exact sub-themes are having been repeated, and make your preparation more focussed.

A lot of toppers this year talked about the significance of PYQs. Generally, what we go after are PYQ Booklets from the Market, which are either erroneous (wrong questions tagged under wrong syllabus headings), or outdated – only subject-wise (All questions from History, Polity, Internal Security, that too till 2021/22).

We are providing you not only Topic-Wise, but Sub-theme wise PYQs of UPSC Mains from 2013-2023. This will help you understand the exact sub-themes are having been repeated, and make your preparation more focussed.

Before starting by yourself for Mains, understand the process. Connect 1:1 with Arvind Sir

UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – GS 1

1. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Indian Culture-Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
2. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Modern Indian History-Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues).
3. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Freedom Struggle-various stages, important contributors/ contributions from different parts of the country.
4. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Post-Independence-consolidation and reorganisation within country.
5. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
6. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Salient Features of Indian Society and Diversity of India
7. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues.
8. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Urbanisation: problems and remedies
9. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Globalisation and its effects on Indian society
10. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism
11. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Salient Features of World Physical Geography
12. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, South Asia and Indian subcontinent)
13. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)
14. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.
15. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

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UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – GS 2

1. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution
2. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges of federal structure
3. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Separation of Powers between different organs, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
4. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein
5. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Comparison of Indian constitutional scheme with other countries
6. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Parliament and State Legislatures (structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges; issues therein)
7. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity
8. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
9. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies (powers, functions and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies
10. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies (powers, functions and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies
11. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Government Policies & Interventions for development of various sectors (issues in their design, implementation)
12. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Development processes and the development industry; the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
13. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
14. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/ Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
15. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Issues relating to poverty and hunger
16. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Transaparency and accountability (institutional and other measures); Citizens Charter, E-Governance (applications, models, successes, limitations, potential)
17. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Role of Civil Services in a democracy.
18. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – India and its neighborhood- relations.
19. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
20. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
21. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

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UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – GS 3

1. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Indian Economy (issues re: planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development, employment);
2. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
3. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Government Budgeting
4. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Major Crops – Cropping patterns in various parts of the country
5. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems
6. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Storage, transport and marketing of Agricultural produce and issues and related constraints
7. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – E- technology in the aid of farmers
8. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and MSP; PDS (objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping, issues of buffer stocks & food security), Technology Missions
9. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Economics of Animal-Rearing
10. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Food processing and related industries in India (scope & significance, location, upstream-downstream requirements, supply chain management);
11. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Land Reforms in India
12. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Effects of Liberalisation on the economy; Changes in Industrial policy & their effects on industrial growth
13. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, airports, railways); Investment models
14. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
15. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Achievements of Indians in S&T; Indigenisation of technology & developing new technology
16. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights
17. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
18. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Disaster and Disaster Management
19. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Linkages between Development & spread of Extremism
20. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
21. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention.
22. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
23. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

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UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – GS 4

1. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions; Dimensions of Ethics; Ethics – in Private and Public Relationships.
2. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Human Values: Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers and Administrators; Role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
3. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion.
4. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
5. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World.
6. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, Integrity, Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance and compassion towards weaker-sections.
7. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and Problems; Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions; Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance; Accountability and Ethical Governance; Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance; ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding; Corporate Governance.
8. UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity; Information Sharing and Transparency in Government, Right to information; Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture, Quality of Service Delivery, utilization of Public Funds, Challenges of Corruption.

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