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General Studies Paper 1 · By subject

World History — UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 PYQ

15 previous year questions on World History, 2013–2025, each with a model answer

← All GS Paper 1

2025

  1. Q13
    The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2024

  1. Q12
    How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power?
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2023

  1. Q3
    Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →

2021

  1. Q13
    “There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2019

  1. Q13
    Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French Revolutions.
    15 marks 250 words Easy Model answer →

2017

  1. Q4
    What problems were germane to the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula?
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →

2016

  1. Q7
    The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine.
    12.5 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →

2015

  1. Q6
    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?
    12.5 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
  2. Q7
    To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically.
    12.5 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →

2014

  1. Q9
    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?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q10
    The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after independence. Evaluate.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →

2013

  1. Q11
    “‘Latecomer’ Industrial Revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what West had experienced.” Analyze.
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q12
    “Africa was chopped into States artificially created by accidents of European competition.” Analyze.
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q13
    “American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism.” Substantiate.
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q14
    What policy instruments were deployed to contain the Great Economic Depression?
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →

Other GS Paper 1 subjects

Western disturbances and winter precipitationSources of ancient Indian history and cultural traditionsSoil erosion and land degradation in IndiaSeismicity of the Indian platePost-Independence IndiaPlate tectonics and the Pacific Ring of FireModern Indian and world historyModern Indian HistoryInterior of the Earth and seismic evidenceIndian SocietyGeographyGeneral circulation and ocean currentsFluvial landforms and flood managementEarly states, religion and medieval polityCryosphere change in the HimalayaContinentality and maritime influence on climateClimate change and Indian monsoon variabilityArt & Culture