BPSC Mains GS1 Previous Year Questions (PYQs) - 48th to 70th BPSC | IAS Valley
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BPSC Mains GS1 Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

48th to 70th BPSC - Categorised by Subject & Topic

48th-70th BPSC Exams
12 Papers
160 Questions
88 Topics
Exams 48th 53rd 56-59th 60-62nd 63rd 64th 65th 66th 67th 68th 69th 70th
Contents
I. ANCIENT & MEDIEVAL HISTORY12 Qs
II. MODERN INDIAN HISTORY (Pre-Independence)50 Qs
III. EMINENT PERSONALITIES20 Qs
IV. ART & CULTURE OF BIHAR6 Qs
I. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & EVENTS21 Qs
II. NATIONAL AFFAIRS & GOVERNANCE37 Qs
III. REPORTS, INDICES & INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS14 Qs

📜 A. INDIAN HISTORY & NATIONAL MOVEMENT 88 Questions

I. I. ANCIENT & MEDIEVAL HISTORY 12 Qs

MAURYAN ART & ARCHITECTURE 7 Qs
48th Discuss the salient features of the Mauryan Art.
60-62nd Throw light on Mauryan Art and analyze its impact in Bihar.
64th Discuss the features of Mauryan art and architecture and its relationship with Buddhism.
67th Describe the chief characteristics of Mauryan art.
68th Short Note Art and Architecture of Mauryan Period.
69th Short Note Art and Architecture of Mauryan Period.
70th Short Note Art and Architecture of Mauryan Age.
CAVE ART & TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE 3 Qs
68th Short Note Development of Caves in Eastern India in Ancient Time.
68th Analyse the development of temples in North India in ancient time.
69th Short Note Cave Paintings of Eastern India in Ancient Period.
PALA ART & ARCHITECTURE 1 Q
65th Discuss the features of Pala art and architecture and its relationship with Buddhism.
BIHAR AS CENTRE OF LEARNING 1 Q
69th "Bihar has been the centre of learning and spiritualism for ancient time." Explain in detail.

II. II. MODERN INDIAN HISTORY (Pre-Independence) 50 Qs

REVOLT OF 1857 4 Qs
53rd Critically examine the role of Kunwar Singh in the Revolt of 1857.
56-59th Critically examine the significance of the Revolt of 1857 with special reference to Bihar.
63rd Discuss the contribution of Bihar to the Uprising of 1857 AD.
65th What were the causes of the Revolt of 1857? What effect did it have on Bihar?
TRIBAL MOVEMENTS — SANTHAL UPRISING 8 Qs
48th Discuss the causes and results of Revolt of Santhals (1855-56) in Bihar.
56-59th Discuss the main causes of the Santhal Uprising. What were its consequences?
63rd Evaluate the causes and results of Revolt of Santhal (1855-56) in Bihar.
66th What were the causes of the Santhal revolt? What were its course and outcome?
67th Short Note Santhal Uprising.
68th Short Note Birsa Munda Movement.
69th Short Note Santhal Uprising.
70th Short Note Santhal uprising.
TRIBAL MOVEMENTS — BIRSA MUNDA 3 Qs
53rd "The underlying object of the Birsa Movement was internal purification and the desire to remove the alien government." Explain.
66th Examine the characteristics of the Birsa movement.
68th Short Note Birsa Munda Movement.
TRIBAL PROTESTS — GENERAL 1 Q
64th Examine the characteristics of tribal protest in the 19th century with suitable examples. Give reasons for their failure.
INDIGO REVOLT & CHAMPARAN SATYAGRAHA 9 Qs
56-59th What was the significance of Champaran Satyagraha for Peasant Uprisings?
63rd Describe the causes and results of Champaran Satyagraha in Bihar (1917).
66th "Champaran Satyagraha was a watershed in the freedom struggle." Explain.
64th "Champaran Satyagraha is a watershed in the freedom struggle." Elucidate.
67th Short Note Champaran Satyagraha.
68th Short Note Indigo Revolt.
69th Short Note Champaran Satyagraha.
69th Evaluate the Champaran Indigo Movement and explain its impacts on the Indian Freedom Struggle.
70th Describe the Champaran Indigo Movement and explain its impacts on the Indian freedom struggle.
QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT 4 Qs
48th Describe the contributions of Bihar to the Quit India Movement of 1942.
60-62nd Describe the people's participation in Bihar during the Quit India Movement of 1942.
67th Write an essay on the Quit India Movement of 1942. Was it a spontaneous movement?
70th Short Note Role of Bihar in the Quit India Movement.
INDIVIDUAL SATYAGRAHA 1 Q
53rd Describe the contribution of Bihar in the individual Satyagraha of 1940-41.
KISAN SABHA MOVEMENT 1 Q
65th Write a note on Swami Sahajanand and the Kisan Sabha Movement.
INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS — FORMATION & PHASES 4 Qs
67th Discuss the factors responsible for the formation of the Indian National Congress. What were the British policies towards early nationalists?
68th Discuss the factors for the emergence of Indian National Movement. How it gave direction to the freedom struggle?
69th Critically examine the contribution of moderate phase of the Indian National Congress Movement.
70th How far the British policy was responsible for the emergence of Indian National Movement? Explain.
EVOLUTION OF INDIAN NATIONALISM 1 Q
64th Critically examine the evolution of Indian nationalism since the late 19th century.
BRITISH ACTS & CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT 3 Qs
68th Short Note Government of India Act, 1858.
69th Short Note Indian Councils Act, 1892.
70th Short Note The Indian Councils Act, 1861.
WESTERN & TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN BIHAR 7 Qs
60-62nd Discuss the development of Western education in Bihar from 1813 to 1947.
63rd Discuss the development of western education in Bihar from 1857 AD to 1947 AD.
65th Describe the spread of Western Education in Bihar between 1858-1914.
67th Trace the course of expansion of Western and technical education in Bihar between 1857-1947.
68th Discuss the growth of colonial technical education in Bihar under various schemes of British rule. Critically analyse its impact.
69th Trace the development of modern education in Bihar and its impact.
70th Examine the expansion of Western Education in Bihar from mid-nineteenth century onward.
OVERSEAS IMMIGRATION / INDENTURE SYSTEM 1 Q
64th What were the reasons behind overseas immigration in the 19th century British India? Discuss in the light of the indenture system with special reference to Bihar.
WORKING CLASS & NATIONAL MOVEMENT 1 Q
64th Short Note Working Class and National Movement.
CENSUS & CASTE/RELIGIOUS IDENTITIES 1 Q
64th Short Note Impact of census of 1881 on caste and religious identities.
DALIT MOVEMENT 1 Q
65th Short Note The Dalit Movement in Bihar.

III. III. EMINENT PERSONALITIES 20 Qs

MAHATMA GANDHI 6 Qs
60-62nd "Gandhi's mystique consisted of a union of original ideas with a remarkable flair for tactics and an uncanny insight in the mass mind." Elucidate.
63rd Describe the significance of Gandhiji's social and cultural thoughts.
65th Short Note Gandhiji's views on caste and religion.
66th Short Note Gandhiji's views on Satyagraha.
67th Critically analyze the factors responsible for the emergence of Gandhiji as an eminent nationalist leader.
70th Assess the constructive works of Mahatma Gandhi.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE 5 Qs
48th Describe the social and cultural significance of the ideas of Rabindra Nath Tagore.
56-59th Define Nationalism. How was it addressed by Rabindranath Tagore?
60-62nd Evaluate the contribution of Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali literature and music.
67th Short Note Rabindranath Tagore's Contribution to the Freedom Movement.
68th Describe Rabindranath Tagore's ideas of society and culture.
JAWAHARLAL NEHRU 4 Qs
56-59th Discuss the relevance of Nehru in the making of modern India.
60-62nd Examine the main features of Foreign Policy of Jawaharlal Nehru.
64th Short Note Nehru and secularism.
66th Discuss Nehru's views on communalism and secularism.
JAYAPRAKASH NARAYAN 2 Qs
65th Explain the social and economic ideas of Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan.
66th Short Note Jayaprakash Narayan and the Quit India Movement.
RAM MANOHAR LOHIA 1 Q
65th Explain the social and economic ideas of Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan.
SUBHASH CHANDRA BOSE & INA 1 Q
66th Short Note Subhash Chandra Bose and the INA.
DR. RAJENDRA PRASAD 1 Q
65th Short Note Dr Rajendra Prasad and the National Movement.

IV. IV. ART & CULTURE OF BIHAR 6 Qs

PATNA KALAM (QULAM) PAINTING 6 Qs
48th Discuss the salient features of Patna Kalam - painting style.
56-59th Bring out the salient features of the Patna Qulam Paintings.
63rd Examine the salient features of Patna Kalam Painting Style.
66th Bring out the main features of Patna Qulam Painting.
68th Short Note Patna Kalam Painting.
70th Short Note Patna Kalam painting.

🌍 B. CURRENT AFFAIRS & GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 72 Questions

I. I. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & EVENTS 21 Qs

INDIA-PAKISTAN RELATIONS 1 Q
56-59th Terrorism activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchange could help to generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples.
INDIA & NEIGHBOURS — NEPAL, BHUTAN, AFGHANISTAN 2 Qs
64th Why does India has an open-door policy with Nepal and Bhutan as regards free movement of people between the two nations? Explain.
64th Discuss the prospects of trade promotion between Afghanistan and India with the launching of New Export Route to and from India through Chabahar Port.
INDIA-USA RELATIONS 1 Q
63rd What is the two plus two dialogue? Clear the two plus two dialogue between India and the USA in context to India and Iran bilateral relations.
INDIA-EU RELATIONS 1 Q
66th Discuss between the India-European (EU) Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement.
RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR 2 Qs
67th What is the root cause of war between Russia and Ukraine? Discuss its impact upon the nations of the world with special reference to India.
70th Russia-Ukraine war has completed three years. Throwing light on the causes of this war, discuss its effects on the World politics.
NORTH KOREA-USA DISPUTE 1 Q
60-62nd Thoroughly explain the dispute between North Korea and America. Is United Nations playing an important role in resolving this dispute? If yes, how? And, if no, what are the underlying reasons? Give some suitable suggestions in resolving this issue.
DOKLAM STANDOFF 1 Q
60-62nd What is Doklam standoff? What were its underlying causes? What did India learn on diplomatic and strategic platform from it? Can the Gandhian philosophy be helpful in resolving such disputes? If yes, how?
BIMSTEC 1 Q
63rd Explain the BIMSTEC organization. Throw light on the outcomes of recently concluded Kathmandu Summit of BIMSTEC countries. Discuss the issues related to India's interests, hopes and grievances.
BRICS 1 Q
66th Explain the 12th BRICS summit's major emerging issues - partnership for global stability, shared security and innovative growth for the development.
QUAD 1 Q
67th Discuss the origin, membership, development and objectives of 'QUAD'. What is its significance for India?
G-20 & INDIA'S LEADERSHIP 2 Qs
68th Do you think India must reclaim the leadership of the developing world through its ambition to steer the G-20 Summit in Delhi to success later this year, despite India's own enduring developmental challenges? Do you think India faces the real difficulty of uniting the Global South in pursuit of common goals? Write your answer with convincing arguments.
69th How does India's leadership within the G-20 reflect its commitment to upholding the ancient philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family)? Examine the ways in which India's approach aligns with this philosophy and contributes to global cooperation and development through its role in the G-20.
OIC & INDIA 1 Q
64th Discuss the UAE's invitation for India as a Guest of Honour to attend the OIC Foreign Ministers Meet as a signal change in geopolitical dynamics.
ROHINGYA REFUGEE CRISIS 1 Q
63rd Critically examine the Rohingya Refugee Crisis. Describe the role of Myanmar, China, India and Bangladesh in evolution and resolution of the crisis. Throw light on the violation of Human Rights in context to Rohingya Refugees.
MANIPUR CRISIS 2 Qs
69th Provide a brief overview of the Manipur crisis. In your view, what could be the potential repercussion of this ethno-religious conflict on the landscape of national politics? Comment.
70th Discuss the Constitutional provisions governing President's Rule in India, giving reasons for the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur recently and also evaluate its effectiveness in the present times.
INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM 1 Q
63rd Elucidate the international terrorism. How is the international community today trying to fight the menace of international terrorism? What is UNO's contribution?
SYRIA-TURKEY EARTHQUAKE DISASTER 1 Q
68th Evaluate the role of United Nations in access and resource management about support of Syria and Turkey earthquake disaster.
USA UNDER DONALD TRUMP 1 Q
70th Analyze logically what the future of the United States of America will be at national and international level under the leadership of newly elected President Donald Trump.

II. II. NATIONAL AFFAIRS & GOVERNANCE 37 Qs

NUCLEAR DOCTRINE 1 Q
48th Write an essay on India's nuclear doctrine.
GLOBALISATION 1 Q
48th Write down the impact of "Globalisation" on Indian society, polity and economy.
COMMUNALISM 1 Q
48th Short Note The Problem of Communalism in India.
HUMAN RIGHTS 2 Qs
48th Short Note Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
60-62nd What do you understand by human rights? Throw light on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) by UNO. What were the major efforts made by the Bihar Government in fostering them in last decade?
EMPLOYMENT SCHEMES (NREGA) 1 Q
48th Short Note National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
DEMONETISATION 1 Q
60-62nd Elucidate the Demonetisation Scheme. In your views, up to what extent it was successful or unsuccessful? What were its effects on the Liquor Ban Policy of the Bihar Government?
GST 1 Q
60-62nd What is GST? What were the major reasons behind its introduction in India? What were the pros and cons of its implementation on India's economy and its monetary policy?
NRC DISPUTE 1 Q
63rd What do you know about NRC dispute? Illuminate the political intentions behind it. Discuss the international impacts of this issue also.
PANCHAYATI RAJ & LOCAL GOVERNANCE 1 Q
56-59th In the absence of well-educated and organised local level government system, Panchayats and Samitis have remained mainly political institutions and are not effective instrument of governance. Critically discuss.
HEALTH — PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM 1 Q
56-59th Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest?
CLIMATE CHANGE 1 Q
56-59th What do you understand by climate change? What reasons are attributed to climate change? What missions have been constituted under the National Action Plan on climate change formulated by the Government of India? What steps have been taken in this regard by the Bihar Government? Discuss.
ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION 1 Q
48th What are the causes of environment pollution? Discuss the international efforts for protection of environment.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC 2 Qs
65th Discuss the pattern of global spread of Covid-19 pandemic with reference to the international migration and trade.
65th Explain the socio-economic and ecological implications of Covid-19 lockdown in India with examples.
AATMANIRBHAR BHARAT ROZGAR YOJANA 1 Q
66th Examine the recent basic features and provisions of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana' after the spread of COVID-19 pandemic with special reference to India.
AGNIPATH SCHEME 1 Q
67th 'Agnipath' is a path towards development or destruction? Comment.
ONE NATION ONE ELECTION 2 Qs
67th Discuss the concept of 'One Nation One Election' in Indian context and give your arguments for and against it.
70th Discuss the concept of 'One Nation, One Election' and its implication on the federal Structure of India. What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of synchronizing elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies? Analyze.
UNIFORM CIVIL CODE 2 Qs
69th What could be the potential positive and negative societal consequences of introducing a Uniform Civil Code in India, considering its rich diversity? Explain.
70th Uttarakhand has become the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code in India. Explain the Uniform Civil Code in this regard. Also explain with examples, what changes will it bring to the Indian society on social, cultural, religious and legal basis.
MISUSE OF CONSTITUTIONAL INSTITUTIONS 1 Q
67th It is generally alleged that ruling party misuses the Constitutional Institutions for its vested interests. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in support of your answer.
BIHAR POLITY & POLITICS 1 Q
53rd Discuss political change in Bihar Polity from 1991.
BIHAR STATE FINANCES 1 Q
53rd Explain worsening position of the State Finances of Government of Bihar.
13TH FINANCE COMMISSION 1 Q
53rd Examine main recommendations of 13th Finance Commission of the Government of India.
WTO & AGRICULTURE AGREEMENTS 1 Q
53rd Explain main Agreements of World Trade Organization. Discuss Agreements on Agriculture in detail.
FOREIGN UNIVERSITIES IN INDIA 1 Q
68th What are the draft regulations announced recently by the University Grants Commission to open the door for foreign universities to set up campuses in India? What prospects do you visualize about their impact on higher education in India? Do you think it will be a game-changer? Give arguments in support of your answer.
BASIC STRUCTURE DOCTRINE — EXECUTIVE VS JUDICIARY 1 Q
68th In the wake of its criticism by the Vice-President of India recently, critically examine the doctrine of basic structure given by the Supreme Court of India half a century ago. Do you think this debate will prove to be a point of clash between the executive and the judiciary in near future? Give arguments.
GENDER STEREOTYPES — SUPREME COURT 1 Q
69th Explain the concern of the Supreme Court of India on combating gender stereotypes.
NEW CRIMINAL LAWS 1 Q
69th Examine the relevance of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 in Indian governance system.
AI IN GOVERNANCE 1 Q
69th Evaluate the role of Artificial Intelligence in decision-making process of the Legislative institutions.
FOREIGN TRADE POLICY 2023 1 Q
69th What are the basic provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 regarding export promotion initiatives in India?
GLOBAL WAGE REPORT 1 Q
69th Describe the parameters and impacts of the Global Wage Report, 2022-23.
WOMEN'S RESERVATION & PARTICIPATION 1 Q
70th Throwing light on the increasing women participation in Indian politics and society and the Women's Reservation Act, 2023 (Narishakti Vandan Act, 2023), Analyze the social, economic and political changes taking place in Indian society due to its implementation.
CASTE-BASED CENSUS IN BIHAR 1 Q
70th Throw detailed light on the need and importance of caste based Census in Bihar.
OPPOSITION POLITICS & AAP 1 Q
70th Discuss the direction of unity and coalition politics of opposition parties after the defeat of Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi Assembly Elections, 2025.
MAHA KUMBH 1 Q
70th Maha Kumbh Fair was organized in India from Monday, 13 January, 2025 to 26 February, 2025. How was this fair a symbol of Indian culture, religious faith and social harmony? Explain with examples.

III. III. REPORTS, INDICES & INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS 14 Qs

UNDP HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT 1 Q
64th What is the major focus of UNDP Human Development Report, 2019? In what way does the analysis go beyond income, averages and present condition? Critically examine.
WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT 1 Q
65th What are the variables of the World Happiness Report-2020? Give reasons why the Nordic countries are considered as the top ranking countries in the world.
UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2 Qs
64th Critically examine the key variables that support well-being as per the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
68th Explain the mandate of United Nations Public Administration Network in managing the peace and strong institutions under Sustainable Development Goal-16.
BUSHFIRE & AMAZON BURN — ECOLOGICAL DISASTERS 1 Q
65th Examine the recent disasters like 'Bushfire' in Australia and 'Amazon Burn' in Brazil with their causes and impacts on local ecological and global atmospheric conditions.
MISSION SHAKTI — SPACE POWER 1 Q
65th 'With "Mission Shakti", India becomes the fourth largest space power in the world.' Discuss this statement.
CHANDRAYAAN-3 1 Q
69th How does India's growing status as an emerging space power align with its ambitions and achievement in space exploration, particularly in the context of the Chandrayaan-3 mission by ISRO? Discuss the mission's goals and its role in India's journey towards becoming a prominent player in the global space arena.
BIOFUEL ROCKET — STARDUST 1.0 1 Q
66th Which organization launched the world's first commercial rocket powered by biofuel 'Stardust 1.0'? Explain in detail.
HARIT BHARAT SANKALP 1 Q
66th Discuss about 'Harit Bharat Sankalp', a Mobile App, to promote environment protection and sustainability in India.
BIHAR-SPECIFIC CURRENT AFFAIRS 4 Qs
68th Discuss the right-based e-service delivery scenario of Bihar.
68th Describe the efforts made in the field of solar power generation in the State of Bihar.
68th Critically examine the features of self-reliance Bihar Saat Nischay-2 (2020-2025) programme of good governance.
68th Where was the 18th National Scouts and Guides Jamboree organized? Describe its objectives.
PRESIDENT'S RULE 1 Q
70th Discuss the Constitutional provisions governing President's Rule in India, giving reasons for the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur recently and also evaluate its effectiveness in the present times.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are in BPSC Mains GS Paper 1?

This collection contains 160 previous year questions from BPSC Mains GS Paper 1, covering exams from 48th to 70th BPSC, organised across 88 topics under History, Art & Culture, and Current Affairs.

What topics are covered in BPSC Mains GS1?

BPSC Mains GS Paper 1 covers Ancient History, Medieval History, Modern Indian History, Indian National Movement, Post-Independence India, Art & Culture (Mauryan, Pala, Mughal, etc.), International Relations, National Affairs, and important reports & indices.

Which BPSC exams are included in this PYQ collection?

This collection includes previous year questions from the 48th, 53rd, 56th-59th, 60th-62nd, 63rd, 64th, 65th, 66th, 67th, 68th, 69th, and 70th BPSC Mains examinations.

How to prepare for BPSC Mains GS Paper 1?

Start by analysing previous year questions to understand the exam pattern. Focus on Ancient and Modern Indian History, Art & Culture of Bihar, International Relations, and Current Affairs. Practise answer writing using these PYQs as a guide.

Is BPSC Mains GS1 different from UPSC GS1?

Yes. BPSC Mains GS Paper 1 has a distinct syllabus with greater emphasis on Bihar-specific history, art and culture, and includes sections on current national and international affairs. The question pattern and depth differ from UPSC.

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BPSC Mains GS1 PYQs - Previous Year Questions from 48th to 70th BPSC. Topic-wise question bank for Bihar Public Service Commission Mains General Studies Paper 1.