CGPSC Mains Question Paper

Preparing for CGPSC Mains requires understanding the pattern and content of the exam. The exam includes various subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Science, and more. Below is a compilation of questions and answers for every subject to help aspirants grasp the concepts and prepare effectively.

General Studies – History

Question: Explain the causes of the Revolt of 1857.
Answer: The causes included political annexation, economic exploitation, military grievances, religious interference, and socio-cultural changes that alienated Indians.

Question: Discuss the role of Gandhi in the Indian freedom struggle.
Answer: Gandhi led non-violent movements like Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India, uniting Indians across social strata for independence.

Question: What were the economic impacts of British rule in India?
Answer: British policies led to deindustrialization, agricultural stagnation, drain of wealth, and dependency on Britain for goods.

Question: Describe the features of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Answer: The civilization was known for advanced urban planning, drainage systems, granaries, trade, and seals.

Question: What is the significance of the Battle of Plassey?
Answer: The 1757 battle established British dominance in Bengal and marked the start of British colonial rule in India.

Question: Who were the Moderates and Extremists in Indian National Congress?
Answer: Moderates sought gradual reforms through dialogue, while Extremists demanded immediate self-rule through agitation.

Question: Describe the social reforms of Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
Answer: He campaigned against Sati, promoted women’s education, and worked for the abolition of caste discrimination.

Question: What were the causes of the decline of the Mughal Empire?
Answer: Weak rulers, internal conflicts, economic decline, and invasions contributed to its decline.

Question: Explain the impact of the Bhakti and Sufi movements.
Answer: They promoted religious harmony, social equality, and simplified rituals.

Question: What were the objectives of the Swaraj Party?
Answer: Formed in 1923, it aimed to attain self-rule and oppose colonial policies in legislative councils.

Question: Discuss the significance of the Lahore Session of 1929.
Answer: The Congress adopted Purna Swaraj as its goal, and 26 January 1930 was declared Independence Day.

Question: What is the Doctrine of Lapse?
Answer: It was a policy by Lord Dalhousie to annex states without male heirs.

Question: What were the consequences of Partition in 1947?
Answer: Partition caused communal riots, displacement of millions, and long-lasting hostility between India and Pakistan.

Question: Explain the features of the Mauryan administration.
Answer: It was centralized with a well-organized bureaucracy, provincial divisions, and efficient taxation.

Question: What were the contributions of the Gupta Empire in science?
Answer: The Gupta period saw advancements in astronomy, mathematics, and medicine, including Aryabhata’s works.

Question: What was the impact of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Answer: It united Indians, boycotted British goods, and laid the foundation for future mass movements.

Question: Who was Shivaji, and what was his significance?
Answer: Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha Empire, known for his military strategies and administrative skills.

Question: What were the objectives of the Simon Commission?
Answer: The commission aimed to suggest constitutional reforms but was boycotted as it lacked Indian representation.

Question: Describe the impact of the Green Revolution in India.
Answer: It improved food production, ensured self-sufficiency, and transformed agriculture but increased inequality.

General Studies – Geography

Question: What are the major physiographic divisions of India?
Answer: The Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Coastal Plains, and Islands are India’s major divisions.

Question: What is the significance of the Indian Monsoon?
Answer: The monsoon is crucial for agriculture, water supply, and sustaining ecosystems in India.

Question: Explain the concept of Plate Tectonics.
Answer: It describes the movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates causing earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain formation.

Question: What are the characteristics of Black Soil?
Answer: Black soil, rich in clay, retains moisture and is suitable for cotton cultivation.

Question: Discuss the importance of natural vegetation.
Answer: It maintains ecological balance, provides resources, and prevents soil erosion.

Question: What are Western Disturbances?
Answer: These are extratropical storms bringing winter rainfall to North India.

Question: Explain the causes of deforestation.
Answer: Causes include logging, agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization.

Question: What is the significance of the Indian Ocean?
Answer: It supports trade, regulates climate, and is rich in biodiversity and resources.

Question: What are urban heat islands?
Answer: Urban areas experiencing higher temperatures due to concrete, reduced vegetation, and human activities.

Question: How do rivers contribute to human life?
Answer: Rivers provide water, support agriculture, enable transportation, and generate hydroelectricity.

Question: What are the effects of global warming?
Answer: Effects include rising temperatures, melting ice caps, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events.

Question: What is soil erosion?
Answer: The removal of soil by water, wind, or human activities, reducing fertility.

Question: What are the characteristics of desert vegetation?
Answer: Adaptations include deep roots, thick leaves, and water storage capabilities.

Question: What is agroforestry?
Answer: A land-use system combining agriculture with forestry for sustainable production.

Question: What are the major industrial regions of India?
Answer: These include Mumbai-Pune, Kolkata-Haldia, Delhi NCR, and Gujarat Industrial Belt.

Question: Discuss the concept of watershed management.
Answer: It involves managing water resources within a watershed for sustainable development.

Question: What is the importance of biodiversity?
Answer: Biodiversity ensures ecosystem stability, supports life, and provides resources.

Question: What are wetlands, and why are they important?
Answer: Wetlands are water-saturated areas vital for biodiversity, flood control, and water purification.

Question: Explain the phenomenon of El Niño.
Answer: El Niño is a climatic condition causing warmer Pacific waters, affecting global weather patterns.

General Studies – Polity

Question: What is the significance of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution?
Answer: It reflects the ideals, objectives, and philosophy of the Constitution.

Question: Explain the concept of Fundamental Rights.
Answer: Fundamental Rights ensure basic freedoms like equality, liberty, and justice to citizens.

Question: What is the role of the President in India?
Answer: The President is the constitutional head, with powers related to legislation, administration, and judiciary.

Question: What are the functions of the Prime Minister?
Answer: The Prime Minister heads the government, leads policies, and coordinates ministries.

Question: What is judicial review?
Answer: It allows the judiciary to assess the constitutionality of laws and executive actions.

Question: What is the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?
Answer: Lok Sabha represents people directly, while Rajya Sabha represents states.

Question: What are the Directive Principles of State Policy?
Answer: Non-justiciable guidelines for the state to achieve socio-economic justice.

Question: What is the role of the Election Commission?
Answer: It conducts free and fair elections in India.

Question: Explain the concept of separation of powers.
Answer: It divides government functions among legislature, executive, and judiciary.

Question: What is the role of the Governor in a state?
Answer: The Governor is the constitutional head, responsible for legislative, executive, and discretionary powers.

Question: What is a constitutional amendment?
Answer: It modifies the Constitution to address evolving needs.

Question: What is the significance of the 73rd Amendment?
Answer: It strengthened Panchayati Raj by ensuring local governance and women’s participation.

Question: What is the importance of Public Interest Litigation (PIL)?
Answer: PIL enables citizens to seek judicial intervention in public welfare matters.

Question: What is federalism?
Answer: Federalism divides powers between the central and state governments.

Question: What are the powers of the Supreme Court?
Answer: The Supreme Court has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdictions.

Question: What is a Money Bill?
Answer: A bill dealing with taxation, borrowing, and government expenditure introduced in Lok Sabha.

Question: What is the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?
Answer: CAG audits government accounts to ensure financial transparency.

Question: What is the Anti-Defection Law?
Answer: It disqualifies legislators switching parties to maintain stability.

Question: What are the fundamental duties of citizens?
Answer: Duties include respecting the Constitution, promoting harmony, and safeguarding