We are aware of the importance and need of the analysis of GS paper-01- 2018, especially for those who are preparing for CSE are keen to know the trend, pattern, topics etc. of the GS paper-01. Thereby, we would like to put our best efforts in presenting detailed analysis of GS paper-01.
First of all, we would like to say that there was no change as far as the pattern is concerned. There were 20 questions like previous years and all the questions did not carry the same marks. The first ten questions in 2018 GS 1 mains carried 10 marks each and the word count for each was 150 words. The last ten questions carried 15 marks each and had a word count of 250 words each.
Social issues and geography ruled in this years GS paper -01 and both the subjects have given equal importance. There are 7 questions from each of these two subjects. History came in third with 5 questions. Finally, Indian heritage, art & culture saw 1 question.
The syllabus for GS Paper I can be broadly divided into the following groups:
1. Indian Heritage, Art & Culture
2. History: History of Modern India, Freedom Struggle and History of the world from the 18th century
3. Indian Society: Diversity, role of women, poverty, urbanization, empowerment, globalization and Indian society, communalism, secularism, regionalism
4. World Geography: Including geography of South East Asia, geographical phenomena, changes in geographical features and their impact on flora and fauna
In the 2018 paper the number of questions asked under each of the above groups is as follows:
1. Indian Heritage and Culture: ONE QUESTION.
This question is in the context of the various programmes undertaken by the Union government to preserve the rich cultural heritage of India. It can be answered by aspirants who are in touch with recent developments regarding the efforts of the Indian government in preserving and maintaining our heritage and culture.
Examples include revival of Buddhist circuit, HRIDAY scheme, etc.
2. History of Modern India and World: FIVE QUESTIONS.
In these questions, the aspirant who has good grasp of basics of modern India and world history and is able to link them to present times will be able to answer them effectively.
Example Q 2 is about importance of the accounts of Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India.
Similarly, Q 3 is about the significance of thought of Mahatma Gandhi in present times.
Q.11 is a traditional fact based question related to Bhakti Movement.
Q.12 is about modern Indian history related to formation of new states in recent times and its advantages and disadvantages for the economy of India.
Q. 13 relates to British era Indian history. Aspirants who have a sound knowledge of this period will have no difficulty in answering this question.
3. Indian Society: SEVEN QUESTIONS
These questions can be easily attempted by aspirants who have sufficient knowledge on the basic concepts and their relevance in the present times.
For example, Qs 8- 10, deal with caste, eradication of poverty and secularism & Qs 17-20 deal with the womens issue, globalization, communalism and transformation of aspirational districts in India. Candidates who have been updating their current news and initiatives launched by the government of India will find it easy to write good answers.
4. World Geography: SEVEN QUESTIONS
In this section, questions are a mix of fundamental concepts linked with current developments.
Example Q 4: It is related to IRNSS and why it is needed in the Indian context. This question is related to current affairs and candidates who have constantly updated current affairs will be able to easily answer this. A similar approach is also required for Q.5, 14, 15 & 16.
Qs 6 & 7: are traditional questions on Geography related to mantle plume and dead zones. Those who are strong conceptually in these areas would be able to write good answers.
Those candidates, who have been covered with the all the fundamental concepts of history and geography as well as constantly updating social issues from the newspapers, government programmes and their basic analysis will find it very easy to answer this paper.