Data-derived GS Paper I breakdown
UPSC Prelims 2016 paper analysis
This analysis counts 100 questions in our 2016 GS Paper I library. It shows the recorded subject mix, canonical topic distribution, and changes in counts versus 2015 where comparison data is available. It does not infer difficulty or predict a future paper.
Subject distribution in 2016
| Subject | Questions | Share | vs 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 25 | 25% | +4 |
| Environment | 22 | 22% | +7 |
| Current Affairs | 16 | 16% | +4 |
| History | 16 | 16% | +1 |
| Science | 11 | 11% | +1 |
| Geography | 5 | 5% | -9 |
| Polity | 5 | 5% | -8 |
Most represented canonical topics
These are conservative category counts based on enriched topic and sub-topic labels, not official UPSC syllabus tags.
Representative solved questions
The sample starts with one graded question from each available subject, then fills remaining slots without repeating identical prompt text.
Polity
The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the
History
What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?
Economy
In the context of which of the following do you sometimes find the terms 'amber box, blue box and green box' in the news?
Geography
Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken?
Environment
Which of the following best describes/describe the aim of 'Green India Mission' of the Government of India? 1. Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union an...
Science
India is an important member of the 'International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor'. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?
Current Affairs
With reference to pre-packaged items in India, it is mandatory to the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main label, as per the Food Safety and Stan...
Science
With reference to 'LiFi', recently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It uses light as the medium for high-speed data transmission. 2. It is a w...
Science
'Project Loon', sometimes seen in the news, is related to
Environment
In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? 1. Carbon dioxide 2. Carbon mo...
Science
Which of the following statements is/are correct? Viruses can infect 1. bacteria 2. fungi 3. plants Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Environment
Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part...
Method and limitations
Counts come from the live PYQ database snapshot reviewed on 12 August 2026. Subject, topic, and concept classifications are independent, AI-assisted enrichment rather than official UPSC labels. We publish descriptive counts—not predictions—and correct classification errors when found. Read the complete methodology and correction policy.