Data-derived GS Paper I breakdown
UPSC Prelims 2017 paper analysis
This analysis counts 100 questions in our 2017 GS Paper I library. It shows the recorded subject mix, canonical topic distribution, and changes in counts versus 2016 where comparison data is available. It does not infer difficulty or predict a future paper.
Subject distribution in 2017
| Subject | Questions | Share | vs 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polity | 22 | 22% | +17 |
| Current Affairs | 20 | 20% | +4 |
| Economy | 16 | 16% | -9 |
| Environment | 14 | 14% | -8 |
| History | 13 | 13% | -3 |
| Science | 8 | 8% | -3 |
| Geography | 7 | 7% | +2 |
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
Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in
History
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements : 1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism. 2. Sarvastivadin held that the co...
Economy
'Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA)' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of negotiations held between India and
Geography
If you travel by road from Kohima to Kottayam, what is the minimum number of States within India through which you can travel, including the origin and the destination ?
Environment
Consider the following statements : 1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries. 2. The...
Science
The terms 'Event Horizon', 'Singularity', 'String Theory' and 'Standard Model' are sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Current Affairs
Consider the following statements: 1. The Nuclear Security Summits are periodically held under the aegis of the United Nations. 2. The International Panel on Fissile Materials...
Environment
Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences ? 1. Pollination of some plants cou...
Polity
The mind of the makers of the Constitution of India is reflected in which of the following ?
Polity
One of the implications of equality in society is the absence of
Environment
The term 'M-STrIPES' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Economy
Which of the following has/have occurred in India after its liberalization of economic policies in 1991 ? 1. Share of agriculture in GDP increased enormously. 2. Share of Indi...
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.