UPSC Exam Questions

IAS Papers : Question Paper of Economics IAS (Main)- 2007
 
Paper- I
 
Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 300 
 
Instruction:
 
Candidates should attempt all questions strictly in accordance with the instructions given under each questions. The number of marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the question. 
 
Section-A:
 
1. Answer any three of the following questions. Each answer should not exceed 200 words….20×3=60 
(a) What is the backward rising input supply curve? Illustrate with the help of suitable example. 
(b) With the help of suitable diagram, elaborate Cournot Model. What is the significant of reaction curve in the model? 
(c) What are the different kinds of disequilibrium in balance of payment? Suggest some measures to solve the problem of structural disequilibrium in balance of payments. 
(d) What are the desired structural changes required for achieving the objective of economic development. 
 
2. “Welfare Economic is a branch of economic theory which provides a theoretical framework for optimum use of resources”. In the Light of above statement, examine the main areas of welfare economics….60 
 
3. Outline the Keynesian theory of money and interest. What is the role of expectation in the theory of determination of rate of interest?….60 
 
4.” The adjustment to a tax imposition not only affects the distribution of tax burden but also bears upon the efficiency of resource use in the private sector”. Substantiate the statement highlighting the role of taxation policy in improving allocation efficiency in economy….60 
 
Section-B:
 
5. Answer any three of the following questions. Each answer should not exceed 200 words….20×3=60 
(a) “The Ministerial Declaration adopted at Hon Kong addresses some of the concerns of developing countries related to agriculture”. Comment upon the statement. What were the time frames and targets in specific areas decided in the declaration? 
(b) Discuss the Lewis Model of economic growth. Do you think the model is applicable to the Indian Development progress? 
(c) “Under the flexible foreign exchange rate scenario devaluation has become redundant”. Comment upon the statement”. 
(d) Explain Sustainable development. 
 
6. “Heckscher-Ohlin theory does not invalidate the classical theory of comparative cost but rather powerfully supplements it” . Substantiate the statement….60 
 
7. What are the human development indices used for international comparison of status of development?Elaborate the methodology used for developing Human Development Index….60 
 
8. “With the change in economic policies, relative role of market and state also change”. Do you agree with the statement? Illustrate your answer with the help of suitable examples….60 
 
Paper- II:
 
Section-A:
 
1. Answer any three of the following questions. Each answer should not exceed 200 words….20×3=60 
(a) Give a critical account of the development of India during British Rule. 
(b) Discuss the nature and incidence of the problem of rural poverty in India. What suggestions do you offer to solve it? 
(c) Examine the role of indirect taxes in India’s Economic Development. 
(d) Is Economic planning relevant in the context of the Globlised Economy of India? Elucidate. 
 
2. Discuss the impact of World Trade Organization ( WTO) on Indian Agriculture. 60 
 
3. Explain the nature and the cause of inflation of India. Critically appraise the measure adopted the authorities to control it….60 
 
4. Make a critical assessment of National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme in India….60 
 
Section-B:
 
5. Answer any three of the following questions. Each answer should not exceed 200 words….20×3=60 
(a): Examine the Progress of Tax Reform in India. 
(b). Comment on the recent moves towards liberalization and their effects on Indian industry. 
(c). critically examine the functioning of Indian Money Market. 
(d). Is privatization a boon or a bane in India. 
 
6. Write a detailed note on the import-Substitution and export promotion strategy of India….60 
 
7. Discuss the need for and justification of Banking Reforms in India….60 
 
8. Critically evaluate the reasons for fluctuation in agricultural price in India. What would be the components of an optimum agricultural price policy regime for India?….60 
 
IAS Papers : Question Papers of History (Main) 2007
 
History 
 
Paper- I Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 300
 
Instructions 
 
Candidates should attempt Question No.1 and 5 which are compulsory, and any three of the remaining questions selecting at least one question from each section. 
 
Section-A:
 
1. Mark any fifteen of the following places on the map supplied to you and write short descriptive notes on the places marked. 4×15=60 
(i). Kot digi 
(ii). Kalibangan 
(iii). Ahicchatra 
(iv). Bhimbaitka 
(v). Kanauj 
(vi). Siddapura 
(vii). Udayagiri 
(viii). Kaveripoompattinam 
(ix). Tiruchirapalli 
(x). Sisupalgarh 
(xi). Anuradhapura 
(xii). Hampi 
(xiii). Srirangapatnam 
(xiv). Puri 
(xv). Kolhapur 
(xvi). Haldighati 
(xvii). Golconda 
(xviii). Chittagong 
(xix). Chitore 
(xx). Calicut 
 
2.”Reconstruction of Early Indian history is hardly possible without the help of inscriptions and coins.” Discuss. 60 
 
3. Write what you know of the rise and spread of Buddhism before the first century A.D. 60 
 
4. Throw light on the condition of common man in the Gupta period. 60 
 
Section-B
 
5. Write short essays in not more than 200 words each on any three of the following: 20×3=60 
(a) Alberuni on science in India 
(b) The Bahamani Kingdom 
(c) Mughal painting 
(d) Chauth and Sardeshmukhi of the Maratha rulers 
 
6. Show that the administrative system in India reached a very high level during the Chola period. 60 
 
7.”The tenets of Hindu and Muslim mystics were similar enough that the ground was ripe for syncretic movements involving adherents of both the religions.” Elucidate. 60 
 
8.”Akbar built the Mughal Empire by enlisting the support of the Rajputs; Aurangzeb destroyed it by alienating the Rajputs.” Discuss critically. 60 
 
History 
 
Paper- II Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 300
 
Instructions 
 
Candidates should attempt Question No.1 and 5 which are compulsory, and any three of the remaining questions selecting at least one question from each section. 
 
Section-A:
 
Modern India
 
1. Comment on any three of the following statements in about 200 words each: 20×3=60 
a). “ The Revolt of 1857 seemed to call the very presence of the British into question. What it did not do was reverse these change”. 
b). “ Of the evils which corroded Indian society in the nineteenth century were probably those which stunted its womanhood.” 
c). “ At Karachi in 1931 , the congress defined what Swaraj would mean for the masses”. 
d). “ There is no other instance in the history of mankind of a poet and philosopher working such as a miracle in shaping the destiny of his people” ( A Tribute to M. Iqbal ) 
 
2. Examine the major factors shaping the British land-revenue policy in India. How It affected Indian society?60 
 
3. Explain the circumstances leading to the alliance between the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements.Was it a politically wise step on the part of the Congress? 60 
 
4.”With great skill and masterful diplomacy and using both persuasion and pressure, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel succeeded in integrating the hundreds of princely states with the Indian Union.” Discuss. 60 
 
Section-B
 
World History
 
5. Comment on any three of the following statements in about 200 words each: 20×3=60 
(a) “No event as encompassing as the French Revolution occurs in an intellectual vacuum.” 
(b) “New imperialism was a nationalistic, not an economic phenomena.” 
(c) “The War’s (First World War’s) most permanent contribution to the spirit or the post-War years was disillusion.” 
(d) “NATO in many ways symbolized the key role that the United States had come to play in Europe” 
 
6. Give reasons for the origin of the Renaissance in Italy. 60 
 
7. Discuss the main characteristics of Fascism. 60 
 
8.”By the 1980s, the Communist system of the Soviet Union was incapable of maintaining the country’s role as a Superpower.” Explain this statement.