GPSC Class 1-2 2023 previous year paper practice · PYQ-pattern set

GPSC Class 1-2 2023 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 16 PYQ-pattern questions in this set — freshly worded in that year's pattern, not the original questions. Answers and solutions open under each question.

1. Q1 · Ancient India

   Which among the following was NOT a feature of the administration during the Mauryan Empire?

   • A. The empire was divided into provinces governed by royal princes
   • B. A council of ministers known as the Mantriparishad assisted the king
   • C. The village headman was elected by the villagers through a democratic process
   • D. An elaborate spy system existed to gather intelligence
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Village headmen were typically appointed officials, not democratically elected. The Mauryan administration was highly centralized with royal appointees managing local affairs.

2. Q2 · Western Kshatrapas and Maitrakas

   The Rudradaman I inscription at Junagadh (circa 150 CE) is significant because it:

   • A. Records the construction of the first dam in Gujarat
   • B. Is the earliest known long Sanskrit prose inscription
   • C. Describes maritime trade with Rome in detail
   • D. Announces the conversion of the king to Buddhism
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The Junagadh inscription of Rudradaman I of the Western Kshatrapas is the earliest known long Sanskrit prose inscription. It also mentions the repair of the Sudarshana Lake originally built during Mauryan times.

3. Q3 · Maratha rule and British advent

   The Gaekwad dynasty established its rule in Baroda during which period, following the decline of Maratha power in Gujarat?

   • A. Early 17th century
   • B. Mid 18th century
   • C. Early 19th century
   • D. Late 19th century
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The Gaekwad dynasty established itself in Baroda in the mid-18th century as Maratha confederacy power devolved to regional rulers during that period.

4. Q4 · Indian geography

   The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats converge at which hill range in southern India?

   • A. Cardamom Hills
   • B. Anamalai Hills
   • C. Nilgiri Hills
   • D. Shevaroy Hills
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   The Nilgiri Hills represent the junction where the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats meet, forming a unique biodiversity hotspot in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.

5. Q5 · Wildlife and protected areas

   Gir National Park is renowned as the only natural habitat of which animal in the world?

   • A. Bengal Tiger
   • B. Asiatic Lion
   • C. Indian Wild Ass
   • D. Indian Rhinoceros
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Gir National Park in Junagadh district is the only natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion in the world, making it one of the most important protected areas in Asia.

6. Q6 · Chemistry basics

   Which of the following is the primary component of natural gas?

   • A. Ethane
   • B. Methane
   • C. Propane
   • D. Butane
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Methane (CH₄) is the primary component of natural gas, typically comprising 70-90% of its composition. It is the simplest hydrocarbon and burns cleanly.

7. Q7 · Indian Constitution

   Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of Finance Commission to recommend distribution of financial resources between the Union and the States?

   • A. Article 263
   • B. Article 280
   • C. Article 300A
   • D. Article 324
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Article 280 of the Indian Constitution mandates the establishment of a Finance Commission every five years to recommend the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States.

8. Q8 · Gujarat Public Service Commission

   Consider the following statements regarding the Gujarat Public Service Commission: 1. The Chairman and members of GPSC are appointed by the Governor of Gujarat. 2. The Chairman can be removed from office only on the recommendation of the Supreme Court. 3. GPSC submits an annual report to the Governor regarding its work. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   • A. 1 and 3 only
   • B. 2 only
   • C. 1 and 2 only
   • D. All of the above
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Statements 1 and 3 are correct as per Article 316 and 323. Statement 2 is incorrect; removal requires an inquiry by the Supreme Court under Article 317, but removal is on the recommendation of the President, not the Supreme Court alone.

9. Q9 · Folk dances of Gujarat

   Consider the following pairs of folk dances of Gujarat with their associated communities or regions: 1. Garba - Performed during Navratri festival 2. Hudo - Traditional dance of tribal communities in southern Gujarat 3. Padhar - Folk dance associated with the fishing communities of Saurashtra Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

   • A. 1 only
   • B. 1 and 2 only
   • C. 2 and 3 only
   • D. 1, 2 and 3
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Garba during Navratri (1) is correct. Hudo is a dance of the Bharwad (shepherd) community of Saurashtra, performed by men and women in pairs clapping palms — not a tribal dance of southern Gujarat, so (2) is wrong. Padhar dance is performed by the Padhar community living near lakes/coastal Nal Lake area of Bhal region — often described as associated with fishing communities near water bodies. However the classic Padhar dance is tied to the Bhal region rather than mainstream Saurashtra fishing communities, making (3) questionable. Since (2) is clearly wrong and (3) is imprecise, only (1) is reliably correct.

10. Q10 · Gujarat current affairs

    Gujarat's Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue, is located in which district?

    • A. Vadodara
    • B. Narmada
    • C. Bharuch
    • D. Surat
    Answer and solution

    Answer: B

    The Statue of Unity, a 182-meter tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is located at Kevadia in Narmada district, Gujarat, overlooking the Narmada River and the Sardar Sarovar Dam.