GS1 has 15 syllabus topics spanning across 6 subjects. Within the 15 syllabus topics, each topic has at least 8 to 10 Microthemes.
Example: syllabus topic ‘01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture’ from ancient to modern times, which corresponds to Art and Culture subject has 8 Microthemes that see repeated questions.
In total there are approximately 200 Mains Microthemes spanning across all GS papers.
More often than not, preparing these Microthemes will require you to go beyond core books.
GS1 Microthemes Analysis
| Subject | UPSC Syllabus | Microthemes | UPSC PYQs | Marks | Year |
| Art and Culture | 01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. | Civilizations and their Highlights | Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the later Vedic period. | 10 | 2024 |
| Kingdoms and their Highlights | Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India. | 10 | 2024 | ||
| “Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture.” Comment. | 15 | 2024 | |||
| Modern History | 03. Freedom Struggle- Various stages, important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country | Various stages of Freedom struggle | What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results. | 10 | 2024 |
| World History | 05. History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society. | Industrial Revolution | How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India? | 15 | 2024 |
| World wars | How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power? | 15 | 2024 | ||
| Society | 06. Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; | Diversity and pluralism | What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India? | 15 | 2024 |
| Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India’s cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities. | 15 | 2024 | |||
| Family | Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss. | 10 | 2024 | ||
| 07. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues. | Population and associated issues | What is the concept of a ‘demographic winter’? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate. | 10 | 2024 | |
| Poverty and Developmental issues. | In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGO’s and private sector would be most productive? | 10 | 2024 | ||
| Women and Associated concerns | Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation? | 10 | 2024 | ||
| Population and associated issues | Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries. | 10 | 2024 | ||
| 09. Globalisation and its effects on Indian society | Women Migration | Globalization has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family? | 15 | 2024 | |
| 10. Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. | Social empowerment | Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment. | 15 | 2024 | |
| Geography | 11. Salient Features of World Physical Geography | Climatology | What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered? | 15 | 2024 |
| 12. Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, South Asia and Indian subcontinent) | Water Management | The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? | 15 | 2024 | |
| 14. Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., | Cyclone | What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones? | 10 | 2024 | |
| Cloudbursts | What is the phenomenon of ‘cloudbursts’? Explain. | 10 | 2024 | ||
| Tornado | What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico? | 15 | 2024 |
