Caste System — Discrimination, SC/ST Issues, Sub-categorisation, OBC Dynamics

What should you study in Caste System?

• Caste system — Varna, Jati, untouchability (Art.17)
• Reservation — Constitutional basis (Art.15, 16), EWS quota, sub-categorisation (SCSC Verdict 2024)
• OBC identification — Mandal Commission, creamy layer
• Anti-discrimination — SC/ST Atrocities Act, manual scavenging

How often is Caste System asked in UPSC Mains?

Asked in 4 of 10 years, including 2 of the last 5. Highlighted years below are the ones it appeared in.

1. 2016: asked
2. 2017: not asked
3. 2018: not asked
4. 2019: asked
5. 2020: not asked
6. 2021: asked
7. 2022: not asked
8. 2023: asked
9. 2024: not asked
10. 2025: not asked

About the Mains GS Paper I paper

GS Paper I is a 250-mark descriptive Mains paper covering Indian heritage and culture, history and geography of the world, and society. See all 41 Mains GS Paper I topics.

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