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Topic Solar System
Asked 6 times across 3 UPSC exams over 26 years (1998–2024), peaking in 1998.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 3 of 6 PYQs
- Most asked in 1998
- Recurs across 5 years (1998–2024)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1998 → CAPF 2016 → CDS 2023
How the concept evolved
Long-running — most appearances (3 of 6) predate 2016, and it still returns.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CAPF2024
Which one of the following statements with reference to the Nebular Hypothesis for the origin of Solar System is correct?
- A The initiation of the nebular hypothesis can be considered as a diffuse, roughly spherical, slowly rotating expanding nebula
- B As a result of rotation and expansion, a disk is formed with matter concentrated in the centre
- C Expansion continues with the formation of the proto-Sun and the rings of material are left behind
- D The material in the rings get condensed and form the planets that revolve in orbits around the Sun ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Geography › Geomorphology
CDS2023
Which of the following groups of planets is termed as 'gas planets' as they are composed primarily of lighter ices, liquids and gases?
- A Mars, Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus
- B Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn ✓
- C Saturn, Mars, Jupiter, Neptune
- D Neptune, Saturn, Mars, Uranus
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Geography › Geomorphology
CAPF2016
Which of the following statements relating to solar system is / are correct?
- Venus and Uranus rotate opposite to the direction of rotation of Earth
- Venus is the nearest planet to Earth
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2 ✓
- D Neither 1 nor 2
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Geography › Climatology
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