GS 1 · 5 marks
Landslides
Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats
Read the full question →OFFICIAL QUESTION PAPERS · UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS
UPSC Mains 2013:
read the demand, then plan.
Read 100 questions from this year below, organised by paper and theme. Official paper downloads are also included where available.
Make a past paper work harder for you.
- Underline the directive and separate every clause. Identify what the question states and what a complete answer must infer.
- Plan one argument for each substantive demand. Connect cause, consequence and a relevant limitation.
- Choose evidence that supports the argument; a long list of facts cannot replace it.
- Compare your plan with another year’s question on the same theme. Notice how the demand changes.
Paper downloads preserve the official wording. The main practice button generates a fresh question; selected exact-question practice is available in the verified collection.
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GS 1 · 5 marks
Secondary sector
Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of India? Discuss with justification
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Climatology
Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the western side of the continents. Why?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Land reform
Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 5 marks
Climatology
What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the habitants of the place?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 5 marks
Cyclone
The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Wars after Independence
Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
American and French revolution
American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Globalisation
Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Energy
With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Literature as Historical Sources
Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Dance forms
Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Women and Associated concerns
Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from gender bias. Comment.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Emerging Urbanisation Trends
Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Kingdoms & Highlights
Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Great Economic Depression
What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Slogan based
Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Regionalism
Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Anti-colonial struggles
Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse.
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Personalities Contribution
Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Wars after Independence
Analyze the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Industrial Revolution
Latecomer Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what west had experience.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 5 marks
Geomorphology
There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Energy
It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn’t appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Viceroy and their Administration
In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Important contributors/contribution
Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 5 marks
Environmental Issues
Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 5 marks
Geomorphology
What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 5 marks
Secondary sector
Analyze the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Federalism
Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Citizens Charter
Though Citizen’s charters have been formulated by many public service delivery organizations, there is no corresponding improvement in the level of citizens’ satisfaction and quality of services being provided. Analyze.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Health
Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health. Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Neighbourhood
The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Geo-politics affecting India’s Interest
The proposed withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Hunger
The concept of Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates and success.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Role of MPs
The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
E-governance
Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Federalism
Many State Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that more number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at State level? Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Neighbourhood
What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Neighbourhood
In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Special Provisions
Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the `Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Fundamental Rights
Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
International Funding Agencies
The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Geo-politics affecting India’s Interest
What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Constitutional Bodies
Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Statutory Bodies
‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs’. Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Sectoral Regulatory Bodies
The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
SHGs
The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Government Schemes and Policies
The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Neighbourhood
Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Judiciary Vs Legislature
The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution. Discuss critically.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Efficacy of Welfare and Development Schemes
The Central Government frequently complains on the poor performance of the State Governments in eradicating suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically evaluate.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Pressure Groups
Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regards to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Bilateral Relations
Economic ties between India and Japan, while growing in recent years, are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Corporate Social Responsibilty
With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the Bill and their implications
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Digital Media and Security Threats
What are social networking site and what security implications do these sites present?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 5 marks
FDI
Though India allowed foreign direct investment (FDI) in what is called multi brand retail through joint venture route in September 2012, the FDI even after a year, has not picket up. Discuss the reasons.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Cyber security
Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Intellectual Property Rights
Bring out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to section 3(d) in the Indian Patent Law, 1970. Discuss how it has been utilized by Supreme court in its judgment rejecting Novartis patent application for “Glivec”. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Money-laundering and Prevention
Money laundering poses a serious threat to country’s economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Agriculture Subsidy
What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and state levels? Critically analyze the agriculture subsidy regime with the reference to the distortions created by it.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Border Area Management
How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management, particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Mining and Erosion
What are the consequences of illegal mining? Discuss the ministry of environment and forests’ concept of “GO AND NO GO” zones for coal mining.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 5 marks
Innovative Technologies
What is digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Giver various salient built in features of a digital signature.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
PPP X Infrastructure
Adaptation of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free from criticism. Critically discuss the pros and cons of the model.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
LPG Reform and Impact
Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indian. Are the competing with the MNCs satisfactorily?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Revolutions and Missions
India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Fiscal Policy
What is meaning of the term tax-expenditure? Taking housing sector as an example, discuss how it influences budgetary policies of the government.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Medical and Health Technologies
What do you understand by fixed dose drug combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Miscellaneous
Establish the relationship between land reform, agriculture productivity and elimination of poverty in Indian Economy. Discussion the difficulty in designing and implementation of the agriculture friendly land reforms in India.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Fiscal Policy
What are the reasons for introduction of Fiscal responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) act, 2003? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 5 marks
Material Science and Industry Applications
What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their applications in aviation and automobile industry
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Sports and Technology
What do you understand by Umpire decision review in cricket? Discuss its various components. Explain how silicon tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 5 marks
Innovative Technologies
How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 5 marks
FDI
Discuss the impact of FDI entry into multi-trade retail sector on supply chain management in commodity trade pattern of the economy.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Vulnerability and Risk Assessment
How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management. As an administrator ,what are key areas that you would focus in a disaster management
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Buffer stock & food security
Food security bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 5 marks
Renewable Energy
What do you understand by run of the river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Water Pollution and Related Issues
Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions for management and handling of hazardous wastes in India?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Left-Wing Extremism
Article 244 of Indian Constitution relates to Administration of Scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyze the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of fifth schedule on the growth of Left Wing Extremism.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Renewable Energy
Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problems of conventional energy.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
GST
Discussion the rationale for introducing Good and services tax in India. Bring out critically the reasons for delay in roll out for its regime.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 15 marks
Term Based
What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? (5 terms x 3 marks each: a) Integrity b) Perseverance c) Spirit of service d) Commitment e) Courage of conviction f) Personal opinion
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Essence of Ethics
It is often said that ‘politics’ and ‘ethics’ do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustrations.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow: A Public Information Officer has received an application under RTI Act. Having gathered the information, the PIO discovers that the information pertains to some of the decisions taken by him, which were found to be not altogether right. There were other employees also who party to these decis…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
EI: Concept and utility
What is ‘emotional intelligence’ and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Foundational values
Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 25 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu is known for its manufacturing clusters on firecrackers and matches. The local economy of the area is largely dependent on firecrackers industry. It has led to tangible economic development and improved standard of living in the area. So far as child labour norms for hazardous industries like firecrackers industry are concerned, International Labour Organization (ILO) has se…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Ethics in Private and Public sphere
What do you understand by ‘values’ and ‘ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent?
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
You are heading a leading technical institute of the country. The institute is planning to convene an interview panel shortly under your chairmanship for selection of the post of professors. A few days before the interview, you get a call from the Personal Secretary (PS) of a senior government functionary seeking your intervention in favour of the selection of a close relative of the functionary f…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
You are working as an Executive Engineer in the construction cell of a Municipal Corporation and are presently in-charge of the construction of a flyover. There are two Junior Engineers under you who have the responsibility of day-to-day inspection of the site and are reporting to you, while you are finally reporting to the Chief Engineer who heads the cell. While the construction is heading towar…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Abraham Lincoln
Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.—Abraham Lincoln
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
As a senior officer in the Finance Ministry, you have access to some confidential and crucial information about policy decisions that the Government is about to announce. These decisions are likely to have far-reaching impact on the housing and construction industry. If the builders have access to this information beforehand, they can make huge profits. One of the builders has done a lot of qualit…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Ethics in Private and Public sphere
The good of an individual is contained in the good of all. What do you understand by this statement? How can this principle be implemented in public life?
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Aristotle
I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies.—Aristotle
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Mahatma Gandhi
There is enough on this earth for every one’s need but for no one’s greed. Mahatma Gandhi.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Ethical Guidance
What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? Narrate one incident in your life when you were faced with such a crisis and how you resolved the same.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Ethical Guidance
What do you understand by the term ‘voice of conscience’? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience?
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Determinants of Ethics
Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due justification.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
You are the Executive Director of an upcoming InfoTech Company which is making a name for itself in the market. Mr. A, who is a star performer, is heading the marketing team. In a short period of one year, he has helped in doubling the revenues as well as creating a high brand equity for the Company so much so that you are thinking of promoting him. However, you have been receiving information fro…
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