GS 1 · 15 marks
Miscellaneous
Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?
Read the full question →OFFICIAL QUESTION PAPERS · UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS
UPSC Mains 2020:
read the demand, then plan.
Read 78 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.
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English Compulsory
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Gujarati Compulsory
Hindi Compulsory
Kannada Compulsory
Maithili Compulsory
Malayalam Compulsory
Marathi Compulsory
Nepali Compulsory
Odia Compulsory
Punjabi Compulsory
Sindhi (Arabic) Compulsory
Sanskrit Compulsory
Tamil Compulsory
Telugu Compulsory
Urdu Compulsory
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Philosophy
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Political Science and IR
Psychology
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Zoology
Assamese Literature
Bengali Literature
English Literature
Gujarati Literature
Hindi Literature
Kannada Literature
Maithili Literature
Malayalam Literature
Manipuri Literature
Marathi Literature
Odia Literature
Punjabi Literature
Sanskrit Literature
Sindhi (Arabic) Literature
Tamil Literature
Telugu Literature
Urdu Literature
GS 1
GS 2
GS 3
GS 4
Essay
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GS 1 · 15 marks
Water Management
The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Caste system
Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Climate change
The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Cryosphere
How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Rock-cut Architecture as Historical Sources
The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Indian Philosophy
Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Urban Water Management
Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Viceroy and their Administration
Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Development and Related issues
How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the educational system in the country? Elaborate your answer.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Flora and Fauna
Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Geomorphology
Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Secondary sector
Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Energy
India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Poverty and Related issues
COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Regionalism
Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Globalisation
Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Kingdoms & Highlights
Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Literature as Historical Sources
Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Indian Diaspora
‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Constitutional Comparison
The judicial systems in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
SHGs
“Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Judiciary Vs Legislature
Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Federalism
How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
United Nations and its Agencies
Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Election Dispute and Disqualification
“There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act”. Comment.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Statutory Bodies
Which steps are required for constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Health
In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Presiding Officers
‘Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker’! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Local Self Government
The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funds’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Bilateral Relations
What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Federalism
Indian Constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Poverty
“The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Bicameralism
Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
E-governance
“The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Groupings beyond South Asia
‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times - Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Civil Services
“Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Transaparency and Accountability
“Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Education
National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Renewable Energy
Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Cyber security
Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Tech in crisis Management
COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management to the pandemic.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Inclusive Growth X Sustainable Development
Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Left-Wing Extremism
What are the sound determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Food Processing Sector
What are the challenges and opportunities of food processing sector in the country? How can income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
GST
Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Agri-Marketing
What are the main constraints in transport & marketing of agricultural produce in India?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Investment
Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to be considered while designing a concession agreement between a public entity and a private entity.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
EIA
How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Irrigation system
Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenario.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
GDP
Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Nano Technology
What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Air Pollution and Related Issues
What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Border Area Management
For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Mandates of Security forces
Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Cropping pattern
What are the major factors responsible for making rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success how has this system become bane in India?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Disaster Preparedness and Resilience
Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Water Conservation
What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launches by the Government of India for water conservation and water security?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Tech solutions for daily challenges
How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies?
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
EI: Concept and utility
What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI) ? Can they be learned? discuss.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Role of Educational institutions
“Education is not an injunction, it is an effective and pervasive tool for all-round development of an individual and social transformation”.Examine the New Education Policy,2020 (NEP,2020) in light of the above statement.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Mahatma Gandhi
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service of others .” Mahatma Gandhi
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
An apparel manufacturing company having a large number of women employees was losing sales due to various factors. The company hired a reputed marketing executive, who increased the volume of sales within a short span of time. However, some unconfirmed reports came up regarding his indulgence in sexual harassment at the workplace. attention. The mishap resulted in a big hue and cry, forcing the go…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
Rajesh Kumar is a senior public servant, with a reputation of honesty and forthrightness, currently posted in the Finance Ministry as the Head of the Budget Division. His department is presently busy in organizing the budgetary support to the states, four of which are due to the polls within the financial year. This year’s annual budget had allotted Rs 8300 crores for the National Housing Scheme (…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Teachings of Great Leaders
What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
Rampura, a remote district inhabited by a tribal population, is marked by extreme backwardness and abject poverty. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local population, though it is subsistence due to the very small landholdings. There is insignificant industrial or mining activity. Even the targeted welfare programs have inadequately benefited the tribal population. In this restrictive scenario, t…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Attitude for Individuals
‘Hatred is destructive of a person‘s wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation’s spirit. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding
‘The will to power exits, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.’ Examine this statement in the context of international relations.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Consequences of Ethics
Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) viz. human capital, soft power (culture and policies), and social harmony.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Essence of Ethics
Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
Migrant workers have always remained at the socio-economic margins of our society, silently serving as the instrumental labour force of urban economics. The pandemic has brought them into national focus. On announcement of a countrywide lockdown, a very large number of migrant workers decided to move back from their places of employment to their native villages. The non-availability of transport c…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Applied Ethics x Technology
The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are in conflict with traditional values. Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
The Chairman of Bharat Missiles Ltd (BML) was watching a program on TV wherein the Prime Minister was addressing the nation on the necessity of developing a self-reliant India. He subconsciously nodded in agreement and smiled to himself as he mentally reviewed BML’s journey in the past two decades. BML had admirably progressed from producing first-generation anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) to de…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Swami Vivekananda
”Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand do so. If not fold your hands, bless your brothers and let them go their own way.” – Swami Vivekanand
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Attitude for Civil Servants
A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes a positive attitude in person.?
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
Parmal is a small but underdeveloped district. It has a rocky terrain that is not suitable for agriculture, though some subsistence agriculture is being done on small plots of land. The area receives adequate rainfall and has an irrigation canal flowing through it. Amaria, its administrative centre, is a medium-sized town. It houses a large district hospital, an Industrial Training Institute and s…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Socrates
”A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.” – Socrates.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Teachings of Great Leaders
What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India ? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard.
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