GS 1 · 15 marks
Emerging Urbanisation Trends
What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? (250 words)
Read the full question →OFFICIAL QUESTION PAPERS · UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS
UPSC Mains 2021:
read the demand, then plan.
Read 77 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.
Essay
GS 1
GS 2
GS 3
GS 4
English
Assamese
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Gujarati
Hindi
Kannada
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Marathi
Nepali
Odia
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Agriculture
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
Anthropology
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Commerce and Accountancy
Economics
Electrical Engineering
Geography
Geology
History
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Management
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Medical Science
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science and International Relations
Psychology
Public Administration
Sociology
Statistics
Zoology
Maithili
Manipuri
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GS 1 · 15 marks
Population and associated issues
Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Geomorphology
Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
World wars
“There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (250 words)
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Tribes & Related Issues
Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Landslides
Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Geomorphology
Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Primary sector
Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Consolidation after Independence
Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Uniqueness of Indian society
How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Development and Related issues
What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also? (250 words)
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Women and Associated concerns
Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India.
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Socio-religious reform
Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Cryosphere
How does the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Volcanic activity
Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Energy
Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Urban Water Management
What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples.
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Various stages of Freedom struggle
Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.
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Bhakti and Sufi movement
Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti literature and its contribution to Indian culture.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Judiciary
Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
SHGs
Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Groupings beyond South Asia
The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Executive Vs Legislature
To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Civil Society
Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model.
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Constitutional Bodies
How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Parliamentary Committees
Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Constitutional Morality
‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
E-governance
Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification.
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Bicameralism
Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations.
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Women
“Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchial.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Miscelleneous
“The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.
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Health
“Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse.(150 words)
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Pressure Groups
“Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Enforcement Agencies
The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Groupings beyond South Asia
“If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Constitutional Comparison
Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Right to Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Education
“Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (150 words)
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Groupings involving Immediate and Extended neighbours
Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?
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Statutory Bodies
Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Threat from External state and Non-state actors
Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to take to be taken to combat the threats.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Landslide
Describe the various causes and effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Cyber security
Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Air Pollution and Related Issues
Describe the key points of the revised Global Air-Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
GDP
Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Defence Technology
How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Economic Growth
Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced a V-shaped recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Earthquake
Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
PDS
What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Nobel Prizes
The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to a Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Money-laundering and Prevention
Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Land Reforms
How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Crop Diversification
What is the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Bio-Technology
What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poor sections of the society?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
UNFCCC
Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at world leaders Summit of the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glassgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
UNFCCC
Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Micro-Irrigation
How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Organized Crime and Terrorism
Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Inclusive Growth X Infrastructure
Investment in infrastructure is essential for a more rapid and inclusive economic growth. Discuss in the light of India’s experience.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Fiscal Policy
Distinguish between capital budget and revenue budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Swami Vivekananda
“Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later” – Swami Vivekananda
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
A reputed food product company based in India developed a food product for the international market and started exporting the same after getting necessary approvals. The company announced this achievement and also indicated that soon the product will be made available for domestic consumers with almost the same quality and health benefits. Accordingly, the company got its product approved by the d…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
You are Vice Principal of a degree college in one of the middle-class towns. The principal has recently retired and management is looking for his replacement. There are also feelers that the management may promote you as Principal. In the meantime, during the annual examination, the flying squad which came from the university caught two students red-handed involving in unfair means. A senior lectu…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Applied Ethics x Technology
Impact of digital technology as a reliable source of input for rational decision making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with a suitable example.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Foundational values
Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in public servants.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Attitude for Civil Servants
Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of human beings. How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant?
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Erik Erikson
“Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that it is better for us all” – Erik Erikson
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
EI X Crisis of Conscience
In case of a crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same without compromising the ethical and moral stand that you are likely to follow? Critically examine.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
Sunil is a young civil servant and has a reputation for his competence, integrity, dedication and relentlessness in pursuit of difficult and onerous jobs. Considering his profile, he was picked up by his bosses to handle a very challenging and sensitive assignment. He was posted in a tribal-dominated district notorious for illegal sand mining. Excavating sand from river belts and transporting it t…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
An elevated corridor is being constructed to reduce traffic congestion in the capital of a particular state. You have been selected as project manager of this prestigious project on your professional competence and experience. The deadline is to complete the project in the next two years by 30 June 2021, since the project is to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister before the elections are announce…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding
“Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face prosecution or human rights violation.” Examine the statement with reference to the ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with an open society.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Impartiality and Non-Partisanship
Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Foundational values
Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Ethical dilemmas in Public Administration
Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with a suitable example.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Accountability and Ethical Governance
An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including the judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Integrity
“Integrity is a value that empowers the human being’’. Justify with suitable illustration.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has quickly spread to various countries. As of May 8th, 2020, in India 56342 positive cases of corona had been reported. India with a population of more than 1.35 billion had difficulty in controlling the transmission of coronavirus among its population. Multiple strategies became necessary to handle this outbreak. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfa…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Dalai Lama
“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves”
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