GS 1 · 15 marks
Primary sector
From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons.
Read the full question →OFFICIAL QUESTION PAPERS · UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS
UPSC Mains 2023:
read the demand, then plan.
Read 80 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.
Agricultural
Animal Hus. and Vet. Sc.
Anthropology
Botany
Chemistry
Civil Engineering
Commerce and Accountancy
Economics
Electrical Engineering
Geography
Geology
History
Law
Management
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Medical Science
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science and IR
Psychology
Public Administration
Sociology
Statistics
Zoology
Bengali Literature
English Literature
Gujarati Literature
Hindi Literature
Kannada Literature
Maithili Literature
Malayalam Literature
Manipuri Literature
Marathi Literature
Punjabi Literature
Sanskrit Literature
Sindhi Devanagari Literature
Tamil Literature
Telugu Literature
Urdu Literature
Assamese Compulsory
Bengali Compulsory
Bodo Compulsory
English Compulsory
Gujarati Compulsory
Hindi Compulsory
Kannada Compulsory
Maithili Compulsory
Malayalam Compulsory
Manipuri Compulsory
Marathi Compulsory
Nepali Compulsory
Odia Compulsory
Punjabi Compulsory
Sanskrit Compulsory
Sindhi Devanagari Compulsory
Tamil Compulsory
Telugu Compulsory
Urdu Compulsory
GS 1
GS 2
GS 3
GS 4
Essay
Read the questions online
GS 1 · 15 marks
Kingdoms & Highlights
What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Communalism
Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Miscellaneous
Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Population and associated issues
Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Gandhi X Indian Leaders of Freedom Struggle
What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Water Management
Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Flora and Fauna
Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forests regions of India.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Urban Poverty and Migration
Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Geomorphology
How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Family
Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Women and Associated concerns
Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian Society.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Family
Do you think marriage as a sacrament in losing its value in Modern India?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Monsoon
Why is the South-West monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Climate change
Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Colonial rule and impact
How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Miscellaneous
Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Natural resources Potential
Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Caste system
Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Civilizations & Highlights
What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Parliamentary Committees
Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalization of Indian Parliament?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Human Resources
The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this adequacy.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Separation of Powers
“Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy”. Comment.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Constitutional Comparison
Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Fundamental Rights
”The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society”. Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
E-governance
e-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Federalism
Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Efficacy of Welfare and Development Schemes
“Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Groupings involving Immediate and Extended neighbours
‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’. In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating problems.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Emergency
Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Presiding Officers
Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Civil Society
Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Geo-politics affecting India’s Interest
‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well in India.’ What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Alternate Dispute Resolution
Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority(NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Case Laws
Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
United Nations and its Agencies
‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos’. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO(International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Statutory Bodies
Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Human Resources
Skill development programs have succeed in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyze the linkages between education, skill and employment.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Local Self Government
“The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Indian Diaspora
Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Mandates of Security forces
What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Border Area Management
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Space Technology
What is the main task of India’s third mood mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Land Reforms
State the objectives and measures of land reforms in India. Discuss how land ceiling policy on landholding can be considered as an effective reform under economic criteria.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Artificial Intelligence
Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in the healthcare?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Organized Crime and Terrorism
Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Care X Monetized Economy
Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized economy’. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Wetlands
Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few India’s wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Organized Crime and Terrorism
Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and efforts being made to curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the ‘ No Money for Terror [NMFT]’ Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Agriculture Subsidy
What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization(WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
IPCC Reports
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Cropping pattern
Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Bio-Technology
Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Industrial policy and supply chains
Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Inclusive growth and employment
Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Climate adaptation and just transition
The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Inclusive growth and employment
What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Agricultural markets and food security
How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
AI governance and data privacy
Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure
Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give two examples of large dam failures.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Pollution and environmental governance
What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Crisis of Ethical Values
“Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.” In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society?
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Term Based
Differentiate ‘moral intuition’ from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitable examples.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Probity in Governance
‘Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.’ Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
“You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect. Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joine…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Corporate Governance
What do you understand by ‘moral integrity’ and ‘professional efficiency’ in the context of corporate governance in India ? Illustrate with suitable examples.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Mahatma Gandhi
“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding
‘International aid’ is an accepted form of helping ‘resource-challenged’ nations. Comment on ‘ethics in contemporary international aid’. Support your answer with suitable examples.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Ethical Guidance
Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision making ? Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
“Vinod is an honest and sincere IAS officer. Recently, he has taken over as Managing Director of the State Road Transport Corporation, his sixth transfer in the past three years. His peers acknowledge his vast knowledge, affability and uprightness. The Chairman of the State Road Transport Corporation is a powerful politician and is very close to the Chief Minister. Vinod comes to know about many a…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Teachings of Great Leaders
What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
“A landslide occurred in the middle of the night on 20th July, 2023 in a remote mountain hamlet, approximately 60kilometers from Uttarkashi. The landslide was caused by torrential rains and has resulted in large-scale destruction of property and life. You, as district magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a team of doctors, NGOs, media and police along with numerous support staff to…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Swami Vivekananda
Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle.” – Swami Vivekanand.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Jawaharlal Nehru
“To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Ones she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.” – Jawaharlal Nehru
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
“You hold a responsible position in a ministry in the government. One day in the morning you received a call from the school of your 11-year-old son that you are required to come and meet the Principal. You proceed to the school and find your son in the Principal’s office. The Principal informs you that your son had been found wandering aimlessly in the grounds during the time classes were in prog…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Organisational Attitude
In the context of work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion’ and ‘undue influence’ with suitable examples.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
EQ vs IQ
What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills – your EQ- not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests.” Do you agree with this view ? Give reasons in support of your answer.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
“At 9 pm on Saturday evening, Rashika, a Joint Secretary, was still engrossed in her work in her office. Her husband, Vikram, is an executive in an MNC and frequently out of town in connection with his work. Their two children aged 5 and 3 are looked after by their domestic helper. At 9:30 pm her superior, Mr. Suresh calls her and asks her to prepare a detailed note on an important matter to be di…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Accountability and Ethical Governance
Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance?
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
“You are working as an executive in a nationalized bank for several years. One day one of your close colleagues tells you that her father is suffering from heart disease and needs surgery immediately to survive. She also tells you that she has no insurance and the operation will cost about Rs. 10 lakh. You are also aware of the fact that her husband is no more and that she is from a lower middle c…
Read the full question →