GS 1 · 15 marks
Industrial Revolution
How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?
Read the full question →OFFICIAL QUESTION PAPERS · UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS
UPSC Mains 2024:
read the demand, then plan.
Read 79 questions from this year below, organised by paper and theme. Official paper downloads are also included where available.
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- Plan one argument for each substantive demand. Connect cause, consequence and a relevant limitation.
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- Compare your plan with another year’s question on the same theme. Notice how the demand changes.
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Kannada Compulsory
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GS 1
GS 2
GS 3
GS 4
Essay
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GS 1 · 15 marks
Kingdoms & Highlights
“Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture.” Comment.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Development and Related issues
In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGO’s and private sector would be most productive?
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Population and associated issues
What is the concept of a ‘demographic winter’? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate.
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Women and Associated concerns
Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Globalisation
Globalization has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Diversity and pluralism
What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Kingdoms & Highlights
Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Various stages of Freedom struggle
What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Aurora
What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Cloudbursts
What is the phenomenon of ‘cloudbursts’? Explain.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
World wars
How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Social empowerment
Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment.
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Urban Poverty and Migration
Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Family
Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Twisters
What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Water Management
The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 15 marks
Diversity and pluralism
Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India’s cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Cyclone
What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones?
Read the full question →GS 1 · 10 marks
Civilizations & Highlights
Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the later Vedic period.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Alternate Dispute Resolution
Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases ?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Executive Vs Legislature
“The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy.” Elucidate.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Electoral reforms
Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation-one election” principle.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Federalism
What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Bilateral Relations
Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India’s maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Citizens Charter
The Citizens’charter has been a land mark initiative in ensuring citizen-centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the realisation of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
E-governance
e-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context evaluate the role of the ‘Interactive Service Model’ of e-governance.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Transaparency and Accountability
What are the aims and objects of the recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act ?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Health
In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system, the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Local Self Government
Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.
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Judiciary
Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most powerful judiciary?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Poverty
Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Civil Services
The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Geo-politics affecting India’s Interest
The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Constitutional Bodies
“The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment.
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United Nations and its Agencies
Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security’. Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Fundamental Rights
Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of a child in the womb to establish its paternity.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Groupings involving Immediate and Extended neighbours
Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 10 marks
Donor Agencies
Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 15 marks
Constitutional Comparison
Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Monetary policy
What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Water Pollution and Related Issues
Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government’s initiatives in this regard.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Labour Reform
Discuss the merits and demerits of the four ‘Labour Codes’ in the context of labour market reforms in India. What has been the progress so far in this regard?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Irrigation system
What are the major challenges faced by Indian irrigation system in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Space Technology
What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
EIA
What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all important details.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Disaster Preparedness and Resilience
What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030).
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Border Area Management
India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Digital Media and Security Threats
Social media and encrypting messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social media? Also suggest any other remedies to address the problem.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Tech in crisis Management
The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies citing their key merits and demerits.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Tech solutions for daily challenges
What is the technology being employed for electronic toll collection on highways? What are its advantages and limitations? What are the proposed changes that will make this process seamless? Would this transition carry any potential hazards?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Millets
Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Airports X Infrastructure
What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government’s UDAN Scheme and its achievements.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Land Reforms
What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Organized Crime and Terrorism
Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Inclusive Growth X Public Expenditure
Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Buffer stock & food security
Elucidate the importance of buffer stocks for stabilizing agricultural prices in India. What are the challenges associated with the storage of buffer stock? Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Intellectual Property Rights
What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although, India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 10 marks
Act based
Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 15 marks
Urban floods
Flooding in urban areas is an emerging climate-induced disaster. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two such major floods in the last two decades in India. Describe the policies and frameworks in India that aim at tackling such floods.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Sardar Patel
“Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work.” — Sardar Patel
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding
“It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough to believe in it, one must act upon it” In the present context, the major weapon industries of the developed nations are adversely influencing continuation of number of wars for their own self-interest, all around the world. What are the ethical considerations of the powerful nations in today’s international arena …
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
“Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big reputed hospital chain in a mid-sized city. She has been made in charge of the new super specialty center that the hospital is building with state-of-the art equipment and world-class medical facilities. The building has been reconstructed and she is starting the process of procurement for various equipment and machine. As the head of the committee resp…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
“With multipronged strategy of the Central and State Governments specially in the last few years, the naxalite problem has been resolved to a large extent in the affected states of the country. However, there are a, few Volpockets in certain states where naxalite problem still persists, mainly due to involvement of foreign countries. Rohit is posted as SP (Special Operations) for the last one year…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
“Raman is a senior IPS officer and has recently been posted as D.G. of a state. Among the various issues and problems/challenges which needed his immediate attention, the issue relating to recruitment of unemployed south by an unknown terrorist group, was a matter at grave concern. It was noted that unemployment was relatively high in the state. The problem of unemployment amongst graduates and th…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
“With the summer heat being exceptionally severe this year, the district has been facing severe water shortage. The District Collector has been mobilizing his subordinate officials to conserve the remaining water reserves for preventing the district from plunging into acute drinking water crisis. Along with an awareness campaign for conserving water, strict measures have been taken for stopping th…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Attitude for Civil Servants
Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Ethical Guidance
The soul of the new law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is Justice, Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Determinants of Ethics
“Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behaviour.” Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in the professional context.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
“There is a technological company named ABC Incorporated which is the second largest worldwide, situated in the Third World. You are the Executive Officer and the majority shareholder this company,The fast technological improvements have raised worries among environmental activists, regulatory authorities, and the general public over the sustainability of this scenario. You confront substantial is…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Swami Vivekananda
“Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others.” — Swami Vivekananda
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Immanuel Kant
“In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.” — Immanuel Kant
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Applied Ethics x Technology
The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct
The ‘Code of Conduct and ‘Code of Ethics’ are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable mode. for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency. governance.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Applied Ethics x Environment
Gobal warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between the society and the environment ?
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Quality of Service Delivery
Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behaviour to ensure efficiency for serving citizens and in developing oneself. How will this scheme empower the civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering the services at the grassroots level?
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Probity in Governance
“In Indian culture and value system, an equal opportunity has been provided irrespective of gender identity. The number of women in public service has been steadily increasing over the years.” Examine the gender specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
“Dr. Srinivasan is a senjor scientist werking for a reputed hiotechnology company known for its cutting-edge research in pharmaceuticals. Dr. Srinivasan is heading a research team, working on a new drug aimed at treating a rapidly spreading variant of a new viral infectious disease. The disease has been rapidly spreading across the world and the cases reported in the country are increasing. There …
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Determinants of Ethics
“The concept of Just and Unjust is contextual. What was just a year back, may turn out to be unjust in today’s context. Changing context should be constantly under scrutiny to prevent miscarriage of justice.” Examine the above statement with suitable examples.
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