UPSC GS Paper III Syllabus 2026 (Mains): Topic by Topic

Line 1 of 20 · Economy: planning, growth & employment · UPSC's words

15 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

1. Growth, employment & jobless growth

   15 PYQsCovered: Growth, employment & jobless growth

   Asked in 2026, 2025, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 3 more

   “Examine the view that financial inclusion is an integral part of social and economic inclusion in a country like India. Also throw light on the usefulness of the R.B.I.’s Financial Inclusion Index.” 2026 · GS III Q2 →

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2. Planning: Planning Commission to NITI Aayog

   2 PYQsCovered: Planning: Planning Commission to NITI Aayog

   Asked in 2026, 2018

   “The model of planned economy was adopted in India to address the regional imbalances left behind by colonial rule. Comment.” 2026 · GS I Q13 →

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3. Mobilisation of resources: savings, investment, taxation

   4 PYQsCovered: Mobilisation of resources: savings, investment, taxation

   Asked in 2019, 2018, 2017

   “Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017.” 2019 · GS III Q1 →

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4. Manufacturing & Make in India

   5 PYQsCovered: Manufacturing & Make in India

   Asked in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2019, 2017

   “Discuss the rationale of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. What are its achievements? In what way can the functioning and outcomes of the scheme be improved?” 2025 · GS III Q12 →

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5. Money, inflation & the digital economy

   4 PYQsCovered: Money, inflation & the digital economy

   Asked in 2026, 2024, 2023, 2019

   “What do you mean by Digital Rupee ? In this context, explain the working and progress of India’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).” 2026 · GS III Q1 →

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6. Women, the care economy & labour

   1 PYQCovered: Women, the care economy & labour

   Asked in 2023

   “Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized economy’. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment?” 2023 · GS III Q12 →

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7. Global trade shocks & macro stability

   2 PYQsCovered: Global trade shocks & macro stability

   Asked in 2025, 2018

   “What are the challenges before the Indian economy when the world is moving away from free trade and multilateralism to protectionism and bilateralism? How can these challenges be met?” 2025 · GS III Q2 →

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Line 2 of 20 · Inclusive growth · UPSC's words

10 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

1. Meaning & measures of inclusive growth

   7 PYQsCovered: Meaning & measures of inclusive growth

   Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2021, 2020 and 2 more

   “Examine the view that financial inclusion is an integral part of social and economic inclusion in a country like India. Also throw light on the usefulness of the R.B.I.’s Financial Inclusion Index.” 2026 · GS III Q2 →

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2. Financial inclusion

   2 PYQsCovered: Financial inclusion

   Asked in 2022, 2016

   “Is inclusive growth possible under market economy ? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India.” 2022 · GS III Q2 →

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3. Inequality, jobs & social sectors

   6 PYQsCovered: Inequality, jobs & social sectors

   Asked in 2025, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2016

   “Inequality in the ownership pattern of resources is one of the major causes of poverty. Discuss in the context of ‘paradox of poverty’.” 2025 · GS II Q16 →

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4. Infrastructure & energy access for inclusion

   2 PYQsCovered: Infrastructure & energy access for inclusion

   Asked in 2021, 2018

   “Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.” Discuss in the light of India’s experience.” 2021 · GS III Q12 →

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5. Other questions on this line (1) ▾

Line 3 of 20 · Government budgeting · UPSC's words

8 questions & model answers Write the 2025 question — free evaluation

1. Budget documents & concepts

   2 PYQsCovered: Budget documents & concepts

   Asked in 2018, 2017

   “Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long-term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018–2019.” 2018 · GS III Q2 →

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2. Deficits & the FRBM framework

   2 PYQsCovered: Deficits & the FRBM framework

   Asked in 2021, 2019

   “Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets.” 2021 · GS III Q2 →

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3. GST & fiscal federalism

   4 PYQsCovered: GST & fiscal federalism

   Asked in 2025, 2020, 2019

   “Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India?” 2025 · GS II Q14 →

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4. Outcome & gender budgeting

   1 PYQCovered: Outcome & gender budgeting

   Asked in 2016

   “Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context?” 2016 · GS III Q2 →

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Line 4 of 20 · Crops, irrigation & farm marketing · UPSC's words

25 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

1. Cropping patterns & crop diversification

   14 PYQsCovered: Cropping patterns & crop diversification

   Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2021 and 5 more

   “How Indian agriculture has been transformed from food scarcity to food surplus level ? Explain the various government policies implemented for diversification of Indian agriculture.” 2026 · GS III Q13 →

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2. Irrigation & water-use efficiency

   5 PYQsCovered: Irrigation & water-use efficiency

   Asked in 2025, 2024, 2021, 2020, 2016

   “Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater?” 2025 · GS III Q13 →

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3. Storage, transport & agricultural marketing

   8 PYQsCovered: Storage, transport & agricultural marketing

   Asked in 2026, 2025, 2022, 2020, 2019 and 1 more

   “Explain the factors responsible for inefficiency of agri-produce marketing. How e-commerce helps to reduce inefficiency of agri-produce marketing ? Explain.” 2026 · GS III Q4 →

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4. E-technology & modern farming

   8 PYQsCovered: E-technology & modern farming

   Asked in 2026, 2025, 2023, 2022, 2020 and 2 more

   “Describe the various Technology Missions initiated in Indian agriculture and examine their role in food security.” 2026 · GS III Q3 →

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Line 5 of 20 · Farm subsidies, MSP, PDS & food security · UPSC's words

11 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

1. MSP & farm subsidies

   4 PYQsCovered: MSP & farm subsidies

   Asked in 2026, 2023, 2018, 2017

   “Discuss the different types of subsidies and supports provided by the Government of India to agricultural sector. Examine the related issues pertaining to Agreement on Agriculture of World Trade Organisation (WTO).” 2026 · GS III Q14 →

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2. Public Distribution System & food security

   7 PYQsCovered: Public Distribution System & food security

   Asked in 2026, 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019 and 1 more

   “How Indian agriculture has been transformed from food scarcity to food surplus level ? Explain the various government policies implemented for diversification of Indian agriculture.” 2026 · GS III Q13 →

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3. Animal rearing, fisheries & allied sectors

   3 PYQsCovered: Animal rearing, fisheries & allied sectors

   Asked in 2022, 2018, 2017

   “What is Integrated Farming System ? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India ?” 2022 · GS III Q14 →

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4. Technology missions & crop insurance

   3 PYQsCovered: Technology missions & crop insurance

   Asked in 2026, 2024, 2016

   “Describe the various Technology Missions initiated in Indian agriculture and examine their role in food security.” 2026 · GS III Q3 →

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5. Other questions on this line (2) ▾

Line 6 of 20 · Food processing · UPSC's words

8 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

1. Scope & significance of food processing

   4 PYQsCovered: Scope & significance of food processing

   Asked in 2025, 2022, 2020, 2019

   “Examine the scope of the food processing industries in India. Elaborate the measures taken by the government in the food processing industries for generating employment opportunities.” 2025 · GS III Q14 →

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2. Supply chains, cold chains & post-harvest losses

   6 PYQsCovered: Supply chains, cold chains & post-harvest losses

   Asked in 2026, 2025, 2022, 2018, 2017

   “Explain by giving two examples, how biotechnology has helped the Indian farmers in processing their perishable crops.” 2026 · GS III Q5 →

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3. Schemes: PMKSY, PMFME, PLI & FPOs

   1 PYQCovered: Schemes: PMKSY, PMFME, PLI & FPOs

   Asked in 2019

   “Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector.” 2019 · GS III Q14 →

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4. Other questions on this line (1) ▾

Line 7 of 20 · Land reforms · UPSC's words

4 questions & model answers Write the 2024 question — free evaluation

1. Abolition of intermediaries & zamindari

   2 PYQsCovered: Abolition of intermediaries & zamindari

   Asked in 2021, 2016

   “How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers ?” 2021 · GS III Q3 →

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2. Tenancy reform & land ceilings

   2 PYQsCovered: Tenancy reform & land ceilings

   Asked in 2024, 2023

   “What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate.” 2024 · GS III Q3 →

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3. Consolidation of holdings & land records

   1 PYQCovered: Consolidation of holdings & land records

   Asked in 2021

   “How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers ?” 2021 · GS III Q3 →

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Line 8 of 20 · Liberalisation & industrial policy · UPSC's words

5 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

1. Effects of the 1991 liberalisation

   1 PYQCovered: Effects of the 1991 liberalisation

   Asked in 2016

   “How globalization has led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country?” 2016 · GS III Q1 →

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2. Industrial policy & manufacturing

   5 PYQsCovered: Industrial policy & manufacturing

   Asked in 2025, 2023, 2017, 2016

   “Discuss the rationale of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. What are its achievements? In what way can the functioning and outcomes of the scheme be improved?” 2025 · GS III Q12 →

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3. MSMEs, startups & semiconductors

   2 PYQsCovered: MSMEs, startups & semiconductors

   Asked in 2026, 2025

   “How are startups in India promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and employment ? Discuss the global and domestic challenges in their working and suggest suitable measures to overcome these challenges.” 2026 · GS III Q12 →

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4. Labour laws & ease of doing business

   2 PYQsCovered: Labour laws & ease of doing business

   Asked in 2017, 2016

   “Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports.” 2017 · GS III Q2 →

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Line 9 of 20 · Infrastructure · UPSC's words

14 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

1. Energy: renewables, nuclear & access

   12 PYQsCovered: Energy: renewables, nuclear & access

   Asked in 2026, 2025, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 3 more

   “Distinguish between a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) and a thermal nuclear reactor. In the context of first indigenously developed prototype FBR at Kalpakkam, explain the term ‘criticality’. What are its implications for clean energy…” 2026 · GS III Q6 →

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2. Transport: roads, railways, ports & waterways

   3 PYQsCovered: Transport: roads, railways, ports & waterways

   Asked in 2024, 2019, 2016

   “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…” 2024 · GS III Q6 →

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3. Airports & aviation

   2 PYQsCovered: Airports & aviation

   Asked in 2024, 2017

   “What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government’s UDAN Scheme and its achievements.” 2024 · GS III Q12 →

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4. Urban infrastructure & industrial corridors

   2 PYQsCovered: Urban infrastructure & industrial corridors

   Asked in 2018, 2017

   “What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India ? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics.” 2018 · GS I Q16 →

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5. Dams, water infrastructure & financing

   4 PYQsCovered: Dams, water infrastructure & financing

   Asked in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

   “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.” 2023 · GS III Q7 →

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Line 10 of 20 · Investment models · UPSC's words

2 questions & model answers Write the 2022 question — free evaluation

1. PPP models & risk sharing

   2 PYQsCovered: PPP models & risk sharing

   Asked in 2020, 2017

   “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.” 2020 · GS III Q11 →

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2. FDI, investment climate & joint ventures

   2 PYQsCovered: FDI, investment climate & joint ventures

   Asked in 2022, 2016

   “Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects ? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India.” 2022 · GS III Q1 →

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Line 11 of 20 · Science & technology in everyday life · UPSC's words

5 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

1. Health technology: vaccines, stem cells, telemedicine

   4 PYQsCovered: Health technology: vaccines, stem cells, telemedicine

   Asked in 2022, 2020, 2017

   “What is the basic principle behind vaccine development ? How do vaccines work ? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines ?” 2022 · GS III Q16 →

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2. Physics in everyday life: LEDs, lasers, quantum

   1 PYQCovered: Physics in everyday life: LEDs, lasers, quantum

   Asked in 2018

   “Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics.” 2018 · GS III Q5 →

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3. AI & digital technologies in daily life

   4 PYQsCovered: AI & digital technologies in daily life

   Asked in 2026, 2025, 2023, 2021

   “What is agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) ? Explain its working. Describe its applications with suitable examples. Discuss the advantages, risks and challenges associated with agentic AI systems.” 2026 · GS III Q16 →

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4. Nuclear & energy applications

   3 PYQsCovered: Nuclear & energy applications

   Asked in 2023, 2021, 2018

   “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?” 2023 · GS III Q15 →

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5. Climate & water technologies: CCUS, desalination

   2 PYQsCovered: Climate & water technologies: CCUS, desalination

   Asked in 2025, 2024

   “What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change?” 2025 · GS III Q7 →

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6. Space science & astronomy

   1 PYQCovered: Space science & astronomy

   Asked in 2022

   “Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes ? What are the key goals of this mission ?…” 2022 · GS III Q15 →

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7. Science in agriculture & nature

   2 PYQsCovered: Science in agriculture & nature

   Asked in 2022, 2020

   “Each year a large amount of plant material, cellulose, is deposited on the surface of Planet Earth. What are the natural processes this cellulose undergoes before yielding carbon dioxide, water and other end products ?” 2022 · GS III Q6 →

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8. Everyday technology: RFID & tolling

   1 PYQCovered: Everyday technology: RFID & tolling

   Asked in 2024

   “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…” 2024 · GS III Q6 →

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Line 12 of 20 · Indian achievements in S&T · UPSC's words

6 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

1. Space achievements: ISRO's missions

   5 PYQsCovered: Space achievements: ISRO's missions

   Asked in 2026, 2023, 2019, 2017, 2016

   “Mention salient features of ‘Mission Drishti’. Discuss the imaging techniques used in the satellite launched on 3rd May 2026. Why it is being considered world’s first satellite of its kind ?” 2026 · GS III Q15 →

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2. Nuclear programme & indigenisation

   3 PYQsCovered: Nuclear programme & indigenisation

   Asked in 2026, 2025, 2017

   “Distinguish between a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) and a thermal nuclear reactor. In the context of first indigenously developed prototype FBR at Kalpakkam, explain the term ‘criticality’. What are its implications for clean energy…” 2026 · GS III Q6 →

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3. Indian scientists & their contributions

   2 PYQsCovered: Indian scientists & their contributions

   Asked in 2019, 2018

   “How was India benefitted from the contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively?” 2019 · GS III Q5 →

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4. Biotech, vaccines & traditional knowledge

   3 PYQsCovered: Biotech, vaccines & traditional knowledge

   Asked in 2021, 2019, 2018

   “What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology ? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society ?” 2021 · GS III Q15 →

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5. Semiconductors & nanotechnology missions

   2 PYQsCovered: Semiconductors & nanotechnology missions

   Asked in 2025, 2016

   “India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission.” 2025 · GS III Q16 →

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Line 13 of 20 · IT, space, robotics, biotech & IPR · UPSC's words

20 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

1. IT, AI, computers & robotics

   2 PYQsCovered: IT, AI, computers & robotics

   Asked in 2026, 2023

   “What is agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) ? Explain its working. Describe its applications with suitable examples. Discuss the advantages, risks and challenges associated with agentic AI systems.” 2026 · GS III Q16 →

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2. Space technology & navigation

   8 PYQsCovered: Space technology & navigation

   Asked in 2026, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018 and 2 more

   “Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India.” 2026 · GS I Q15 →

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3. Nanotechnology

   3 PYQsCovered: Nanotechnology

   Asked in 2025, 2020, 2016

   “How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers?” 2025 · GS III Q15 →

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4. Biotechnology: GM crops, vaccines & biosimilars

   9 PYQsCovered: Biotechnology: GM crops, vaccines & biosimilars

   Asked in 2026, 2025, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 4 more

   “Explain by giving two examples, how biotechnology has helped the Indian farmers in processing their perishable crops.” 2026 · GS III Q5 →

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5. Intellectual property rights & data protection

   3 PYQsCovered: Intellectual property rights & data protection

   Asked in 2024, 2019, 2018

   “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…” 2024 · GS III Q5 →

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Line 14 of 20 · Conservation, pollution & EIA · UPSC's words

29 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

1. Pollution: air, water & waste

   9 PYQsCovered: Pollution: air, water & waste

   Asked in 2026, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2 more

   “What are the challenges to solid waste management in India ? Discuss the governmental policy framework on solid waste management. Discuss the success/failure cases of Delhi and Indore cities highlighting the salient feature of…” 2026 · GS III Q17 →

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2. Conservation of biodiversity, wetlands & forests

   12 PYQsCovered: Conservation of biodiversity, wetlands & forests

   Asked in 2026, 2025, 2023, 2020, 2019 and 3 more

   “Discuss the aim and goals of Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework. Mention India’s commitments and initiatives to achieve the goals and targets of this framework giving suitable examples.” 2026 · GS III Q8 →

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3. Environmental degradation: land, coasts & mountains

   11 PYQsCovered: Environmental degradation: land, coasts & mountains

   Asked in 2026, 2025, 2023, 2022, 2019 and 2 more

   “Discuss the role of aeolian processes in desertification and land degradation.” 2026 · GS I Q6 →

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4. EIA & environmental governance

   3 PYQsCovered: EIA & environmental governance

   Asked in 2024, 2020, 2016

   “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.” 2024 · GS III Q8 →

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5. Climate change & India's commitments

   9 PYQsCovered: Climate change & India's commitments

   Asked in 2025, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 1 more

   “How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples.” 2025 · GS I Q4 →

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6. Environment vs development & environmental movements

   2 PYQsCovered: Environment vs development & environmental movements

   Asked in 2025

   “Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.” 2025 · GS I Q19 →

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Line 15 of 20 · Disaster management · UPSC's words

15 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

1. Disaster management framework: NDMA & Sendai

   5 PYQsCovered: Disaster management framework: NDMA & Sendai

   Asked in 2026, 2023, 2020, 2018, 2016

   “Community participation is the cornerstone of effective disaster management”. Analyse this statement with suitable examples from India. Also discuss the challenges to community participation and measures to strengthen it.” 2026 · GS III Q18 →

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2. Floods, cyclones & cloudbursts

   3 PYQsCovered: Floods, cyclones & cloudbursts

   Asked in 2024, 2022, 2016

   “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…” 2024 · GS III Q18 →

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3. Earthquakes, landslides & Himalayan risk

   3 PYQsCovered: Earthquakes, landslides & Himalayan risk

   Asked in 2021, 2017

   “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.” 2021 · GS III Q8 →

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4. Early warning, resilience & risk reduction

   6 PYQsCovered: Early warning, resilience & risk reduction

   Asked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2019, 2017

   “Discuss how the contradiction between ‘rapid infrastructure development’ and ‘disaster-risk reduction’ in ecologically-sensitive areas of India can be managed, with suitable examples.” 2026 · GS III Q7 →

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Line 16 of 20 · Development & extremism · UPSC's words

5 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

1. Left-wing extremism: causes & SAMADHAN

   2 PYQsCovered: Left-wing extremism: causes & SAMADHAN

   Asked in 2025, 2018

   “The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate…” 2025 · GS III Q10 →

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2. Development deficits & tribal alienation

   3 PYQsCovered: Development deficits & tribal alienation

   Asked in 2022, 2020, 2018

   “Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.” 2022 · GS III Q20 →

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3. Winning hearts & minds

   2 PYQsCovered: Winning hearts & minds

   Asked in 2026, 2023

   “Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also…” 2026 · GS III Q10 →

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4. Other questions on this line (1) ▾

Line 17 of 20 · External actors & internal security · UPSC's words

8 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

1. Cross-border terrorism & state sponsors

   7 PYQsCovered: Cross-border terrorism & state sponsors

   Asked in 2026, 2025, 2023, 2021, 2020 and 1 more

   “Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir (J & K). Bring out actions taken by the Government to bring J & K into national mainstream. Discuss pre and post…” 2026 · GS III Q19 →

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2. Terror financing, hawala & narco-terror

   7 PYQsCovered: Terror financing, hawala & narco-terror

   Asked in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019 and 1 more

   “Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism.” 2024 · GS III Q9 →

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3. North-East insurgency & ethnic conflict

   3 PYQsCovered: North-East insurgency & ethnic conflict

   Asked in 2025, 2019, 2017

   “What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade.” 2025 · GS III Q19 →

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4. Laws & agencies: UAPA, NIA

   2 PYQsCovered: Laws & agencies: UAPA, NIA

   Asked in 2023, 2019

   “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.” 2023 · GS III Q19 →

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5. Online radicalisation by non-state actors

   1 PYQCovered: Online radicalisation by non-state actors

   Asked in 2016

   “Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.” 2016 · GS III Q20 →

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Line 18 of 20 · Cyber security, media & money-laundering · UPSC's words

14 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

1. Cybersecurity & critical infrastructure

   5 PYQsCovered: Cybersecurity & critical infrastructure

   Asked in 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017

   “What are the different elements of cyber security ? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.” 2022 · GS III Q19 →

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2. Social media, fake news & radicalisation

   4 PYQsCovered: Social media, fake news & radicalisation

   Asked in 2026, 2024, 2017, 2016

   “Explain how fake news and disinformation pose threat to Internal Security and Public Order in Indian context ? In this regard, discuss salient features of amendments in respect of Information Technology (Intermediatory Guidelines…” 2026 · GS III Q9 →

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3. Money laundering & terror financing

   5 PYQsCovered: Money laundering & terror financing

   Asked in 2026, 2023, 2021, 2018, 2017

   “Discuss counterfeit currency and money laundering as major sources of terror funding in India. State the actions being taken at International level to check these menaces. Highlight the role of Financial Action Task Force (FATF)…” 2026 · GS III Q20 →

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4. Data protection & legal framework

   2 PYQsCovered: Data protection & legal framework

   Asked in 2024, 2018

   “Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.” 2024 · GS III Q10 →

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Line 19 of 20 · Border management & organised crime · UPSC's words

15 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation

1. Border management: land borders

   2 PYQsCovered: Border management: land borders

   Asked in 2020, 2016

   “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.” 2020 · GS III Q20 →

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2. Coastal & maritime security

   2 PYQsCovered: Coastal & maritime security

   Asked in 2025, 2022

   “Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.” 2025 · GS III Q20 →

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3. Organised crime, drugs & terror linkages

   8 PYQsCovered: Organised crime, drugs & terror linkages

   Asked in 2026, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 3 more

   “Discuss counterfeit currency and money laundering as major sources of terror funding in India. State the actions being taken at International level to check these menaces. Highlight the role of Financial Action Task Force (FATF)…” 2026 · GS III Q20 →

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4. Border-area development

   4 PYQsCovered: Border-area development

   Asked in 2026, 2024, 2020, 2016

   “Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also…” 2026 · GS III Q10 →

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5. North-East & J&K: insurgency and peace processes

   3 PYQsCovered: North-East & J&K: insurgency and peace processes

   Asked in 2025, 2019, 2017

   “What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade.” 2025 · GS III Q19 →

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Line 20 of 20 · Security forces & agencies · UPSC's words

2 questions & model answers Write the 2025 question — free evaluation

1. Central armed police & border forces

   2 PYQsCovered: Central armed police & border forces

   Asked in 2020, 2016

   “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.” 2020 · GS III Q20 →

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2. Intelligence & investigation agencies

   3 PYQsCovered: Intelligence & investigation agencies

   Asked in 2025, 2023, 2019

   “Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State? Explain.” 2025 · GS III Q9 →

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3. Armed forces, defence & air defence

   1 PYQCovered: Armed forces, defence & air defence

   Asked in 2021

   “How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world ?” 2021 · GS III Q5 →

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4. Mandates in action: maritime security & LWE

   5 PYQsCovered: Mandates in action: maritime security & LWE

   Asked in 2025, 2022, 2020, 2018

   “Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.” 2025 · GS III Q20 →

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