Previous-year questions
Every question, with what it actually wants
119 UPSC and UPPCS Mains questions from the real papers — GS, Essay and optional subjects. Each one carries a marking standard written before any answer is read: what its directive demands, and the specific case, committee, datum or thinker a top answer must name.
UPSC · 2024
22- Essay · 125 marks · EssayNearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.
- Essay · 125 marks · EssayThe empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.
- Essay · 125 marks · EssayForests precede civilizations and deserts follow them.
- GS-I · 10 marks · ExplainWhat is the phenomenon of 'cloudbursts'? Explain.
- GS-I · 10 marks · ElaborateWhat is the concept of a 'demographic winter'? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate.
- GS-I · 15 marks · ExplainWhat are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?
- GS-I · 15 marks · Critically examineHow far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?
- GS-I · 10 marks · Point outWhat were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results.
- GS-II · 15 marks · ExplainExplain 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?
- GS-II · 15 marks · SuggestWhat 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.
- GS-II · 15 marks · SuggestThe Citizens' charter has been a landmark 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.
- GS-II · 10 marks · ExamineExamine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to 'one nation – one election' principle.
- GS-II · 10 marks · CommentThe duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety. Comment.
- GS-III · 10 marks · ElaborateWhat were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate.
- GS-III · 10 marks · CommentWhat 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.
- GS-III · 10 marks · SuggestExplain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism.
- GS-III · 10 marks · ExplainExplain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India.
- GS-III · 15 marks · DescribeWhat is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030).
- GS-IV · 10 marks · Critically examineThe 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.
- GS-IV · 10 marks · DiscussThe Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are same, yet there is difference in the performance. Positive minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of the case and achieve success, whereas negative minded officers are unable to achieve goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case. Discuss with illustrations.
- GS-IV · 20 marks · Case studyABC Incorporated's aggressive AI expansion has raised its greenhouse gas emissions 48% since 2019, colliding with its public net-zero-by-2030 commitment. As its newly appointed Chief Sustainability Officer, you must advise the board, which fears losing the AI race to competitors. Identify the ethical issues involved, the options available to you, and justify your recommended course of action.
- GS-IV · 10 marks · DiscussEthics 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 and discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in the professional context.
UPPCS · 2024
2UPSC · 2023
27- Essay · 125 marks · EssayA society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.
- Essay · 125 marks · EssayMathematics is the music of reason.
- Essay · 125 marks · EssayNot all who wander are lost.
- Geography · 15 marks · DiscussDiscuss the applicability of central place theory in understanding the urban hierarchy of the Indian Gangetic plain.
- GS-I · 10 marks · DifferentiateWhat was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?
- GS-I · 10 marks · DiscussWhy did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India?
- GS-I · 10 marks · ExplainHow are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?
- GS-I · 15 marks · DiscussWhy is caste identity in India both fluid and static?
- GS-I · 15 marks · ExamineHow did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression?
- GS-II · 10 marks · Comment'Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy.' Comment.
- GS-II · 15 marks · ExplainExplain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalization of Indian Parliament?
- GS-II · 10 marks · AssessWho are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India.
- GS-II · 15 marks · ExplainExplain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism?
- GS-II · 15 marks · Account forAccount for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid-1990s.
- GS-III · 10 marks · ExamineIntroduce 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?
- GS-III · 15 marks · ExamineMost of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements.
- GS-III · 10 marks · ExplainHow does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it.
- GS-III · 15 marks · DiscussHow do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles?
- GS-III · 15 marks · DiscussGive out the major sources of terror funding in India and the 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.
- GS-IV · 10 marks · DiscussIs conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision making? Discuss.
- GS-IV · 10 marks · Suggest'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?
- GS-IV · 10 marks · Discuss'Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.
- GS-IV · 10 marks · DifferentiateIn the context of work environment, differentiate between 'coercion' and 'undue influence' with suitable examples.
- GS-IV · 10 marks · IllustrateWhat do you understand by 'moral integrity' and 'professional efficiency' in the context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples.
- History · 15 marks · Critically evaluateThe Non-Cooperation Movement marked the transformation of Indian nationalism from a movement of classes to a movement of masses. Critically evaluate.
- PSIR · 15 marks · CommentThe basic structure doctrine is a legitimate exercise in constitutional interpretation, not judicial usurpation. Comment.
- Sociology · 15 marks · SubstantiateIs caste in India being substituted by class, or is caste itself functioning as class? Substantiate with studies.
UPPCS · 2023
2UPSC · 2022
25- Essay · 125 marks · EssayThe time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
- Essay · 125 marks · EssayForests are the best case studies for economic excellence.
- Geography · 15 marks · ExamineExamine the causes and consequences of the changing courses of Himalayan rivers, with recent examples.
- GS-I · 10 marks · Give reasonsWhy did the armies of the British East India Company — mostly comprising of Indian soldiers — win consistently against the more numerous and better equipped armies of the then Indian rulers? Give reasons.
- GS-I · 15 marks · DiscussDiscuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.
- GS-I · 10 marks · ExplainHow will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days?
- GS-I · 10 marks · Give reasonsWhy was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons.
- GS-I · 15 marks · AnalyseAnalyse the salience of 'sect' in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion.
- GS-II · 10 marks · Discuss'The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.' Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.
- GS-II · 15 marks · Comment'While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy.' Comment.
- GS-II · 15 marks · Critically examineCritically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected.
- GS-II · 15 marks · DiscussDiscuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct.
- GS-II · 15 marks · DiscussDiscuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature.
- GS-III · 15 marks · JustifyDo you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Discuss.
- GS-III · 15 marks · DiscussNaxalism 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.
- GS-III · 10 marks · ExamineWhy is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India.
- GS-III · 10 marks · ExamineWhat are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? How can it be made effective and transparent?
- GS-III · 10 marks · DiscussExplain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples.
- GS-IV · 10 marks · Discuss'The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are often in conflict with traditional values.' Discuss.
- GS-IV · 10 marks · ExamineIt is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organization/system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day functioning?
- GS-IV · 10 marks · Discuss'Corrupt practices causes misuse of government treasury, administrative inefficiency and obstruction in the path of national development.' Discuss Kautilya's views.
- GS-IV · 10 marks · Justify'Hatred is destructive of a person's wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation's spirit.' Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.
- GS-IV · 10 marks · DiscussBesides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable example.
- History · 15 marks · AssessAssess the view that the Mughal state in the seventeenth century was primarily an extractive war-state.
- PSIR · 15 marks · Critically analyseIndia's strategic autonomy in a multipolar world is a continuation of non-alignment by other means. Critically analyse.
UPPCS · 2022
1UPSC · 2021
21- GS-I · 10 marks · AssessAssess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States.
- GS-I · 10 marks · ExamineExamine the role of 'Gig Economy' in the process of empowerment of women in India.
- GS-I · 10 marks · EvaluateEvaluate the nature of the Bhakti Literature and its contribution to Indian culture.
- GS-I · 15 marks · CommentTo what extent did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment.
- GS-I · 10 marks · DifferentiateDifferentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats.
- GS-II · 15 marks · ExplainThe 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.
- GS-II · 10 marks · Explain'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.
- GS-II · 10 marks · DiscussDiscuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness.
- GS-II · 15 marks · AnalyseAnalyse the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India.
- GS-II · 15 marks · Critically examineTo what extent, in your view, has the Parliament been able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?
- GS-III · 10 marks · ExamineWhat is the S-400 air defence system? How is it technically superior, if in any way, to any other system presently available in the world?
- GS-III · 10 marks · ExplainExplain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
- GS-III · 15 marks · ElaborateDiscuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels.
- GS-III · 10 marks · JustifyDo you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced a V-shaped recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer.
- GS-III · 10 marks · DescribeDescribe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy.
- GS-IV · 10 marks · DiscussAttitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of human being. How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant?
- GS-IV · 10 marks · DiscussWhat teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss.
- GS-IV · 10 marks · JustifyIdentify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion.
- GS-IV · 10 marks · DiscussShould impartial and being non-partisan be considered as indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations.
- GS-IV · 10 marks · Examine'Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation.' Examine the statement with reference to the ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society.
- Sociology · 15 marks · ExamineExamine the relevance of Durkheim's theory of religion in understanding contemporary religious revivalism.
UPSC · 2020
5- GS-II · 15 marks · ElucidateIndian Constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts.
- GS-II · 10 marks · HighlightRajya Sabha has been transformed from a 'useless stepney tyre' to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible.
- GS-II · 15 marks · Suggest'Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance.' In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.
- GS-II · 10 marks · Critically examine'Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker'! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India?
- GS-II · 15 marks · JustifyJudicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities.
UPPCS · Practice set
8- GS-I · 8 marks · ExamineThe Revolt of 1857 in Awadh had a distinctly agrarian character. Examine.
- GS-II · 12 marks · DiscussHow do the Governor's discretionary powers affect the federal structure of the Constitution? Discuss.
- GS-II · 8 marks · DiscussDiscuss the constitutional and practical significance of the Governor's address to the State Legislature.
- GS-III · 12 marks · EvaluateNatural farming is being projected as the next phase of India's agricultural transition. Evaluate its promise and limits.
- GS-IV · 8 marks · CommentIntegrity without competence is as dangerous in public service as competence without integrity. Comment.
- GS-V · 8 marks · OutlineOutline the key features of Uttar Pradesh's agricultural diversification policy.
- GS-V · 8 marks · AssessAssess the role of the One District One Product (ODOP) programme in transforming Uttar Pradesh's export profile.
- GS-VI · 12 marks · DiscussDiscuss the significance of the Bundelkhand region's water crisis and the interventions attempted under state and central schemes.
UPSC · Practice set
6- GS-I · 10 marks · Critically examineThe 73rd Constitutional Amendment changed the texture of rural leadership without changing its substance. Critically examine in the context of women's participation in Panchayati Raj.
- GS-II · 10 marks · ExamineExamine the significance of Public Interest Litigation in India.
- GS-II · 15 marks · DiscussThe office of the Speaker has become the site where anti-defection cases go to die. Discuss with reference to judicial attempts to impose timelines.
- GS-III · 15 marks · DiscussDiscuss the role of value addition in doubling farmers' income.
- GS-III · 15 marks · EvaluateIndia's logistics costs remain among the highest in the world. Evaluate how far the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan addresses the structural causes.
- GS-IV · 20 marks · Case studyYou are the District Magistrate during a communal flare-up. A viral video, later found doctored, is inflaming tensions, and a senior political functionary demands the immediate arrest of a named minority youth. Identify the ethical issues involved and the options available to you, and justify your course of action.