Mains PYQs · 2020

UPSC Mains 2020 GS3, every question.

The 2020 GS Paper 3 in full, in paper order: marks, word limit and directive for each question, with a link to write it against the clock.

By Gaurav Singh and Aditya Tiwari·Published ·Questions: UPSC Civil Services (Main) papers·Updated

What the 2020 paper asked

The 2020 GS Paper 3 had 20 questions for 250 marks: 10 of 10 marks (150 words), 10 of 15 marks (250 words). The directives UPSC used most: what (5), how (5), explain (4), discuss (3). 1 of these questions have topper answers in the writeupsc bank, linked under each.

GS Paper 3 covers technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security and disaster management. For how long a scoring answer runs at each mark, see how long toppers actually write.

All 20 questions

Q1 · 10 marks · 150 words · Explain

Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Q2 · 10 marks · 150 words · Explain

Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP?

Q3 · 10 marks · 150 words · What

What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India?

Q4 · 10 marks · 150 words · How

What are the challenges and opportunities of food processing sector in the country? How can income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing?

Q5 · 10 marks · 150 words · How

What do you understand by nanotechnology, and how is it helping in the health sector?

Q6 · 10 marks · 150 words · What

How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies?

Q7 · 10 marks · 150 words · How

How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?

Q8 · 10 marks · 150 words · What

What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security?

Q9 · 10 marks · 150 words · Discuss

Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace.

Q10 · 10 marks · 150 words · Discuss

For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals.

Q11 · 15 marks · 250 words · Explain

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.

Q12 · 15 marks · 250 words · Explain

Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions?

Q13 · 15 marks · 250 words · How

What are the major factors responsible for making rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success how has this system become bane in India?

Q14 · 15 marks · 250 words · Suggest

Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenario.

Q15 · 15 marks · 250 words · How

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid the management of the pandemic.

Q16 · 15 marks · 250 words · Describe

Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose?

Q17 · 15 marks · 250 words · What

What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India?

Q18 · 15 marks · 250 words · Discuss

Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India, departing from the earlier reactive approach.

Q19 · 15 marks · 250 words · What

What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?

Q20 · 15 marks · 250 words · Analyse

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.

← 2019 · All GS3 years · 2021 →

Other 2020 papers: GS1 · GS2 · GS4 Ethics · Essay.

Questions

How many questions were in UPSC Mains 2020 GS Paper 3?

20 questions, 250 marks in all: 10 of 10 marks (150 words), 10 of 15 marks (250 words). All are compulsory.

Where can I practise the 2020 GS3 questions?

In the practice bank, with a timer set to exam pace. Writing is free with no sign-in; checking an answer against topper answers uses an evaluation (1 free).

Write one, then get it checked.

Write by hand against the clock in the practice bank, then photograph the page: writeupsc puts it beside real topper answers. 1 free evaluation.

Practise GS3 questions
Check your answer on Telegram. Send a photo of your handwritten answer to @WriteUPSCbot for marks in about a minute, or join the group for a Mains question every morning.