Mains PYQs · 2021

UPSC Mains 2021 GS3, every question.

The 2021 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 2021 paper asked

The 2021 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: how (6), explain (3), describe (3), discuss (3).

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 the difference between computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015.

Q2 · 10 marks · 150 words · Explain

Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets.

Q3 · 10 marks · 150 words · How

How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers?

Q4 · 10 marks · 150 words · To What Extent

How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis?

Q5 · 10 marks · 150 words · How

How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world?

Q6 · 10 marks · 150 words · Explain

Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders’ Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (Nov 2021). When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?

Q7 · 10 marks · 150 words · Describe

Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the WHO. How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s NCAP are required to achieve these revised standards?

Q8 · 10 marks · 150 words · Discuss

Discuss India’s vulnerability to earthquake-related hazards. Give examples, including salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades.

Q9 · 10 marks · 150 words · Discuss

Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels.

Q10 · 10 marks · 150 words · Analyse

Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks.

Q11 · 15 marks · 250 words · Do You Agree

Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V-shaped recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer.

Q12 · 15 marks · 250 words · Discuss

“Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.” Discuss in the light of India’s experience.

Q13 · 15 marks · 250 words · How

What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India?

Q14 · 15 marks · 250 words · How

What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification?

Q15 · 15 marks · 250 words · How

What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society?

Q16 · 15 marks · 250 words · How

The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings?

Q17 · 15 marks · 250 words · Describe

Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC. What commitments did India make at this conference?

Q18 · 15 marks · 250 words · Describe

Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy.

Q19 · 15 marks · 250 words · Analyse

Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats.

Q20 · 15 marks · 250 words · Analyse

Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism.

← 2020 · All GS3 years · 2022 →

Other 2021 papers: GS1 · GS2 · GS4 Ethics · Essay.

Questions

How many questions were in UPSC Mains 2021 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 2021 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.