Mains PYQs · Paper

GS3 PYQs, year wise.

All 265 GS Paper 3 questions UPSC has set since 2013, by year, with a link to write each one.

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

GS3 past papers at a glance

265 questions from 2013 to 2025. GS Paper 3 covers technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security and disaster management. The directives UPSC uses most in this paper: discuss (69), what (41), how (37), explain (29), examine (16), analyse (13). 3 have topper answers in the writeupsc bank.

Year wise

YearQuestionsDirectives used most
202520what (6), how (4), explain (4)
202420discuss (5), what (4), explain (3)
202320discuss (5), what (4), comment (3)
202220what (5), discuss (5), explain (3)
202120how (6), explain (3), describe (3)
202020what (5), how (5), explain (4)
201920how (5), explain (3), elaborate (2)
201820how (6), explain (3), comment (2)
201720how (4), analyse (4), discuss (3)
201620discuss (9), describe (2), how (1)
201520discuss (11), what (3), critically evaluate (2)
201420discuss (9), what (4), explain (2)
201325discuss (11), what (4), critically discuss (2)

The 2025 paper

Q1 · 10 marks · 150 words · Distinguish

Distinguish between the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) with special reference to India. Why is the IHDI considered a better indicator of inclusive growth?

Q2 · 10 marks · 150 words · How

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?

Q3 · 10 marks · 150 words · Explain

Explain the factors influencing the decision of the farmers on the selection of high value crops in India.

Q4 · 10 marks · 150 words · Elaborate

Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India.

Q5 · 10 marks · 150 words · What

The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India’s contributions to the international fusion energy project – International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy?

Q6 · 10 marks · 150 words · How

How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour?

Q7 · 10 marks · 150 words · What

What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change?

Q8 · 10 marks · 150 words · What

Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard?

Q9 · 10 marks · 150 words · Explain

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.

Q10 · 10 marks · 150 words · What

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 LWE?

Q11 · 15 marks · 250 words · Explain

Explain how the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) can be used as a tool for assessing the fiscal performance of states in India. In what way would it encourage the states to adopt prudent and sustainable fiscal policies?

Q12 · 15 marks · 250 words · Discuss

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?

Q13 · 15 marks · 250 words · Examine

Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater?

Q14 · 15 marks · 250 words · Examine

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.

Q15 · 15 marks · 250 words · How

How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers?

Q16 · 15 marks · 250 words · What

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.

Q17 · 15 marks · 250 words · Explain

Mineral resources are fundamental to the country’s economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining.

Q18 · 15 marks · 250 words · How

Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended by India been updated in 2022?

Q19 · 15 marks · 250 words · What

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.

Q20 · 15 marks · 250 words · Discuss

Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.

Questions

How many GS3 questions does UPSC set?

Since 2017, 20 compulsory questions for 250 marks: ten of 10 marks (150 words) and ten of 15 marks (250 words). 2014–2016: 20 of 12.5 marks (200 words); 2013: 25 of 10 marks.

Where can I practise GS3 PYQs?

In the practice bank: every GS3 question from 2013 to 2025, with an exam-pace timer. Free to write; 1 free evaluation against topper answers.

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.