2021 UPSC CSE Mains General Studies Paper 3 PYQs

The UPSC Civil Services Mains 2021 General Studies Paper 3 is a vital part of the examination, covering topics such as Economic Development, Agriculture, Science and Technology, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management. It includes critical areas like Indian Economy and resource mobilization, inclusive growth, industrial policies, and infrastructure development. Agriculture topics focus on major cropping patterns, irrigation techniques, and food security. The paper also addresses environmental conservation, biodiversity, and climate change, alongside advancements in science and technology and their applications. Additionally, it examines internal security, role of external state and non-state actors, cybersecurity, and disaster preparedness and management.

This post provides a detailed list of Previous Year Questions (PYQs) to help aspirants analyze the exam pattern, understand the syllabus, and prepare strategically for future UPSC Mains. Practicing these 2021 General Studies Paper 3 PYQs will empower candidates to build a strong foundation in key areas and enhance their ability to tackle complex questions effectively.

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Economic Development

1. Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015.
2. Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced a V-shaped recovery ? Give reasons in support of your answer.
3. 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 ?
4. Distinguish between capital budget and revenue budget. Explain the components of both Budgets.
5. Investment in infrastructure is essential for a more rapid and inclusive economic growth. Discuss in the light of India’s experience.

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Agriculture

1. How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis?
2. What is the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification?
3. How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic condition of marginal and small farmers?

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Disaster Management

1. 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.

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Environment

1. Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at world leaders Summit of the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glassgow in November, 2021. Where was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
2. Describe the key points of the revised Global Air-Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organization (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards?
3. Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this confidence?

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Science and Technology

1. What are the research in development achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poor section of the society?
2. The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to a Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings?

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Security

1. Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be take to combat the threats.
2. Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menance of terrorism.
3. How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world?
4. 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.
5. Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyze the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks.

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