2023 UPSC CSE Mains GS 3 PYQs

2023 UPSC CSE Mains General Studies Paper 3 PYQs

The UPSC Civil Services Mains 2023 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 2023 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.

Economic Development

Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard.
Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to complete unemployment in the country and suggest improvements.
Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized economy’. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment?
What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements.

Agriculture

Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions.
How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it.
State the objectives and measures of land reforms in India. Discuss how land ceiling policy on landholding can be considered as an effective reform under economic criteria.
What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies.

Disaster Management

Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give two examples of large dam failures.

Environment

Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one meter by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region?
The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles?
Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programe initiated by the Government of India and name a few India’s wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites.
What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?

Science and Technology

Introduce 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?
What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre’s at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota.

Security

Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measure adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to fery arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the Internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat.
Give 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 objectives of the No Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022.