2020 UPSC CSE Mains GS 3 PYQs

2020 UPSC CSE Mains General Studies Paper 3 PYQs

The UPSC Civil Services Mains 2020 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 2020 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

Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainble development.
Define potential GDP and explain its determination. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP?
Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to State) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions?
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.

Agriculture

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?
Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenario.
What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India?
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?

Disaster Management

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

Environment

How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?
What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launches by the Government of India for water conservation and water security?
Describe the benifits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose?
What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India?

Science and Technology

What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector?
How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies?
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 management to the pandemic.

Security

What are the sound 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?
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.
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.