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UPSC Mains 2025 GS 3 Question Paper (General Studies III)

All 20 questions from the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2025 General Studies III paper, transcribed from the official question paper and tagged by syllabus topic. Format: 150 words (Q1–10, 10 marks) · 250 words (Q11–20, 15 marks). Download the original question paper PDF.

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Q1 Inclusive Growth · 10 marks

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 Effects of Liberalization on the Economy · 10 marks

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 Agriculture · 10 marks

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

Q4 Agriculture · 10 marks

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

Q5 Science & Technology · 10 marks

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 Science & Technology · 10 marks

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

Q7 Environment & Ecology · 10 marks

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

Q8 Disaster Management · 10 marks

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 Internal Security · 10 marks

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 Internal Security · 10 marks

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 Government Budgeting · 15 marks

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 Indian Economy & Planning · 15 marks

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 Agriculture · 15 marks

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

Q14 Agriculture · 15 marks

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 Science & Technology · 15 marks

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 Science & Technology · 15 marks

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 Environment & Ecology · 15 marks

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 Environment & Ecology · 15 marks

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 Internal Security · 15 marks

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 Internal Security · 15 marks

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

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