The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2020 General Studies Paper III evaluates candidates on Economic Development, Agriculture, Science & Technology, Environment, Disaster Management and Internal Security. The paper carries 250 marks and consists of descriptive questions.
On this page, you can find the UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper III Question Paper 2020, official questions, exam pattern, question paper instructions, and the official UPSC PDF link.
UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper III Question Paper 2020: Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Examination | UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2020 |
| Paper | General Studies Paper III |
| Year | 2020 |
| Exam Stage | Main Examination |
| Maximum Marks | 250 |
| Time Allowed | 3 Hours |
| Total Questions | 20 |
| Question Type | Descriptive |
| Questions 1–10 | 150 Words • 10 Marks Each |
| Questions 11–20 | 250 Words • 15 Marks Each |
| Medium | Any language authorized by UPSC in the Admission Certificate |
Question Paper Instructions
- There are TWENTY questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
- ALL questions are compulsory.
- The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
- Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of the Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided.
- No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
- Answers to Question Nos. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to Question Nos. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words.
- Word limit in questions should be adhered to.
- Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.
UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper III Question Paper 2020
- Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development. (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India? (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- What are the challenges and opportunities of the food processing sector in the country? How can the income of farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing? (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping the health sector? (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered by science-based technologies? (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- Discuss different types of cyber crimes and the measures required to fight this menace. (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals. (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- 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. (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act, 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions? (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- What are the major factors responsible for making the rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success, how has this system become a bane in India? (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation systems to ensure their judicious use under a depleting water scenario. (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements were readily used to combat the crisis. Give an account of how technology aided the management of the pandemic. (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to conventional energy generation. What initiatives has the Government of India taken in this regard? (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India, departing from the earlier reactive approach. (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- What are the determinants of Left Wing Extremism in the eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- Analyse internal security threats and transborder crimes along the Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders, including the Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (250 Words | 15 Marks)
Official UPSC PDF
The official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2020 General Studies Paper III question paper can be downloaded from the UPSC website.
Download Official UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper III Question Paper 2020 (PDF)