APSC CCE Mains 2020 General Studies-III (Paper-4) Previous Year Question Paper

EXAM DETAILS

QUESTION PAPER INSTRUCTIONS

Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions.

• There are TWENTY questions printed in ENGLISH.
• All questions are compulsory.
• The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
• 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.
• Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.
• Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.

QUESTIONS (1–20)

The questions below have been reproduced from the official APSC CCE Mains 2020 General Studies-III (Paper-4) Question Paper for educational and reference purposes. Candidates can also view the official Question Paper PDF at the end of this page.

Questions 1–10

Answer each question in 150 words. Each question carries 10 marks.

1. What is fiscal deficit? What is the target of fiscal deficit as per the FRBM Act? Why are there demands for having flexibility in FRBM fiscal deficit target in the recent post-COVID situation?

   (Answer in 150 words) [4 + 2 + 4 = 10 Marks]

2. Explain the pros and cons of development of railway stations through joint ventures under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. What may be the possible reactions of the general public?

   (Answer in 150 words) [5 + 5 = 10 Marks]

3. What are the possible effects of large-scale hydroelectric projects in environment? Write a critical note on the possibilities of having medium and small-scale projects in place of large-scale ones.

   (Answer in 150 words) [5 + 5 = 10 Marks]

4. Use of various social media has become extremely popular in the present era. Explain how its misuse may be a threat to the national security of India and also how new legislations can help in tackling these issues.

   (Answer in 150 words) [5 + 5 = 10 Marks]

5. In COP26 held at Glasgow, UK, India has committed to achieve the target of ‘Net Zero Emission’ by 2070. What are the implications of the commitment? Discuss.

   (Answer in 150 words) [10 Marks]

6. Discuss analytically the hydrometeorological, geological, biological and technological hazards in the context of Assam.

   (Answer in 150 words) [10 Marks]

7. Give the reasons for increase of educated unemployment in India. What may be the short-term and long-term measures to reduce the problem?

   (Answer in 150 words) [5 + 5 = 10 Marks]

8. How is the budgetary allocation of the Government of India in the education sector changing? Explain how this change may affect especially the primary education.

   (Answer in 150 words) [5 + 5 = 10 Marks]

9. What is the aim of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan’ and what are the main pillars of this vision plan?

   (Answer in 150 words) [5 + 5 = 10 Marks]

10. What is nano-science and technology? Give an account as to how it can be used in medical and pharmaceutical sectors.

    (Answer in 150 words) [5 + 5 = 10 Marks]

Questions 11–20

Answer each question in 250 words. Each question carries 15 marks.

11. What is the Minimum Support Price (MSP) in the context of agriculture? Explain its role in the Green Revolution. Critically examine the existing system of MSP.

    (Answer in 250 words) [5 + 5 + 5 = 15 Marks]

12. Distinguish between FDI and FII. Discuss their relative merits and demerits as sources of external investment for a country’s economic growth.

    (Answer in 250 words) [5 + 10 = 15 Marks]

13. In the context of Assam, provide clear examples of physical, social, economic and ecological factors of disaster vulnerability. Do you notice any emerging trend in disaster impact, hazards and vulnerability pattern?

    (Answer in 250 words) [10 + 5 = 15 Marks]

14. What are the biodiversity hot spots and what is their importance? Mention some biodiversity hot spots in India and explain the measures to be taken to preserve them.

    (Answer in 250 words) [5 + 10 = 15 Marks]

15. Though paddy is major crop in India, it seems its production is affected either by drought or by flood. What are the possible steps to tackle these problems especially in North-East India?

    (Answer in 250 words) [15 Marks]

16. What are the reasons for failure of several public sector enterprises in India? Explain the advantages and disadvantages of privatizing such enterprises.

    (Answer in 250 words) [5 + 10 = 15 Marks]

17. What are the points to be looked into in the preparation of management of a large earthquake? Describe the long-term measures to be taken in managing floods in North-East India.

    (Answer in 250 words) [8 + 7 = 15 Marks]

18. What is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)? Why is it imperative to carry out an EIA of any large industrial infrastructure project?

    (Answer in 250 words) [5 + 10 = 15 Marks]

19. Name the organizations that constitute the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). What are the roles played by the CAPF in ensuring security of the country?

    (Answer in 250 words) [5 + 10 = 15 Marks]

20. What are the key elements of ‘inclusive growth’? Why is inclusive growth important in the context of sustainable development?

    (Answer in 250 words) [5 + 10 = 15 Marks]

Official Question Paper (PDF)

If you prefer reading the original question paper or want to verify the formatting, instructions, questions, marks and word limits, you can view the official APSC CCE Mains 2020 General Studies-III (Paper-4) PDF below.

The official APSC Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) Mains 2020 – General Studies-III (Paper-4) Question Paper is embedded below for reference. Candidates can use this PDF to verify the original question paper format, instructions, questions, marks and word limits as released by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC).