The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016 General Studies Paper III tests candidates on Indian Economy, Agriculture, Science & Technology, Environment, Disaster Management and Internal Security. The paper carries 250 marks and consists of twenty descriptive questions.
On this page, you can find the UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper III Question Paper 2016, official questions, exam pattern, instructions, and the official UPSC PDF link.
UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper III Question Paper 2016: Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Examination | UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016 |
| Paper | General Studies Paper III |
| Year | 2016 |
| Exam Stage | Main Examination |
| Maximum Marks | 250 |
| Time Allowed | 3 Hours |
| Total Questions | 20 |
| Question Type | Descriptive |
| Word Limit | Not more than 200 words for each question |
| Marks per Question | 12.5 Marks |
| 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 each question is indicated against it.
- Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate and clearly stated on the cover of the Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet.
- No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
- Answer all the questions in not more than 200 words each.
- Contents of the answer are more important than its length.
- 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 2016
- How has globalization led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country? (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing the unbanked into the institutional finance fold. Do you agree? Give arguments to justify your opinion in the context of financial inclusion of the poorer sections of Indian society. (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- What are Smart Cities? Examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will they increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for Smart Villages in the light of PURA and the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission. (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- Justify the need for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the development of the Indian economy. Why is there a gap between Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed and actual FDI inflows? Suggest remedial measures to increase actual FDI in India. (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- Comment on the challenges for inclusive growth which include careless and useless manpower in the Indian context. Suggest measures to address these challenges. (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing water-use efficiency. (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture. (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors responsible for the success of land reforms in India. (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance. Bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- Give an account of the current status and targets pertaining to renewable energy sources in India. Discuss briefly the importance of the National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How have applications of space technology contributed to India’s socio-economic development? (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- Why is nanotechnology considered one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient features of the Government of India’s Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and its applications in national development. (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the major environmental impacts that often attracts controversy during large developmental projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigating this impact. (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- The frequency of urban floods due to high-intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discuss the reasons for urban floods and highlight the preparedness mechanisms to reduce the associated risks. (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- With reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines, discuss the measures to mitigate the impact of cloudbursts in Uttarakhand and other vulnerable regions. (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- The terms “Hot Pursuit” and “Surgical Strikes” are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions. (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- “Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyse the statement. (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some neighbouring countries. Elucidate the challenges and suggest strategies for effective border management. (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
- Use of the Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these platforms been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb such threats. (200 Words | 12.5 Marks)
Official UPSC PDF
The official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016 General Studies Paper III question paper can be downloaded from the UPSC website.
Download Official UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper III Question Paper 2016 (PDF)