The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2021 General Studies Paper III evaluates candidates on Technology, Economic Development, Agriculture, Environment, Biodiversity, 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 2021, official questions, exam pattern, question paper instructions, and the official UPSC PDF link.
UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper III Question Paper 2021: Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Examination | UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2021 |
| Paper | General Studies Paper III |
| Year | 2021 |
| 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 Questions No. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to Questions No. 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 (QCA) Booklet must be clearly struck off.
UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper III Question Paper 2021
- Explain the difference between the computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these budgets. (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers? (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis? (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- How is the S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) released by the World Health Organization (WHO). How are these different from its 2005 update? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards? (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- Discuss the vulnerability of India to earthquake-related hazards. Give examples, including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- Discuss how emerging technologies and globalization contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle money laundering at both national and international levels. (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. (150 Words | 10 Marks)
- Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced a V-shaped recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- “Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.” Discuss in the light of India’s experience. (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Act helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India? (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help uplift the poorer sections of society? (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- The Nobel Prize in Physics 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings? (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- Describe the major outcomes of the 26th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What commitments were made by India at this conference? (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- Describe the various causes and effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors to the internal security of India. Also discuss the measures required to combat these threats. (250 Words | 15 Marks)
- Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (250 Words | 15 Marks)
Official UPSC PDF
The official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2021 General Studies Paper III question paper can be downloaded from the UPSC website.
Download Official UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper III Question Paper 2021 (PDF)