Ebook Upsc Mains Papers (GS 1-4) (2001-2022)

UPSC Mains Exam
General Studies Paper (1-4)

Question Papers (2001-2022)
CONTENTS
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Question Paper 2022 4
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Paper-1 2022 4
Study Material for UPSC IAS Exams
https://iasexamportal.com/study-kit

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Paper-1-2016 57
Essay (Compulsory) - 2011 99
Essay(Compulsory) - 2010 105
ESSAY(COMPULSORY) - 2009 110
Essay (Compulsory) – 2008 114
www.IASEXAMPORTAL.COM UPSC MAINS General Studies Papers 2


ESSAY (COMPULSORY) – 2007 120
ESSAY (Compulsory) - 2006 125
Essay (Compulsory) – 2005 130
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Paper 1-2004 131
UPSC Mains General Studies SYLLABUS 154
Syllabus - UPSC Mains : General Studies Paper-1 154

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Question Paper 2022
Meteorological Department. (Answer in 150

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies words)10 Marks
Paper-1 2022
Q6. Discuss the natural resource potentials of
Q1. How will you explain that medieval Indian
'Deccan Trap'. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
temple sculptures represent the social life of those
Q7. Examine the potential of wind energy in India
days ? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
and explain the reasons for their limited spatial
Q2. Why did the armies of the British East India
spread. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Company - mostly comprising of Indian soldiers -
Q8. Explore and evaluate the impact of work from
win consistently against the more numerous and
home on family relationship. (Answer in 150 words)
better-equipped armies of the then Indian rulers?
10 Marks
Give reasons. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Q9. How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the
Q3. Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in
rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the
colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century?
culture of consumption ? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Give reasons. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Marks
Q4. Describe the characteristics and types of
Q10. Given the diversities among tribal
primary rocks. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
communities in India, in which specific contexts
Q5. Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather
should they be considered as a single category?
warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India
(Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q11. The political and administrative reorganisation secularism? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250
of states and territories has been a continuous words) 15 Marks
ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Q20. Elucidate the relationship between
Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words) 15 globalisation and new technology in a world of
Marks scarce resources, with special reference to India.
Q12. Discuss the main contributions of Gupta (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
period and Chola period to Indian heritage and
culture. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
Q.13 Discuss the significance of the lion and bull

figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.
Q14. What are the forces that influence ocean

currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of
the world. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
Q15. Describe the distribution of rubber producing

countries, indicate the major environmental issues
faced by them (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
Q16. Mention the significance of straits and

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
isthmus in international trade (Answer in 250
Paper-2 2022
words) 15 Marks
Q.1) The most significant achievement of modern
Q17. Troposphere is a very significant atmospheric
law in India is the constitutionalization of
layer that determines weather processes. How? environmental problems by the Supreme Court."
(Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks Discuss this statement with the help of relevant
case laws.(Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
Q18. Analyse the salience of 'sect' in Indian society
vis-a-vis caste, region and religion. (Answer in 250 Q.2) "Right of movement and residence throughout
words) 15 Marks the territory of India are freely available to the
Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute."
Q19. Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks)
key elements in the making of an Indian form of

Q.3) To what extent, in your opinion, has the forming this new organisation? (Answer in 150
decentralisation of power in India changed the words) 10 Marks)
governance landscape at the grassroots? (Answer
in 150 words) 10 Marks) UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Paper-3 2022
Q.4) Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India Q.1) Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP)
as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. (Answer in
150 words) 10 Marks) required in infrastructural projects ? Examine the
role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway
Q.5) Discuss the role of the National Commission Stations in India. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
for Backward Classes in the wake of its
transformation from a statutory body to a Q.2) Is inclusive growth possible under market
constitutional body. (Answer in 150 words) (Answer economy ? State the significance of financial
in 150 words) 10 Marks)
inclusion in achieving economic growth in India.
Q.6) The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks)
coordination between the government and the
private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Q.3) What are the major challenges of the Public
Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks) Distribution System (PDS) in India ? How can it be
made effective and transparent ? (Answer in 150
Q.7) The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act,
2016 remains only a legal document without words) 10 Marks)
intense sensitisation of government functionaries Q.4) Elaborate the scope and significance of the
and citizens regarding disability. Comment.
food processing industry in India. (Answer in 150
(Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks)
words) 10 Marks)
Q.8) Reforming the government delivery system
through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a Q.5) The increase in life expectancy in the country
progressive step, but it has its limitations too. has led to newer health challenges in the
Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks) community. What are those challenges and what
Q.9) 'India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka. Discuss steps need to be taken to meet them ? (Answer in
India's role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the 150 words) 10 Marks)
light of the preceding statement. (Answer in 150
Q.6) Each year a large amount of plant material,
words) 10 Marks)
cellulose, is deposited on the surface of Planet
Q.10) Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel Earth. What are the natural processes this cellulose
organisation like the SAARC ? What are the
undergoes before yielding carbon dioxide, water
similarities and dissimilarities between the two ?
How are Indian foreign policy objectives realised by

and other end products ? (Answer in 150 words) 10 above objective ? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)
Marks) (15 marks)
Q.7) Discuss in detail the photochemical smog Q.13) What are the main bottlenecks in upstream
emphasising its formation, effects and mitigation. and downstream process of marketing of
agricultural products in India ? (Answer in 250
Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol. (Answer in words) (15 marks)
150 words) 10 Marks)
Q.14) What is Integrated Farming System ? How is
Q.8) Explain the mechanism and occurrence of it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India ?
cloudburst in the context of the Indian (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)
subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples.
Q.15) Launched on 25th December, 2021, James
(Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks) Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news
Q.9) Discuss the types of organised crimes. since then. What are its unique features which
make it superior to its predecessor Space
Describe the linkages between terrorists and Telescopes ? What are the key goals of this mission
organised crime that exist at the national and ? What potential benefits does it hold for the human
transnational levels. (Answer in 150 words) 10 race? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)
Marks) Q.16) What is the basic principle behind vaccine

Q.10) What are the maritime security challenges in development? How do vaccines work? What
approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine
India ? Discuss the organisational, technical and
manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines ?
procedural initiatives taken to improve maritime (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)
security. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks)
Q.17) Discuss global warming and mention its
effects on the global climate. Explain the control
Q.11) Economic growth in the recent past has been
measures to bring down the level of greenhouse
led by an increase in labour activity.” Explain this
gases which cause global warming, in the light of
statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will
the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (Answer in 250 words)
lead to creation of more jobs without
(15 marks)
compromising labour productivity. (Answer in 250
words) (15 marks)
Q.18) Explain the causes and effects of coastal
erosion in India. What are the available coastal
Q.12) Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its
management techniques for combating the hazard
energy needs from renewable energy by 2030 ?
? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)
Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies
from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the
Q.19) What are the different elements of cyber
security ? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber
security, examine the extent to which India has

successfully developed a comprehensive National against the case. Discuss with illustrations.
Cyber Security Strategy. (Answer in 250 words) (15 (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
marks) 2.(b) It is believed that adherence to ethics in
human actions would ensure in smooth functioning
Q.20) Naxalism is a social, economic and
of an organization/system. If so, what does ethics
developmental issue manifesting as a violent
seek to promote in human life? How do ethical
internal security threat. In this context, discuss the
values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by
emerging issues gest a multilayered strategy to
him in his day-to-day functioning? (Answer in 150
tackle the menace of Naxalism. (Answer in 250
words) (10 Marks)
words) (15 marks)
3.(a) Ethics is knowing the difference between what
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies you have the right to do and what is right to
do.’-Potter Stewart . (Answer in 150 words) (10
Paper-4 2022 Marks)
SECTION A 3.(b) “If a country is to be corruption free and

become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel
1.(a) Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with there are three key societal members who can
and what to overlook. An officer being engrossed make a difference. They are the father, the mother
with the periphery, ignoring the core issues before and the teacher.” – Abdul Kalam. (Answer in 150
him, is no rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that words) (10 Marks)
such preoccupation of an administrator leads to 3.(c) “Judge your success by what you had to give
travesty of justice to the cause of effective service up in order to get it.”Dalai Lama. (Answer in 150
delivery and good governance? Critically evaluate. words) 10
(Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
4. (a) What do you understand by term ‘good
1. (b) Apart from intellectual competency and governance’? How far recent initiatives in terms of
moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some e-Governance steps taken by the State have helped
of the other vital attributes that facilitate the civil the beneficiaries? Discuss with suitable examples.
servants to be more competent in tackling the (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain
4.(b) Online methodology is being used for
with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)
day-to-day meetings, institutional approvals in the
(10 Marks)
administration and for teaching and learning in
2. (a) The Rules and Regulations provided to all the education sector to the extent telemedicine in the
civil servants are same, yet there is difference in the health sector is getting popular with the approvals
performance. Positive minded officers are able to of the competent authority. No doubt it has
interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of the advantages and disadvantages for both the
case and achieve success, whereas negative beneficiaries and system at large. Describe and
minded officers are unable to achieve goals by discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of
interpreting the same Rules and Regulations online method particularly to

vulnerable section of society. (Answer in 150 needed in the corporate work mandated? Critically
words) (10 Marks) examine. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
5. (a) Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for
SECTION B
the last seven months. Different countries have
taken independent stands and actions keeping in
7. Prabhat was working as Vice President
view their own national interests. We are all aware
(Marketing) at Sterling Electric Ltd., a reputed
that war has its own impact on the different
multinational company. But presently the company
aspects of society, including human tragedy. What
was passing through the difficult times as the sales
are those ethical issues that are crucial to be
were continuously showing downward trend in the
considered while launching the war and its
last two quarters. His division, which hitherto had
continuation so far? Illustrate with justification the
been a major revenue contributor to the company’s
ethical issues involved in the given state of affair.
financial health, was now desperately trying to
procure some big government order for them. But
5. (b) Write short notes on the following in 30 their best efforts did not yield any positive success
words each : or breakthrough.
(i) Constitutional morality His was a professional company and his local
(ii) Conflict of interest bosses were under pressure from their
London-based HO to show some positive results. In
(iii) Probity in public life
the last performance review meeting taken by the
(iv) Challenges of digitalization Executive Director (India Head), he was
(v) Devotion to duty reprimanded for his poor performance. He assured
them that his division is working on a special
6.(a) Whistle blower, who reports corruption and
contract from the Ministry of Defence for a secret
illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the
installation near Gwalior and tender is being
concerned authorities, runs the risk of being
submitted shortly.
exposed to grave danger, physical harm and
victimisation by the vested interests, accused He was under extreme pressure and he was deeply
persons and his team. What policy measures would perturbed. What aggravated the situation further
you suggest to strengthen protection mechanism to was a warning from the top that if the deal is not
safeguard the whistle blower? (Answer in 150 clinched in favour of the company, his division
words) (10 Marks) might have to be closed and he may have to quit his
lucrative job.
6.(b) In contemporary world, corporate sector’s
contribution in generating wealth and employment There was another dimension which was causing
is increasing. In doing so, they are bringing in him deep mental torture and agony. This pertained
unprecedented onslaught on the climate, to his personal precarious financial health. He was
environmental sustainability and living conditions a single earner in the family with two school-college
of human beings. In this background, do you going children and his old ailing mother. The heavy
Responsibility (CSR) is efficient and sufficient expenditure on education and medical was causing
enough to fulfill the social roles and responsibilities a big strain to his monthly pay packet. Regular EMI

for housing loan taken from bank unavoidable and papers and offering to the rival company for a job.
any default would render him liable for severe legal Being an experienced person, he was examining the
action. pros and cons of the proposal/situation and he
In the above backdrop, he was hoping for some asked him to come the next day.
miracle to happen. There was sudden turn of (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.
events. His Secretary informed that a gentleman (b) Critically examine the options available to
Subhas Verma wanted to see him as he was Prabhat in the above situation.
interested in the position of Manager which was to
be filled by him in the company. He further brought (c) Which of the above would be the most
to his notice that his CV has been received through appropriate for Prabhat and why? (Answer in 250
the office of the Minister of Defence. words) (20 Marks)
During interview of the candidate-Subhash Verma, 8. Ramesh is State Civil Services Officer who got
he found him technically sound, resourceful and the opportunity of getting posted to the capital of a
experienced marketeer. He seemed to be border State after rendering 20 years of service.
well-conversant with tendering procedures and Ramesh’s mother has recently been detected
having knack of follow-up and liaising in this regard cancer and has been admitted in the leading cancer
Prabhat felt that he was better choice than the rest hospital of the city. His two adolescent children
of the candidates who were recently interviewed by have also got admission in one of the best public
him in the last few days. schools of the town. After settling down in his
appointment as Director in the Home Department
Subhash Verma also indicated that he was in of the State, Ramesh got confidential report
possession of the copies of the bid documents that through intelligence sources that illegal migrants
the Unique Electronics Ltd. would be submitting the are infiltrating in the State from the neighbouring
next day to the Defence Ministry for their tender. He country. He decided to personally carry out surprise
offered to hand over those documents subject to check of the border posts along with his Home
his employment in the company on suitable terms Department team. To his surprise, he caught
and conditions. He made it clear that in the red-handed two families of 12 members infiltrated
process, the Sterling Electric Ltd. could outbid their with the connivance of the security personnel at the
rival company and get the bid and hefty Defence border posts. On further inquiry and investigation, it
Ministry order. He indicated that it will be win-win was found that after the migrants from
situation for both-him and the company. neighbouring country infiltrate, their documentation
Prabhat was absolutely stunned. It was a mixed like Aadhaar Card, Ration Card and Voter Card are
feeling of shock and thrill. He was uncomfortable also forged and they are made to settle down in a
and perspiring. If accepted, all his problems would particular area of the State. Ramesh prepared the
vanish instantly and he may be rewarded for detailed and comprehensive report and submitted
securing the much awaited tender and thereby to the Additional Secretary of the State. However,
boosting company’s sales and financial health. He he has summoned by the Additional Home
was in a fix as to the future course of action. He Secretary after a week and was instructed to
was wonder-struck at the guts of Subhash Verma in withdraw the report. The Additional Home
having surreptitiously removing his own company Secretary informed Ramesh that the report

submitted by him has not been appreciated by the prepared his investigative story and presented to
higher authorities. He further cautioned him that if the CMD of the TV channel. He exposed in his
he fails to withdraw the confidential ort, he will not investigative report the complete nexus of stone
only be posted out from the prestigious mafia working with blessing of corrupt police and
appointment from the State capital but his further civil officials and politicians. The politician who was
promotion which is due in near future will also get involved in the mafia was no one else but local MLA
in jeopardy. who was considered to be very close to the Chief
(a) What are the options available to Ramesh as the Minister. After going through the investigative
Director of the Home Department of the bordering report, the CMD advised Ashok to drop the idea of
State? making the story public through electronic media.
He informed that the local MLA was not only the
(b) What option should Ramesh adopt and why? relative of the owner of the TV channel but also had
(c) Critically evaluate each of the options. unofficially 20 percent share in the channel. The
CMD further informed Ashok that his further
(d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by
promotion and hike in pay will be taken care of in
Ramesh?
addition the soft loan of 10 lakhs which he has
(e) What policy measures would you suggest to taken from the TV channel for his son’s chronic
combat the menace of infiltration of illegal disease will be suitably adjusted if he hands over
migrants from the neighbouring country? (Answer the investigative report to him.
in 250 words) (20 Marks)
(a) What are the options available with Ashok to
9. The Supreme Court has banned mining in the cope up with the situation?
Aravalli Hills to stop degradation the forest cover
(b) Critically evaluate/examine each of the options
and to maintain ecological balance. However, the
identified by Ashok.
stone mining to still prevalent in the border district
of the affected State with connivance of certain (c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by
corrupt forest officials and politicians. Young and Ashok?
dynamic SP who was recently posted in the (d) Which of the options, do you think, would be the
affected district promised to himself to stop this most appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why?
menace. In one of his surprise checks with his
team, he found loaded truck with stone trying to (e)In the above scenario, what type of training
escape the mining area. He tried to stop the truck would you suggest for police officers posted to
but the truck driver overrun the police officer, killing such districts where stone mining illegal activities
him on the spot and thereafter managed to flee. are rampant? (Answer in 250 words) (20 Marks)
Police filed FIR but no breakthrough was achieved 10. You have done MBA from a reputed institution
in the case for almost three months. Ashok who three years back but could not get campus
was the Investigative Journalist working with placement due to COVID-19 generated recession.
leading TV channel, suo moto started investigating However, after a lot of persuasion and series of
the case. Within one month, Ashok got competitive tests including written and interview,
breakthrough by interacting with local people, stone you managed to get a job in a leading shoe
mining masia and government officials. He company. You have ageur parents who are

dependent and staying with you. You also recently (d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by
got married after getting this decent job. You were you?
allotted the Inspection Section which is responsible (e) What can be the consequences of overlooking
for clearing the final product. In first one year, you the observations raised by the Inspecting Team?
learnt your job well and was appreciated for your (Answer in 250 words) (20 Marks)
performance by the management. The company is
doing good business for last five years in domestic 11. Rakesh was working as a Joint Commissioner
market and this year it is decided even to export to in Transport department of a city. As a part of his
Europe and Gulf countries. However, one large job profile, among others, he was entrusted with the
consignment to Europe was rejected by their task of overseeing the control and functioning of
Inspecting Team due to certain poor quality and City Transport Department. A case strike by drivers’
was sent back. The top management ordered that union of City Transport Department over the issue
ibid consignment to be cleared for the domestic of compensation to a driver who died on duty while
market. As a part of Inspecting Team, you observed driving the bus came up before him for decision in
the glaring poor quality and brought to the the matter.
knowledge of the Team Commander. However, the He gathered that the driver (deceased) was plying
top management advised all the members of the Bus No. 528 which passed through busy and
team to overlook these defects as the management congested roads of the city. It so happened that
cannot bear such a huge loss. Rest of the team near an intersection on the way, there was an
members except you promptly signed and cleared accident involving the a middle-aged man. It was
the consignment for domestic market, overlooking found that there was altercation between the driver
glaring defects. You again brought to the and the car driver. Heated arguments between
knowledge of the Team Commander that such them led to fight and the driver gave him a a blow.
consignment, if cleared even for domestic market, Lot of passerbys had gathered and tried to
will tarnish the image and reputation of the intervene but without success. Eventually, both of
company and will be counter-productive in the long them were badly injured and profusely bleeding and
run. However, you were further advised by the top were taken to the nearby hospital. The driver
management that if you do not clear the succumbed to the injuries and could not be saved.
consignment, the company will not hesitate to The middle-aged driver’s condition was also critical
terminate your services citing certain innocuous but after a day, he recovered and was discharged.
reasons. Police had immediately come to the spot and FIR
(a) Under the given conditions, what are the options was registered. Police investigation revealed that
available to you as a member of the Inspecting the quarrel in was started by the bus driver and he
Team? had resorted to physical violence. There exchange
of blows between them.
(b) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by
you. The City Transport Department management is
considering of not giving any extra compensation
(c) What option would you adopt and why? to the driver’s (deceased) family. The family is very
aggrieved. depressed and agitated against the
discriminatory and non-sympathetic approach of

the City Transport Department management. The It was confirmed that majority of the industries
bus driver (deceased) was 52 years of age, was were violating environmental compliance. You
survived by his wife and two school-college going issued notice to all the industrial units to apply for
daughters. He was the sole earner of the family. fresh environmental clearance certificate from the
The City Transport Department workers’ union took competent authority. However, your action met with
up this case and when found no favourable hostile response from a section of the industrial
response from the management, decided to go on units, other vested interest persons and a section
strike. The union’s demand was two fold. First was of the local politicians. The workers also became
full extra compensation as given to other drivers hostile to you as they felt that your action would
who died on duty and secondly employment to one lead to the closure of these industrial units, and the
family member. The strike has continued for 10 resultant unemployment will lead to insecurity
days and the deadlock remains. uncertainty in their livelihood. Many owners of the
(a) What are the options available to Rakesh to industries approached you with the plea that you
meet the above situation? should not initiate harsh action as it would compel
them their units, and cause huge financial loss,
(b) Critically examine each of the options identified shortage of their products in the market. These
by Rakesh would obviously add to the sufferings of the
(c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by labourers and the consumers alike. The labour
Rakesh? union also sent you representation requesting
against the closure of the units. You simultaneously
(d) What course of action would Rakesh adopt to
started receiving threats from unknown corners.
diffuse the above situation?(Answer in 250 words)
You however received supports from some of your
(20 Marks)
colleagues, who advised you to act freely to ensure
12. You are appointed as an officer heading the environmental compliance. Local NGOs also came
section in Environment Pollution Control Board to to your support and they demanded the closure of
ensure compliance and its follow-up. In that region, the polluting units immediately.
there were large number of small and medium
(a) What are the options available to you under the
industries which had been granted clearance. You
given situation?
learnt that these industries provide employment to
many migrant worker. Most of the industrial units (b) Critically examine the options listed by you.
have got environmental clearance certificate in their (c) What type of mechanism would you suggest to
possession. The environmental clearance seeks to ensure environmental compliance?
curb industries and projects that supposedly
hamper environment and living species in the (d) What are the ethical dilemmas you faced in
region, But in practice. most of these units remain exercising your option? (Answer in 250 words) (20
to be polluting units in several ways like air, water Marks)
and soil pollution. As such, local people
encountered persistent health problems.

percentage. Discuss.(Answer in 150 words) 10

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Marks
Paper-1 2021
Q6. what are the environmental implications of the
reclamation of the water bodies into urban land
use? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
Q1. Evaluate the nature of Bhakti Literature and its
10 Marks
contribution to Indian culture. (Answer in 150
words) 10 Marks
Q7. Mention the global occurrence of volcanic
eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional
Q2. Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious
environment. (Answer in 150 words)10 Marks
reform movements with special reference to Young
Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. (Answer in 150 words)
Q8. Why is India considered as a sub-continent?
10 Marks
Elaborate your answer. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Marks
Q3. Assess the main administrative issues and
socio-cultural problems in the integration process
Q9. Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge
of Indian Princely States. (Answer in 150 words) 10
system when compared with mainstream
Marks
knowledge and cultural systems. (Answer in 150
words) 10 Marks
Q4. Differentiate the causes of landslides in the
Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (Answer in
Q10. Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the
150 words) 10 Marks
process of empowerment of women in India.
Q5. Despite India being one of the countries of the
Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes
much less to its Gross Domestic Product(GDP) in

Q11. To what extent did the role of the moderates Q20. How does Indian society maintain continuity
prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes
Comment. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks taking place in it. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
Q12. Bring out the constructive programmes of

Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation
Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.
Q.13 There arose a serious challenge to the

Democratic State System between the two World
Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (Answer in 250
words) 15 Marks
Q14. Briefly mention the alignment of major

mountain ranges of the world and explain their
impact on local weather conditions, with examples.
Q15. How do the melting of the Arctic ice and

glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the
weather patterns and human activities on the Paper-2 2021
Earth? Explain. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
Q16. Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of Q.1) ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the
uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. Constitution itself and is founded on its essential
(Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional
Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions.
Q17. What are the main socio-economic (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
implications arising out of the development of IT
industries in major cities of India? (Answer in 250 Q.2) Discuss the desirability of greater
words) 15 Marks representation to women in the higher judiciary to
ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (Answer
Q18. Discuss the main objectives of Population in 150 words) (10 Marks)
Education and point out the measures to achieve
them in India in detail. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Q.3) How have the recommendations of the 14th
Marks Finance Commission of India enabled the states to
improve their fiscal position?(Answer in 150
Q19. What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect words) (10 Marks)
global society? Has it been affecting Indian society
also? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q.4) To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is federal character of India. (Answer in 250 words)
able to ensure accountability of the executive in (15 marks)
India? (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
Q.12) Though the Human Rights Commissions
Q.5) “Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing have contributed immensely to the protection of
public policy making in India.” Explain how the human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert
business associations contribute to public policies. themselves against the mighty and powerful.
(Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks) Analyzing their structural and practical limitations,
suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words)
Q.6)“Besides being a moral imperative of Welfare (15 marks)
State, primary health structure is a necessary
pre-condition for sustainable development.” Q.13) Analyze the distinguishing features of the
Analyze. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks) notion of Equality in the Constitutions of the USA
and India. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)
Q.7) “‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be
strengthened to make vocational education and Q.14) Explain the constitutional provisions under
skill training meaningful.” Comment. (Answer in 150 which Legislative Councils are established. Review
words) (10 Marks) the working and current status of Legislative
Councils with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 250
Q.8) Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, words) (15 marks)
poverty and malnutrition be broken through
microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with Q.15) Do Department -related Parliamentary
examples. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks) Standing Committees keep the administration on
its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary
Q.9) “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth control? Evaluate the working of such committees
story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In with suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words) (15
the light of this statement, examine India’s marks)
influence in Africa in recent years. (10 Marks)
Q.16) Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural
Q.10)“The USA is facing an existential threat in the areas, couple with lack of Information and
form of a China, that is much more challenging Communication Technology(ICT) accessibility
than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (Answer hindered socio-economic development? Examine
in 150 words) (10 Marks) with justification. (Answer in 250 words) (15
marks)
Q.11) The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of
Investigation(CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and Q.17) “Though women in post-Independent India
conducting probe within a particular state is being have excelled in various fields, the social attitude
questioned by various States. However, the power towards women and feminist movement has been
of States to withhold consent to the CBI is not patriarchal.” Apart from women education and
absolute. Explain with special reference to the women empowerment schemes, what interventions

can help change this milieu? (Answer in 250 words) Q.4) How and to what extent would micro-irrigation
(15 marks) help in solving India's water crisis ? ( Answer in 150
words) (10 Marks)
Q.18) Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental
Organizations present an alternative model of Q.5) How is S-400 air defence system technically
public service delivery to benefit the common superior to any other system presently available in
citizen. Discuss the challenges of this alternative the world ? ( Answer in 150 words.) (10 Marks)
model. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)
Q.6) Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative
Q.19) Critically examine the aims and objectives of launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26
SCO. what importance does it hold for India. UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in
(Answer in 250 words) (15 marks) November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in
the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (Answer in
Q.20) The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is 150 words) (10 Marks)
aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the
Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the Q.7) Describe the key points of the revised Global
existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the Air key points of the revised Global Air Quality
strength and impact of AUKUS in the present Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World
scenario. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks) Health Organisation (WHO). How are these
different from its last update in 2005 ? What
change India's National Clean Air Programme are
required to achieve these revised standards ?
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
Paper-3 2021
Q.8) Discuss about the vulnerability of India to
earthquake related hazards. Give examples
Q.1) Explain the difference between combusting including the salient features of major disasters
methodology of India's Gr Domestic Product (GDP) caused by earthquakes in different parts of India
before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. during the last three decades. (Answer in 150
(Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks) words) (10 Marks)
Q.2) Distinguish between Capital Budget and Q.9) Discuss how emerging technologies and
Revenue Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. globalisation contribute to money laundering.
Explain the components of both these Budgets. ( Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money
Answer in 150 words.) (10 Marks) laundering both at national and international levels.
Q.3) How did land reforms in some parts of the
country help to improve the socio-economic Q.10) Keeping in view India's internal security,
conditions of marginal and small farmers? (10 analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks.
Marks) Also discuss defensive measures against these

sophisticated attacks. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Q.18) Describe the various causes and the effects
Marks) of landslides. Mention the important components
of the National landslide Risk Management
Q.11) Do you agree that the Indian economy has Strategy. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)
recently experienced recovery ? Give reasons in
support of your answer.(Answer in 250 words) (15 Q.19) Analyse the multidimensional challenges
marks) posed by external state and pon-state Actors to the
internal security of India. Also discuss measures
Q.12) "Investment in infrastructure is essential for required to be taken to combat these threats.
more rapid and inclusive economic growth." (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)
discuss in the light of India's experience. (Answer in
250 words) (15 marks) Q.20) Analyse the complexity and intensity of
terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious
Q.13) What are the salient features of has the Food nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken
Security Act 2013 ? how Has the Food Security Bill to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (Answer in
helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition India? 250 words) (15 marks)
(Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)
Q.14) What are the present challenges before crop

diversification? How do emerging technologies
provide an opportunity for crop diversification ?
Q.15) What are the research and developmental

achievements in applied biotechnology How will
these achievements help to uplift the poorer
sections of the society? (Answer in 250 words) (15
marks) UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
Paper-4 2021
Q.16) The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was
jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura 1.(a) (a) Identify five ethical traits on which one can
for the invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their
this invention impacted the everyday life of human inclusion in the matrix. (150 words) (10 Marks)
beings ? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)
1. (b) Identify ten essential values that are needed
Q.17) Describe the major outcomes of the 26th to be an effective public servant. Describe the
session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to /ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour
the United Nations Framework Convention on in the pubic servants.(150 words) (10 Marks)
Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the
commitments made by India conference ? (Answer 2. (a) Impact of digital technology as reliable
in 250 words) (15 marks) source of input for rational decision making is

debatable issue. Critically evaluate with suitable successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations.
example. (150 words) (10 Marks) (150 words). (10 Marks)
2. (b) Besides domain knowledge, a public official 6. What do each of the following quotations mean
needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order to you? (10 Marks)
as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss
with suitable example. (150 words) (10 Marks) 6. (a) An independent and empowered social audit
mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of
3. (a) “Every work has got to pass through hundreds public service, including judiciary, to ensure
of difficulties before succeeding. Those that performance, accountability and ethical conduct.
persevere will see the light, sooner or later.-Swami Elaborate. (150 words). (10 Marks)
Vivekananda (150 words) (10 Marks)
6. (b) “Integrity is a value that empowers the human
3. (b) “We can never obtain peace in the outer world being.” Justify with suitable illustration. (150
until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves.” words). (10 Marks)
– Dalai Lama (150 words) (10 Marks)
Q7.Sunil is a young civil servant and has a
3. (c) Life doesn’t make any sense without reputation for his competence, integrity, dedication
interdependence. We need each other, and the and relentless pursuit of difficult and onerous jobs.
sooner we learn that, it is better for us all.” -Erik Considering his profile, he was picked up by his
Erikson word (150 words) (10 Marks) bosses to handle a very challenging and sensitive
assignment. He was posted in a tribal dominated
4. (a) Attitude is an important component that goes district notorious for illegal sand mining.
as input in the elopement of human How to build a Excavating sand from river belt and transporting
suitable needed for a public servant? (150 words). through trucks and selling them in black market
(10 Marks) was rampant. This illegal sand mining mafia was
operating with the support of local functionaries
4. (b) In case of crisis of conscience does
and tribal musclemen who in turn were bribing
emotional intelligence help to overcome the same
selected poor tribals and had kept the tribals under
without compromising the ethical or moral stand
fear and intimidation.
that you are likely to follow? Critically examine.
(150 words). (10 Marks) Sunil being a sharp and energetic officer
immediately grasped the ground realities and the
5. (a) “Refugees should not be turned back to the
modus operandi followed by the mafia through their
country where they would face persecution or
devious and dubious mechanism. On making
human right violation.” Examine the statement with
inquiries, he gathered that some of their own office
reference to ethical dimension being violated by the
employees are in hand and glove with them and
nation claiming to be democratic with open society.
have developed close unholy nexus. Sunil initiated
(150 words). (10 Marks)
stringent action against them and started
conducting raids on their illegal operations of
5. (b) Should impartial and being non-partisan be
movement of trucks filled with sand. The mafia got
considered as indispensable qualities to make a

rattled as not many officers in the past had taken management. One of the students was son of a
such steps against the mafia. Some of the office local politician who was responsible in getting
employees who were allegedly close to mafia college affiliated to the present reputed university.
informed them that the officer is determined to The second student was son of a local
clean up the mafia’s illegal sand mining operations businessman who has donated maximum funds for
in that the district and may cause them irreparable running of the college. You immediately informed
damage. the management regarding this unfortunate
incident. The management told you to resolve the
The mafia turned hostile and launched issue with flying squad at any cost. They further
counter-offensive. The tribal musclemen and mafia said that such incident will not only tarnish the
started threatening him with dire consequences. image of the college but also the politician and
His family (wife and old mother) were stalked and businessman are very important personalities for
were under virtual surveillance and thus causing the functioning of the college. You were also given
mental torture, agony and stress to all of them. The hint that your further promotion to Principal
matter assumed serious proportions when a depends on your capability in resolving this issue
muscleman came to his office and threatened him with flying squad. In the meantime, you were
to stop raids, etc., otherwise, his fate will not be intimated by your administrative officer that certain
different than some of his predecessors (ten years members of the student union are protesting
back one officer was killed by the mafia). outside the college gate against the senior lecturer
and the students involved in this incident and
(a) Identify the different options available to Sunil in
demanding strict action against defaulters.
attending to this situation.
(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.
(b) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by
you. (b) Critically examine the options available with you
as Vice Principal. What option will you adopt and
(c) Which of the above, do you think, would be the
why? (250 words) (20 Marks)
most appropriate for Sunil to adopt and why? (250
words) (20 Marks) 9. An elevated corridor is being constructed to
reduce traffic congestion in the capital of a
8. You are Vice Principal of a degree college in one
particular state. You have been selected as project
of the middle – class towns. Principal has recently
manager of this prestigious project on your
retired and management is looking for his
professional competence and experience. The
replacement. There are also feelers that the
deadline is to complete the project in next two
management may promote you as Principal. In the
years by 20 June, 2021, since this project is to be
meantime, during annual examination the flying
inaugurated by the Chief Minister before the
squad came from the university caught two
elections are announced in the second week of July
students red-handed involving in unfair means. A
2021. While carrying out the surprise inspection by
senior lecturer of the college was personally
inspecting team, a minor crack was noticed in one
helping these student in this act. This senior
of the piers of the elevated corridor possibly due to
lecturer also happens to be close to the
poor material used. You immediately informed the

chief engineer and stopped further work. It was 8th, 2020, in India 56342 positive cases of corona
assessed by you that minimum three piers of the had been reported. India with a population of more
elevated corridor have to be demolished than 1-35 billion had difficulty in controlling the
demolished and reconstructed. But this process transmission of coronavirus among its population.
will delay the project minimum by four to six Multiple strategies became necessary to handle
months. But the chief engineer overruled the this outbreak. The Ministry of Health and Family
observation of inspecting team on the ground that Welfare of India raised awareness about this
it was a minor crack which will not in any way outbreak and to take all necessary actions to
impact the strength and durability of the bridge. He control the spread of COVID-19. Indian Government
ordered you to overlook the observation of implemented a 55-day lockdown throughout the
inspecting team and continue working with same country to reduce the transmission of the virus.
speed and tempo. He informed you that the Schools and colleges had shifted to alternative
minister does not want any delay as he wants the mode of teaching- learning-evaluation and
chief Minister to inaugurate the elevated corridor certification. Online mode became popular during
before the elections are declared. Also informed these days. India was not prepared fora sudden
you that the contractor is far relative of the minister onslaught of such a crisis due to limited
and he wants him to finish the project. He also gave infrastructure in terms of human resource, money
you hint that your further promotion as additional and other facilities needed for taking care of this
chief engineer is under consideration with the situation. This disease did not spare anybody
ministry. However, you strongly felt that the minor irrespective of caste, creed, religion on the one
crack in the pier of the elevated corridor will hand and have and have not’ on the other.
adversely affect the health and life of the bridge Deficiencies in hospital beds, oxygen cylinders,
and therefore it will be very dangerous not to repair ambulances, hospital staff and crematorium were
the elevated corridor. the most crucial aspects You are a hospital
administrator in a public hospital at the time when
(a) Under the given conditions, what are the options coronavirus had attacked large number of people
available to you as a project manager? and patients were pouring into hospital day in and
day out.
(b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by
the project manager? (a) What are your criteria and justification for
putting your clinical and non-clinical staff to attend
(c) What are the professional challenges likely to be
to the patients knowing fully well that it is highly
faced by the project manager and his response to
infectious disease and resources and infrastructure
overcome such challenges?
are limited?
(d) What can be the consequences of overlooking
(b) If yours is a private hospital, whether your
the observation raised by the inspecting team?
justification and decision would remain same as
(250 words) (20 Marks)
that of a public hospital? (Answer in 250 words)
(20 Marks)
10. The coronavirus disease (CoVID-19) pandemic
has quickly spread to various countries. As on May

11.A Reputed food product company based in India office. As a part of general inquiry, Pawan gathered
developed a food product for international market that his senior officer carries the reputation of
and started exporting the same after getting being difficult and insensitive person having his
necessary approvals. The company announced this own disturbed family life. Initially, all seem to go
achievement and also indicated that soon the well. However, after some time Pawan felt that the
product will be made available for the domestic senior officer was belittling him and at times
consumers with almost sane quality and health unreasonable. Whatever suggestions given or
benefits. Accordingly, the company got its product views expressed by Pawan in the meetings were
approved by the domestic competent authority and summarily rejected and the senior officer would
launched the product in Indian market. The express displeasure in the presence of others. It
company could increase its market share over a became a pattern of boss’s style of functioning to
period of time and earned substantial profit both show him in bad light highlighting his shortcomings
domestically and internationally. However, the and humiliating publically. It became apparent that
random sample test conducted by inspecting team though there are no serious work-related
found the product being sold domestically in problems/shortcomings, the senior officer was
variance with the approval obtained from the always on one pretext or the other and would scold
competent authority. On further investigation, it was and shout at him. The continuous harassment and
also discovered that the food company was not public criticism of Pawan resulted in loss of
only selling products which were not meeting the confidence, self-esteem and equanimity. Pawan
health standard of the country but also selling the realised that his relations with his senior officer are
rejected export products in the domestic market. becoming more toxic and due to this, he felt
This episode adversely affected the reputation and perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. His mind
profitability of the food company. was occupied with negativity and caused him
mental torture, anguish and agony. Eventually, it
(a) What action do you visualise should be taken by badly affected his personal and family life. He was
the competent authority against the food company no longer joyous, happy and contented even t
for violating the laid down domestic food standard home. Rather without any reason he would loose
and selling rejected export products in domestic his temper with his wife and other family members.
market? The family environment was no longer pleasant and
congenial. His wife who was always supportive to
(b) What course of action is available with the food
him also became a victim of his negativity and
company to resolve the crisis and bring back its
hostile behaviour. Due to harassment and
lost reputation? Examine the ethical dilemma
humiliation suffering by him in the office, comfort
involved in the case. (250 words) (20 Marks)
and happiness virtually vanished from his life. Thus
it damaged his physical and mental health.
12. Pawan is working as an officer in the State
Government for the last ten years. As a part of
(a) What are the options available with Pawan to
routine transfer, he was posted to another
cope with the situation?
department. He joined in a new office along with
five other colleagues. The head of the office was a
senior officer conversant with the functioning of the

(b) What approach Pawan should adopt for

bringing peace, tranquillity and congenial
environment in the office and home?
(c) As an outsider, what are your Suggestions for

both boss and subordinate to overcome this
situation and for improving the work performance,
mental and emotional hygiene?
(d) In the above scenario, what type of training

would you suggest for at various levels in the
government offices? (Answer in 250 words) (20
Marks)


Paper-1 2020
Q7. Account for the present location of iron and
Q1. The rock-cut architecture represents one of the steel industries away from the source of raw
most important sources of our knowledge of early material, by giving examples. (Answer in 150
Indian art and history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
words) 10 Marks Q8. Has caste lost its relevance in understanding
Q2. Pala period is the most significant phase in the the multi- cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your
history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (Answer in answer with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words) 10
150 words) 10 Marks Marks
Q3. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their Q9. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class
long term implications on the national movements. inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.
(Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Q4. Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Q10. Do you agree that regionalism in India appears
Circum- Pacific Zone. (Answer in 150 words) 10 to be a consequence of rising cultural
Marks assertiveness? Argue. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Marks
Q5. The process of desertification does not have
climate boundaries. Justify with examples. (Answer Q11. Indian Philosophy and tradition played a
in 150 words) 10 Marks significant role in conceiving and shaping the
monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (Answer
Q6. How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers in 250 words) 15 Marks
have a far- reaching impact on the water resources
of India? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q12. Persian literary sources of medieval India

reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. (Answer in
250 words) 15 Marks
Q.13 Since the decade of the 1920s, the national
movement acquired various ideological strands and
thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (Answer
in 250 words) 15 Marks
Q14. The interlinking of revivers can provide viable
solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related
problems of droughts, floods and interrupted
navigation. Critically examine. (Answer in 250
words) 15 Marks
Q15. Account for the huge flooding of million cities
in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad
and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
(Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks Paper-2 2020
Q16. India has immense potential of solar energy
though there are regional variations in its
developments. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Q.1) “There is a need for simplification of
Marks Procedure for disqualification of persons found
guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation
Q17. Examine the status of forest resources of of Peoples Act”. Comment (Answer in 150 words)
India and its resultant impact on climate change. (10 Marks)
Q.2) “Recent amendments to the Right to
Q18. Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat Information Act will have profound impact on the
due to globalisation? Justify your answer. (Answer autonomy and independence of the Information
in 250 words) 15 Marks Commission”. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q19. Customs and traditions suppress reason Marks)
leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (Answer in Q.3) How far do you think cooperation, competition
250 words) 15 Marks and confrontation have shaped the nature of
Q20. How have digital initiatives in India federation in India ? Cite some recent examples to
contributed to the functioning of the education validate your answer. (Answer in 150 words) 10
system in the country? Elaborate your answer. Marks)
(Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks Q.4) The judicial system in India and UK seem to be
converging as well as diverging in recent times.
Highlight the key points of convergence and
divergence between the two nations in terms of

their judicial practices. (Answer in 150 words) 10 the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the
Marks) filing of large number of public interest petitions
Q.5) ‘Once a Speaker, Always a speaker’! Do you praying for issuing guidelines to executive
think this practice should be adopted to impart authorities. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)
objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Q.13) The strength and sustenance of local
Sabha? What could be its implication for the robust institutions in India has shifted from their formative
functioning of parliamentary business in India? ( phase of ‘functions , functionaries and funds’ to the
(Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks) contemporary stage of’ functionality’. Highlight the
Q.6) In order to enhance the prospects of social critical challenges faced by local institutions in
development, sound and adequate health care terms of their functionality in recent times. (Answer
policies are needed in the fields of geriatric and in 250 words) (15 marks)
maternal health care. Discuss (Answer in 150 Q.14) Rajyasabha has been transformed from a
words) 10 Marks) ‘useless Stepney tire’ to the most useful supportive
Q.7) “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as
economic performance”. In this context, suggest well as areas in which this transformation could be
reforms in Civil Service for Strengthening visible. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)
Democracy. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks) Q.15) Which steps are required for
Q.8) “The emergence of Fourth Industrial constitutionalisation of a commission? Do you
Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated think imparting constitutionality to the national
e-Governance as an integral part of the commission for woman would ensure greater
government”. Discuss (Answer in 150 words) 10 gender justice and empowerment in India? Give
Marks) reasons. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)
Q.9) Critically examine the role of WHO in providing Q.16) “Incidence and intensity of poverty are most
global health security during the COVID-19 important in determining poverty based on income
Pandemic (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks) alone”. In this context analyze the latest United
Nations Multi Poverty Index report. (Answer in 250
Q.10) “Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in words) (15 marks)
the politics and economy of America and European
Countries”. Comment with examples. (Answer in Q.17) “Microfinance as an anti-poverty vaccine is
150 words) 10 Marks) aimed at asset creation and income security of the
rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self Help
Q.11) Indian Constitution exhibits centralising Groups in achieving twin objectives along with
tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the empowering women in rural India. (Answer in 250
nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic words) (15 marks)
Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act,
2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. (Answer in Q.18) National Electronic Policy 2020 is in
250 words) (15 marks) conformity with the Sustainable Development
Goals-4 (2030). It intended to restructure and
Q.12) Judicial legislation is antithetical to the re-orient the education system in India. Critically
doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in

examine the statement. (Answer in 250 words) (15 Q.5) What do you understand by nanotechnology?
marks) And how its helping in health sector? ( Answer in
Q.19) Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is 150 words.) (10 Marks)
transforming itself into a trade block from the
military alliance, in present times. Discuss (Answer Q.6) How is science interwoven deeply with our
in 250 words) (15 marks) lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture
Q.20) What is the significance of Indo-US deals over triggered off by science-based technologies?
Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region
Q.7) How does the draft Environment Impact
Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the
existing EIA Notification, 2006? (Answer in 150
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies words) (10 Marks)
Paper-3 2020
Q.8) What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti
Q.1) Explain intergenerational and intragenerational Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for
issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive water conservation and water security? (Answer in
growth and sustainable growth. (Answer in 150 150 words) (10 Marks)
words) (10 Marks)
Q.9) Discuss different types of Cybercrimes and

Q.2) Define potential GDP and its determinants. measures required to be taken to fight the menace.
What are the factors that have been inhibiting India (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
from realizing its potential GDP? ( Answer in 150
words.) (10 Marks)
Q.10) For effective border area management,
discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local
Q.3) What are the main constraints in transports support to militants and also suggest ways to
and marketing of agricultural produce in India? ( manage favourable perception among
Answer in 150 words.) (10 Marks)
locals. (Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
Q.4) What are the challenges and opportunities in

Q.11) Explain the meaning of investment in an
food processing sector in the country? How can
income of the farmers can sustainably be economy in terms of capital formation.Discuss the
increased by encouraging food processing? factors to be considered while designing a
concession agreement between a public
( Answer in 150 words) (10 Marks)
entity and private entity.(Answer in 250 words) (15
marks)

Q.18) Discuss the recent measures initiated in the

Q.12) Explain the rationale behind Goods and disaster management by the Government of India
Services Tax(Compensation to states)act of departing from the earlier reactive approach.
2017.How has COVID-19 impacted the GST (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)
compensation fund and created new federal
tensions? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks) Q.19) What are the determinants of left-wing
extremism in the Eastern part of India? What
strategy should the Government of India, civil
Q.13) What are the major factors responsible for administration and security forces adopt to counter
making rice-wheat system a success?In spite of the threat in the affected areas? (Answer in 250
this success how has this system become bane in words) (15 marks)
India?(Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)
Q.20) Analyze internal security threats and

Q.14) Suggest measures to improve water storage transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh
and irrigation system to make its judicious use and Pakistan borders including Line of Control
under depleting scenario. (Answer in 250 words) (LoC). Also, discuss the role played by various
(15 marks) security forces in this regard. (Answer in 250
words) (15 marks)
Q.15) COVID-19 pandemic has caused
unprecedented devastation worldwide. However,
technological advancements are being availed
readily to win over the crises.Give an account of Paper-4 2020
how technology was sought to aid management of 1.(a) Discuss the role of ethics and values in
the Pandemic.(Answer in 250 words) (15 marks) enhancing the following three major components of
Comprehensive National Power(CNP)viz. human
capital, soft power(culture and policies), and social
Q.16) Describe the benefits of deriving electric harmony. (150 words) (10 Marks)
energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional
1. (b) “Education is not an injunction, it is an
energy generation. What are the initiatives offered
effective and pervasive tool for all-round
by our government for this purpose? (Answer in
development of an individual and social
250 words) (15 marks)
transformation”.Examine the New Education Policy
2020 (NEP 2020) in light of the above statement.
Q.17) What are the features of the National Clean (150 words) (10 Marks)
Air Programme(NCAP) initiated by the government 2. (a) ‘ Hatred is destructive of a person‘s wisdom
of India? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks) and conscience that can poison a nation’s spirit. Do
you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (150
words) (10 Marks)

2. (b) What are the main components of emotional thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing
intelligence (EI) ? Can they be learned? discuss. sound in it and nothing true.” – Socrates. (150
(150 words) (10 Marks) words). (10 Marks)
3. (a) What teachings of Buddha are most relevant 7. Rajesh Kumar is a senior public servant, with a
today and why? Discuss. (150 words) (10 Marks) reputation of honesty and forthrightness, currently
3. (b) ‘The will to power exits, but it can be tamed posted in the Finance Ministry as the Head of the
and be guided by rationality and principles of moral Budget Division. His department is presently busy
duty.’ Examine this statement in the context of in organizing the budgetary support to the states,
international relations. (150 words) (10 Marks) four of which are due to the polls within the
financial year.
4. (a) Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss
the role of ethics in formulating them. (150 words). This year’s annual budget had allotted Rs 8300
(10 Marks) crores for the National Housing Scheme (NHS), a
centrally sponsored social housing scheme for the
4. (b) A positive attitude is considered to be an weaker sections of society. Rs 775 crores have
essential characteristic of a civil servant who is been drawn for NHS till June.
often required to function under extreme stress.
What contributes a positive attitude in person.? The Ministry of Commerce had long been pursuing
(150 words). (10 Marks) a case for setting up a Special Economic Zone
(SEZ) in a southern state to boost exports. After
5. (a) What are the main factors responsible for two years of detailed discussion between the
gender responsibility in India ? Discuss the center and state, the Union Cabinet approved the
contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard. (150 project in August. The process was initiated to
words). (10 Marks) acquire the necessary land.
5. (b) The current internet expansion has instilled a Eighteen months ago a leading Public Sector Unit
different set of cultural values which are in conflict (PSU) had projected the need for setting up a large
with traditional values. Discuss. (150 words). (10 natural gas processing plant in a northern state for
Marks) the regional gas grid. The land is already in
6. What do each of the following quotations mean possession of the PSU. The gas grid is an essential
to you? (10 Marks) component of the national energy security strategy.
After three rounds of global bidding, the project
6. (a) ” Condemn none: if you can stretch out a
was allotted to an MNC, M/s XYZ Hydrocarbons.
helping hand do so. If not fold your hands, bless
The first tranche of payment to the MNC is
your brothers and let them go their own way.” –
scheduled to be made in December.
Swami Vivekanand (150 words). (10 Marks)
Finance Ministry was asked for a timely allocation
6. (b) “The best way to find yourself is to lose
of an additional Rs 6000 crores for these two
yourself in service of others .” Mahatma Gandhi
developmental projects. It was decided to
(150 words). (10 Marks)
recommend re-appropriation of this entire amount
6. (c) ” A system of morality which is based on from NHS allocation. The file was forwarded to the
relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a Budget Department for their comments and further

processing. On studying the case file, Rajesh Kumar asking him to discuss the modalities of increasing
realized that this re-appropriation may cause an BML production of ATGMs as there is a probability
inordinate delay in the execution of NHS, a project of exporting the same to a friendly country. The
much publicized in the rallies of senior politicians. Director-General wanted the Chairman to discuss
Correspondingly, the non-availability of finances the details with his staff in Delhi next week.
would cause a financial loss in the SEZ and national Two days later, at a press conference, the Defence
embarrassment due to delayed payment in the Minister stated that he aims to double the current
international project. weapons export levels within five years. This would
Rajesh Kumar discussed the matter with seniors. give an impetus to financing the development and
He was conveyed that this politically sensitive manufacturing of indigenous weapons in the
situation needs to be processed immediately. country. He also stated that all indigenous arms
Rajesh Kumar realized that diversion of funds from manufacturing nations have a very good record of
the NHS could raise difficult questions for the the international arms trade.
government in the Parliament. As the Chairman of BML, what are your views on
Discuss the following with reference to this case: the following points?
(a) Ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of (a) As an arms exporter of a responsible nation like
funds from a welfare project to the development India, what are the ethical issues involved in arms
projects. trade?
(b) Given the need for proper utilization of public (b) List five ethical factors that would influence the
funds, discuss the options available to Rajesh decision to sell arms to foreign governments. (250
Kumar. Is resigning a worthy option? (250 words) words) (20 Marks)
(20 Marks) 9. Rampura, a remote district inhabited by a tribal
8. The Chairman of Bharat Missiles Ltd (BML) was population, is marked by extreme backwardness
watching a program on TV wherein the Prime and abject poverty. Agriculture is the mainstay of
Minister was addressing the nation on the the local population, though it is subsistence due to
necessity of developing a self-reliant India. He the very small landholdings. There is insignificant
subconsciously nodded in agreement and smiled to industrial or mining activity. Even the targeted
himself as he mentally reviewed BML’s journey in welfare programs have inadequately benefited the
the past two decades. BML had admirably tribal population. In this restrictive scenario, the
progressed from producing first-generation youth has begun to migrate to other states to
anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) to designing and supplement the family income. Plight of minor girls
producing state of the art ATGM weapon systems is that their parents are persuaded by labour
that would be the envy of any army. He sighed in contractors to send them to work in the Bt Cotton
reconciliation with his assumptions that the farms of a nearby state. The soft fingers of the
government would probably not alter the status quo minor girls are well suited for plucking the cotton.
of a ban on the export of military weaponry. The inadequate living and working conditions in
To his surprise, the very next day he got a telephone these farms have caused serious health issues for
call from the Director-General, Ministry of Defence, the minor girls. NGOs in the districts of domicile

and the cotton farms appear to be compromised in the enquiry. The builder, who is rich and
and have not effectively espoused the twin issues influential, happens to be a close relative of a
of child labour and development of the area. powerful minister in the state cabinet. The builder
You are appointed as the District Collector of is persuading you to hush up the matter, promising
Rampura. Identify the ethical issues involved. you a fortune to do so. He also hinted that if this
Which specific steps will you initiate to ameliorate matter is not resolved at the earliest in his favour
the conditions of minor girls of your district and to there is somebody in his office who is waiting to file
improve the overall economic scenario in the a case against you under the POSH act.
district (250 words) (20 Marks) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.
10. You are a municipal commissioner of a large What are the options available to you in this
city, having the reputation of a very honest and situation? Explain your selected course of action.
upright officer. A huge multipurpose mall is under (250 words) (20 Marks)
construction in your city in which a large number of 11. Parmal is a small but underdeveloped district. It
daily wage earners are employed. One night, during has a rocky terrain that is not suitable for
monsoons, a big chunk of the roof collapsed agriculture, though some subsistence agriculture is
causing instant death of four labourers including being done on small plots of land. The area
two minors. Many more were seriously injured receives adequate rainfall and has an irrigation
requiring immediate medical attention. The mishap canal flowing through it. Amria, its administrative
resulted in a big hue and cry, forcing the centre, is a medium-sized town. It houses a large
government to institute an enquiry. district hospital, an Industrial Training Institute and
Your preliminary enquiry has revealed a series of some privately owned skill training centres. It has
anomalies. The material used for the construction all the facilities of a district headquarters. A trunk
was of poor quality. Despite the approved building railway line passes approximately 50 kilometers
plans permitting only one basement, an additional from Amria. Its poor connectivity is a major reason
basement has been constructed. This was for the absence of any major industry therein. The
overlooked during the periodic inspections by the state government offers a 10 year tax holiday as an
building inspector of the municipal corporation. In incentive to new industry.
your enquiry, you noticed that the construction of In 2010 Anil, an industrialist decided to take
the mall was given the green signal despite benefits to set up Amria Plastic Works (APW) in
encroaching on areas earmarked for a green belt Noora village, about 20km from Amria. While the
and a slip road in the Zonal Master Plan of the city. factory was being built, Anil hired the required key
The permission to construct the mall was accorded labour and got them trained at the skill training
by the previous Municipal Commissioner who is not centres at Amria. This act of his made the key
only your senior and well known to you personnel very loyal to APW.
professionally, but also a good friend. APW started production in 2011 with the labour
Prima facie, the case appears to be of a drawn fully from Noora village. The villagers were
widespread nexus between officials of the very happy to get employment near their homes
Municipal Corporation and the builders. Your and were motivated by the key personnel to meet
colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow the production targets with high quality. APW

started making large profits, a sizeable portion of native villages. The non-availability of transport
which was used to improve the quality of life in created its own problems. Added to this was the
Noora. By 2016, Noora could boast of a greener fear of starvation and inconvenience to their
village and a renovated village temple. Anil liaised families. This caused, the migrant workers to
with the local MLA to increase the frequency of the demand wages and transport facilities for returning
bus services to Amria. The government also to their villages. Their mental agony was
opened a primary health care centre and primary accentuated by multiple factors such as a sudden
school at Noora in buildings constructed by APW. loss of livelihood, possibility of lack of food and
APW used its CSR funds to set up women’s inability to assist in harvesting their rabi crop due to
self-help groups, subsidize primary education to the not being able to reach home in time. Reports of
village children and procure an ambulance for use inadequate response of some districts in providing
by its employees and the needy. the essential boarding and lodging arrangements
In 2019, there was a minor fire in APW. It was along the way multiplied their fears.
quickly extinguished as fire safety protocols were in You have learnt many lessons from this situation
place in the factory. Investigations revealed that the when you were tasked to oversee the functioning of
factory had been using electricity in excess of its the District Disaster Relief Force in your district. In
authorized capacity. This was soon rectified. The your opinion what ethical issues arose in the
next year, due to nationwide lockdown, the current migrant crisis? What do you understand by
requirement of production fell for four months. Anil an ethical care giving state? What assistance can
decided that all employees would be paid regularly. the civil society render to mitigate the sufferings of
He employed them to plant trees and improve the migrants in similar situations? (250 words) (20
village habitat. Marks)
APW had developed a reputation of high-quality
production and a motivated workforce.
Critically analyse the story of APW and state the
ethical issues involved. Do you consider APW as a
role model for the development of backward
areas? Give reasons. (250 words) (20 Marks)
12. Migrant workers have always remained at the
socio-economic margins of our society, silently
serving as the instrumental labour force of urban
economics. The pandemic has brought them into
national focus.
On announcement of a countrywide lockdown, a
very large number of migrant workers decided to
move back from their places of employment to their


Q6. Can the strategy of regional resource-based

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies manufacturing help in promoting employment in
Paper-1 2019 India? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Q7. Discuss the factors for localisation of

Q1. Highlight the Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian
agro-based food processing industries of
elements in the Gandhara art. (Answer in 150 words)
North-West India. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
10 Marks
Q8. What makes the Indian society unique in

Q2. The 1857 Uprising was the culmination of the
sustaining its culture? Discuss. (Answer in 150
recurrent big and small local rebellions that had
words) 10 Marks
occurred in the preceding hundred years of British
rule. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Q9. "Empowering women is the key to control
population growth." Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
Q3. Examine the linkages between the nineteenth
10 Marks
century's 'Indian Renaissance' and the emergence of
national identity. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Q10. What are the challenges to our cultural
practices in the name of secularism? (Answer in 150
Q4. Assess the impact of global warming on the
words) 10 Marks
coral life system with examples. (Answer in 150
words) 10 Marks
Q11. Many voices had strengthened and enriched
the nationalist movement during the Gandhian
Q5. Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves
phase. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
and explain their importance in maintaining coastal
ecology. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q12. Assess the role of British imperial power in

complicating the process of transfer of power during
the 1940s. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
Q13. Explain how the foundations of the modern

world were laid by the American and French
Revolutions. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
Q14. What is water stress? How and why does it

differ regionally in India? (Answer in 250 words) 15
Marks
Q15. How can the mountain ecosystem be restored

from the negative impact of development initiatives
and tourism? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
Q16. How is efficient and affordable urban mass Paper-2 2019
transport key to the rapid economic development of
India? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks Q1. Do you think Constitution of India does not
accept principle of strict separation of powers rather
Q17. How do ocean currents and water masses it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’?
differ in their impacts on marine life and coastal Explain. (10 Marks)
environment? Give suitable examples. (Answer in
250 words) 15 Marks Q2. “The Central Administrative Tribunal which was
established for redressal of grievances and
Q18. Do we have cultural pockets of small India all complaints by or against central government
over the nation? Elaborate with examples. (Answer employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an
in 250 words) 15 Marks independent judicial authority.” Explain. (10 Marks)
Q19. What are the continued challenges for women Q3. What are the methods used by the farmer’s
in India against time and space? (Answer in 250 organizations to influence the policy-makers in India
words) 15 Marks and how effective are these methods? (10 Marks)
Q20. Are we losing your local identity for the global Q4. From the resolution of contentious issues
identity? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks regarding distribution of legislative powers by the
courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and
‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain.
(10 Marks)

Q5. What can France learn from the Indian absolute power”. In the light of this statement
Constitution’s approach to secularism? (10 Marks) explain whether parliament under article 368 of the
constitution can destroy the Basic structure of the
Q6. Despite Consistent experience of high growth, constitution by expanding its amending power? (15
India still goes with the lowest indicators of human marks)
development. Examine the issues that make
balanced and inclusive development elusive. (10 Q13. “The reservation of seats for women in the
Marks) institution of local self-government has had a limited
impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian
Q7. There is a growing divergence in the relationship political process”. Comment. (15 marks)
between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking
of social expenditure by the government is forcing Q14. “The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser
the poor to spend more on non-food essential items and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss (15
squeezing their food-budget – Elucidate. (10 marks) Marks)
Q8. Implementation of Information and Q15. Individual parliamentarian’s role as the national
Communication technology (ICT) based law maker is on a decline, which in turn, has
projects/programmes usually suffers in terms of adversely impacted the quality of debates and their
certain vital factors. Identify these factors and outcome. Discuss. (15 marks)
suggest measures for their effective
implementation. (10 marks) Q16. ‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of
developmental planning, multi-level planning is
Q9. ‘The time has come for India and Japan to build expected to make operations cost-effective and
a strong contemporary relationship, one involving remove many implementation blockages’- Discuss
global and strategic partnership that will have a (15 marks)
great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’
Comment. (10 marks) Q17. The need for cooperation among various
service sectors has been an inherent component of
Q10. ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves development discourse. Partnership bridges the gap
UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture
the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the of ‘collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of
cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’. (10 marks) statements above examine India’s development
process. (15 marks)
Q11. On what grounds a people’s representative can
be disqualified under the representation of people Q18. Performance of welfare schemes that are
act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to implemented for vulnerable sections is not so
such person against his disqualification. (15 marks) effective due to absence of their awareness and
active involvement at all stages of policy process.
Q12. “Parliament’s power to amend the constitution Discuss (15 marks)
is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into

Q19. “The long sustained image of India as a leader science respectively? (Answer in 150 words) 10
of the oppressed and marginalised nations has Marks
disappeared on account of its new found role in the
emerging global order.’ Elaborate (15 Marks) Q6. What is India’s plan to have its own space
station and how will it benefit our space
Q20. What introduces friction into the ties between programme? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
India and United States is that Washington is still
unable to find for India a position in its global Q7. Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal,
strategy, which would satisfy India’s national poses one of the biggest threats to our environment.
self-esteem and ambitions’. Explain with suitable Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian
examples. (15 Marks) coasts, citing specific examples. (Answer in 150
words) 10 Marks
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Q8. Vulnerability is an essential element for defining
Paper-3 2019 disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and
in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be
characterized? Discuss different types of
Q1. Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been
vulnerability with reference to disasters. (Answer in
subsumed in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in
150 words) 10 Marks
India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of
the GST introduced in India since July 2017.
Q9. The banning of ‘Jamaat-e – islaami’ in Jammu
and Kashmir brought into focus the role of
over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist
Q2. Do you agree with the view that steady GDP
organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in
growth and low inflation have left the Indian
assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency
economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of
affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize
your arguments. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
influence of OGWs. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Q3. How far is Integrated Farming System (IFS)
Q10. What is CyberDome Project? Explain how it can
helpful in sustaining agricultural production?
be useful in controlling internet crimes in India.
Q4. Elaborate the impact of National Watershed
Q11. It is argued that the strategy of inclusive
Project in increasing agricultural production from
growth is intended to meet the objectives of
water-stressed areas. (Answer in 150 words) 10
inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment
Marks
on this statement. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
Q5. How was India benefitted from the contributions
Q12. The public expenditure management is a
of Sir M.Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in
challenge to the government of India in the context
the fields of water engineering and agricultural

of budget making during the post-liberalization Q20. Cross-border movement of insurgents is only
period. Clarify it. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks one of the several security challenges facing the
policing of the border in North-East India. Examine
Q13. What are the reformative steps taken by the the various challenges currently emanating across
government to make food grain distribution system the India-Myanmar border. Also discuss the steps to
more effective? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks counter the challenges. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Marks
Q14. Elaborate the policy taken by the government
of India to meet the challenges of the food
processing sector. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
Q15. How is the government of India protecting Paper-4 2019
traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by
pharmaceutical companies? (Answer in 250 words) SECTION A
15 Marks
Q1.
Q16. How can biotechnology improve the living
standards of farmers? (Answer in 250 words) 15 1. What are the basic principles of public life?
Marks Illustrate any three with suitable examples.
(150 words) (10 marks)
Q17. Define the concept of carrying capacity of an 2. What do you understand by the term ‘public
ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain servant’? Reflect on the expected role of
how understanding this concept is vital while public servant. (150 words) (10 marks)
planning for sustainable development of a region. Q2.
1. Effective utilization of public finds is crucial
to meet development goals. Critically
Q18. Disaster preparedness is the first step in any
examine the reasons for under- utilization
disaster management process. Explain how hazard
and mis- utilization of public funds and
zonation mapping will help in disaster mitigation in
their implications. (150 words) (10 marks)
the case of landslides. (Answer in 250 words) 15
2. “Non-performance of duty by a public
Marks
servant is a form of corruption”. Do you
agree with this view? Justify your answer
Q19. Indian government has recently strengthened
the anti-terrorism laws by amending the unlawful
activities (Prevention) act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Q3.
Act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing 1. What is meant by the term ‘constitutional
security environment while discussing the scope morality’? How does one uphold
and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights constitutional morality? (150 words) (10
organizations. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks marks)

2. What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’?

SECTION B
How does it manifest in the public domain?
Q7. You are the heading the rescue operations in a
Q4. area affected by severe natural calamity, thousands
1. Explain the basic principles of citizens’ of people are rendered homeless and deprived of
charter movement and bring out its food, drinking water and other basic amenities.
importance. (150 words) (10 marks) Rescue work has been disrupted by heavy rainfall
2. There is a view that the official secrets act and damaged to supply routes. The local people are
is an obstacle to the implementation of seeding with anger against the delayed limited
Rights to Information act. Do you agree rescue operations. When your team reaches the
with the view? Discuss (150 words) (10 affected area, the people there heckle and even
marks) assault some of the team members. One of your
team member is even severely injured. Faced with
Q5.
this crisis some team member plead with you to call
1. What do you understand by probity in off the operations freeing threats to their life.
governance? Based on your understanding
In such trying circumstances, what will be your
of the term, suggest measures for ensuring
response? Examine the qualities of a public servant
probity in government. (150 words) (10
which will be required to manage the situations.
marks)
2. “Emotional Intelligence is the ability to
make your emotions work for you instead Q8. Honesty and uprightness are the hallmarks of a
of against you.” Do you agree with this civil servants. Civil servants possessing these
view? Discuss. (150 words) (10 marks) qualities are considered as a back bone of any
strong organizations. In line of duty, they take
Q6. What do each of the following quotations mean
various decisions, at time some become bonafide
to you?
mistakes. As long as such decisions, are not taken
1. “An unexamined life is not worth living.” – intentionally and do not benefit personally, the
Socrates (150 words) (10 marks) officer cannot be said to be guilty. Though such
2. “A man is but the product of his thoughts. decisions may, at times, lead to unforeseen adverse
What he thinks, he becomes.” – M.K.Gandhi consequences in the long term. In the recent past, a
(150 words) (10 marks) few instances have surfaced where in civil servants
3. “Where there is righteousness in the heart, has been implicated for bonafide mistakes. They
there is beauty in the character. When there have often been prosecuted and even imprisoned.
is beauty in the character, there is harmony These instances have greatly rattled the moral fiber
in the home. When there is harmony in the of the civil servants.
home, there is order in the nation. When
How does this trend affect the functioning of civil
there is order in the nation, there is peace in
services? What measures can be taken to ensure
the world.” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (150
that honest civil servants are not implicated for
words) (10 marks)

bonafide mistakes on their part? Justify your tendency among the political executive to get
answer. (250 words) (20 marks) involved in routine administrative matters such as
Q9. An apparel manufacturing company having large transfers, posting etc. Under this scenario, there is a
number of women employees was losing sales due definitive trend towards ‘politicization of
to various factors. The company hired a reputed bureaucracy’. The raising materialism and
marketing executive, who increased the volume of acquisitiveness in social life has also adversely
sales within a short span of time. However, some impacted upon the ethical values of both the
unconfirmed reports came up regarding his permanent executive and the political executive.
indulgence in sexual harassment at the work place. What are the consequences of this ‘politicization of
After sometime a women employee launched a bureaucracy? Discuss. (250 words) (20 marks)
formal complaint to the management against the Q11. In one of the districts of a frontier state,
marketing executive about sexually harassing her. narcotics menace has been rampant. This has
Faced with the companies’ indifference, in not taking results in money laundering, mushrooming of poppy
cognizance of her grievances, she lodged an FIR farming, arms smuggling and near stalling of
with police. Realizing the sensitivity and gravity of education. The system is on the verge of collapse.
the situation, the company called the women The situation has been further worsened by
employee to negotiate. In that she was offered a unconfirmed reports that local politicians as well as
hefty sum of money to withdraw the complaint and some senior police officers are providing
the FIR and also give in writing that the marketing surreptitious patronage to the drug mafia. At that
executive is not involved in the case. point of time a woman police officer, known for her
Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. skills in handling such situations is appointed as
What options are available to the women employee? superintendent of police to bring the situation to
(250 words) (20 marks) normalcy.
Q10. In a modern democratic polity there is a If you are the same police officer, identify the
concept of political executive and permanent various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your
executive elected people’s representatives forms the understanding, suggest measures to deal with the
political executive and bureaucracy forms the crisis. (250 words) (20 marks)
permanent executive. Ministers frame policy Q12. In recent times, there has been an increasing
decisions and bureaucrats execute these. In the concern in India to develop effective civil service
initial decades after independence, relationship ethics, code of conduct, transparency measures,
between the permanent executives and the political ethics and integrity systems and anti-corruption
executives were characterized by mutual agencies. In view of this, there is need being felt to
understanding, respect, and cooperation, without focus on three specific areas, which are directly
encroaching upon each other’s domain. However, in relevant to the problems of internalizing integrity and
the subsequent decades the situation has changed. ethics in the civil services. These are as follows:
There are instances of the political executive
insisting upo n the permanent executives to follow ● Anticipating specific threats to ethical
its agenda. Respect for an appreciation of an upright standards and integrity in the civil services,
bureaucrats has declined. There is an increasing

● Strengthening the ethical competence of

civil servant and
● Developing administrative processes and
practices which promote ethical values and
integrity in civil services.
Suggest institutional measures to address the
above three issues. (250 words) (20 marks)

7. What are the consequences of spreading of

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies 'Dead Zones' on marine ecosystem? (Answer
Paper-1 2018 in 150 words) 10 Marks
8. “Caste system is assuming new identities
1. Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the
and associational forms. Hence, caste
need of the moment. Discuss. (Answer in
system cannot be eradicated in India.”
150 words) 10 Marks
Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
2. Assess the importance of the accounts of
9. ‘Despite implementation of various
the Chinese and Arab travellers in the
programmes for eradication of poverty by the
reconstruction of the history of India.
government in India, poverty is still existing.'
(Answer in 150 words)10 Marks
Explain by giving reasons. (Answer in 150
3. Throw light on the significance of the
words)10 Marks
thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present
10. How the Indian concept of secularism is
times. (Answer in 150)10 Marks
different from the western model of
4. Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite
secularism ? Discuss. (Answer in 150
System (IRNSS) needed ? How does it help in
words)10 Marks
navigation ? (Answer in 150 words)10 Marks
11. The Bhakti movement received a remarkable
5. Why is India taking keen interest in resources
re-orientation with the advent of Sri
of Arctic Region ? (Answer in 150 words)10
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (Answer in
Marks
250 words) 15 Marks
6. Define mantle plume and explain its role in
12. Discuss whether formation of new states in
plate tectonics. (Answer in 150 words)10
recent times is beneficial or not for the
Marks
economy of India. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Marks

13. Why indentured labour was taken by the

British from India to other colonies ? Have
they been able to preserve their cultural
identity over there ? (Answer in 250 words)
15 Marks
14. “The ideal solution of depleting ground water
resources in India is water harvesting
system. How can it be made effective in
urban areas ? (Answer in 250 words) 15
Marks
15. Defining blue revolution, explain the
problems and strategies for pisciculture
development in India. (Answer in 250 words)
15 Marks
16. What is the significance of Industrial
Corridors in India ? Identifying industrial UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
corridors, explain their main characteristics. Paper-2 2018
(Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks 1. In the light of recent controversy regarding
17. Mention core strategies for the the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM),
transformation of aspirational districts in what are the challenges before the Election
India and explain the nature of convergence, Commission of India to ensure the
collaboration and competition for its trustworthiness of elections in India? (10
success. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks Marks)
18. "Women's movement in India has not 2. Whether National Commission for Scheduled
addressed the issues of women of lower Castes (NCSC) can enforce the
social strata. Substantiate your view. implementation of constitutional reservation
(Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks for the Scheduled Castes in the religious
19. "Globalization is generally said to promote minority institutions? Examine. (10 Marks)
cultural homogenization but cultural 3. Under what circumstances can the Financial
specificities appear to be strengthened in the Emergency be proclaimed by the President
Indian Society’ Elucidate. (Answer in 250 of India? What consequences follow when
words) 15 Mark such a declaration remains in force? (10
20. ‘‘Communalism arises either due to power Marks)
struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by 4. Why do you think the committees are
giving suitable illustrations. (Answer in 250 considered to be useful for parliamentary
words) 15 Marks work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the
Estimates Committee. (10 Marks)
5. “The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
has a very vital role to play.” Explain how this
is reflected in the method and terms of his

appointment as well as the range of powers government. Apart from government grants,
he can exercise. (10 Marks) what sources the Panchayats can look out
6. “Policy contradictions among various for financing developmental projects? (15
competing sectors and stakeholders have Marks)
resulted in inadequate ‘protection and 16. Multiplicity of various commissions for the
prevention of degradation to environment.” vulnerable sections of the society leads to
Comment with relevant illustrations. problems of overlapping jurisdiction and
7. Appropriate local community level healthcare duplication of functions. Is it better to merge
intervention is a prerequisite to achieve all commissions into an umbrella Human
‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. Rights Commission? Argue your case. (15
8. E-governance in not only about utilization of Marks)
the power of new technology, but also much 17. How far do you agree with the view that the
about critical importance of the ‘use value’ of focus on lack of availability of food as the
information. Explain. (10 Marks) main cause of hunger takes the attention
9. “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, away from ineffective human development
acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot policies in India? (15 Marks)
be rolled back.” Discuss. (10 ) 18. The Citizen’s Charter is an ideal instrument
10. A number of outside powers have of organisational transparency and
entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which accountability, but it has its own limitations.
is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the Identify the limitations and suggest
implications, in this context, of India’s joining measures for greater effectiveness of the
the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018. (10 Marks) Citizen’s Charters. (15 Marks)
11. Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 19. What are the key areas of reform if the WTO
2018) can settle the political tussle between has to survive in the present context of
the Lt. Governor and elected government of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the
Delhi? Examine. (15 Marks) interest of India? (15 Marks)
12. How far do you agree with the view that 20. In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran
tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national
courts? In view of the above, discuss the interest of India? How should India respond
constitutional validity and competency of the to its situation? (15 Marks)
tribunals in India. (15 Marks)
13. Indian and USA are two large democracies.
Examine the basic tenets on which the two UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
political systems are based.
14. How is the Finance Commission of India Paper-3 2018
constituted? What do you know about the 1. “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable
terms of reference of the recently constituted and modern energy is the sine qua non to
Finance Commission? Discuss. (15 Marks) achieve Sustainable Development Goals
15. Assess the importance of the Panchayat (SDGs).” Comment on the progress made in
system in India as a part of local

India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words) Give a brief description of CPEC and
10 Marks enumerate the reasons why India has
2. Comment on the important changes distanced itself from the same. (Answer in
introduced in respect of the Long-term 150 words) 10 Marks
Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend 10. Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a
Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget downward trend, but still affects many parts
for 2018-2019. (Answer in 150 words) 10 of the country. Briefly explain the
Marks Government of India's approach to counter
3. What do you mean by Minimum Support the challenges posed by LWE. (Answer in 150
Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the words) 10 Marks
farmers from the low income trap? (Answer 11. How are the principles followed by the NITI
in 150 words) 10 Marks Aayog different from those followed by the
4. Examine the role of supermarkets in supply erstwhile Planning Commission in India?
chain management of fruits, vegetables and (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
food items. How do they eliminate number of 12. How would the recent phenomena of
intermediaries? (Answer in 150 words) 10 protectionism and currency manipulations in
Marks world trade affect macroeconomic stability
5. Discuss the work of 'Bose-Einstein Statistics' of India? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show 13. Assess the role of National Horticulture
how it revolutionized the field of Physics. Mission (NHM) in boosting the production,
(Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks productivity and income of horticulture
6. What are the impediments in disposing the farms. How far has it succeeded in
huge quantities of discarded solid wastes increasing the income of farmers? (Answer
which are continuously being generated? in 250 words) 15 Marks
How do we remove safely the toxic wastes 14. How has the emphasis on certain crops
that have been accumulating in our habitable brought about changes in cropping patterns
environment? (Answer in 150 words) 10 in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on
Marks millets production and consumption.
7. What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
concept of wise use' in the context of 15. Why is there so much activity in the field of
wetland conservation. Cite two examples of biotechnology in our country? How has this
Ramsar sites from India. (Answer in 150 activity benefitted the field of biopharma?
words) 10 Marks (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
8. Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State' in India. 16. With growing energy needs should India keep
What are the ecological and economical on expanding its nuclear energy programme?
benefits of Organic State? (Answer in 150 Discuss the facts and fears associated with
words) 10 Marks nuclear energy. " (Answer in 250 words) 15
9. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Marks
(CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of 17. How does biodiversity vary in India? How is
China's larger 'One Belt One Road' initiative. the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in

conservation of flora and fauna? (Answer in Q2. (b) “The Right to information Act is not all about
250 words) 15 Marks citizens? Empowerment alone, it essentially
18. Describe various measures taken in India for redefines the concept of accountability.” Discuss.
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and (150 words) 10
after signing 'Sendai Framework for DRR
(2015-2030)'. How is this framework Q3. (a) What is meant by conflict of interest?
different from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, Illustrate with examples, the difference between the
2005’? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks actual and potential conflicts of interest.(150 words)
19. Data security has assumed significant 10
importance in the digitized world due to Q3. (b) “In looking for people is hire, you look for
rising cyber crimes. The Justice B. N. three qualities integrity intelligence and energy. And
Srikrishna Committee Report addresses if they do not have the first, the other two will kill
issues related to data security. What, in your you.” – warren Buffett. What do you understand by
view, are the strengths and weaknesses of this statement in the present-day scenario” Explain.
the Report relating to protection of personal (150 words) 10
data in cyberspace? (Answer in 250 words)
15 Marks Q4. (a) “In doing a good thing, everything is
20. India's proximity to two of the world's biggest permitted which is not prohibited expressly or by
illicit opium-growing states has enhanced clear implication.” Examine the statement with
her internal security concerns. Explain the suitable examples in the context of a public servant
linkages between drug or illicit activities discharging his/her duties. (150 words) 10
such as gunrunning, money laundering and Q4. (b) With regard to morality of actions, one view
human trafficking. What counter-measures is that means are of paramount importance and the
should be taken to prevent the same? other view is that the ends justify the means. Which
(Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks view do you think is more appropriate? Justify your
answer. (150 words) 10
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Q5. (a) Suppose the Government of India is thinking
Paper-4 2018 of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bound by
forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What
SECTION A
rational policy should it resort to in dealing with
Q1. (a) State the three basic values, universal in
unforeseen contingencies? (150 words) 10
nature, in the context of civil services and bring out
Q5. (b) Explain the process of resolving ethical
their importance. (150 words) 10 Marks
dilemmas in Public Administration. (150 words) 10
Q1. (b) Distinguish between “Code of ethics” and
“Code of conduct” with suitable examples. (150
Q6. What do each of the following quotations mean
words) 10
to you in the presence context?
(a) “The true rule, in determining to embrace, or
Q2. (a) What is meant by public interest? What are
reject any thing, is not whether it has any evil in it;
the principles and procedures to be followed by the
but whether it has more evil than good. There are
civil servants in public interest? (150 words) 10

few things wholly evil or wholly good. Almost every the couple will have to bear the cost of incidental
thing especially of governmental policy, is an charges, such as medicines, hospitalization etc. to
inseparable compound of the two; so that our best the tune of 1 lakh. The couple fulfills all the criteria
judgement of the preponderance between them is except criterion ‘b’. However, any financial not would
continually demanded.” – Abraham Lincoln. (150 certainly make a significant difference in their
words) quality of life.
(b) “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of
correct understanding - Mahatma Gandhi. (150 How should Rakesh respond to the situation? (250
words). words)
(c) “Falsehood takes the place of truth when it
results in unblemished common good.” – Q8. An a senior officer in the Ministry, you have
Thirukkural. (150 words). access to important policy decisions and upcoming
his announcements such as road construction
SECTION B projects before they are notified in the public
Q7. Rakesh is a responsible district level officer, who domain. The Ministry is about to announce a mega
enjoys the trust of his higher officials. Knowing his road project for which the drawings are already in
honesty, the government entrusted him with the place. Sufficient care was taken by the planners to
responsibility of identifying the beneficiaries under a make use of the government land with minimum
healthcare scheme meant for senior citizens. land acquisition from private parties. Compensation
rate for private parties was also finalized as per
The criteria to be a beneficiary are the following: government land with minimum deforestation. Once
the project is announced, it is expected that there
● (a) 60 years of age or above will be a huge spurt in real estate prices in and
● (b) Belonging to a reserved community. around that area.
● (c) Family income of less than Rs. 1 lakh per
annum. Meanwhile, the Minister concerned insists that you
● (d) Post-treatment prognosis is likely to be realign the road in. such a way that it comes closer
high to make a positive difference to the to his 20 acres farm house. He also suggests that
quality of life of the beneficiary. he would purchase of is big plot of land in your
wife's name at the prevailing rate which is very
One day, an old couple visited Rakesh’s office with nominal, in and around the proposed mega road
their application. They have been the residents of a project. He also tries to convince you by saying that
village in his district since their birth. The old man is there is no harm in it as he is buying the land legally.
diagnosed with a rate condition that causes He even promises to supplement your savings in
obstruction in the large interstate. As a case you do not have a sufficient funds to buy the
consequences he had severe abdominal pain land. However, by the act of realignment, a lot of
frequently that prevents him from doing any physical agricultural land has to be acquired, thereby causing
labour. The couple have no children to support them. considerable financial burden on the government,
The expert surgeon whom they contacted is willing and also displacement of the it' this is acct, enough,
to do the surgery without charging any fee. However,

it will involve cutting down of a large number of the request and permitted the unit, close to a city,
trees, denuding the area of its green cover. brushing aside all opposition.
Faced with this situation, what will you do ? The unit was set up 10 years ago and was in full
Critically examine various conflicts of interest, and swing till recently. The pollution caused by the
explain what are your responsibilities as a public industrial effluents was affecting the industrial
servant. (250 words) 20 effluents was affecting the land water and crops in
the area. It was also causing serious health problem
Q9. It is a State where prohibition is in force. You are to human beings and animals. This gave rise to a
recently appointed as the Superintendent of police series of agitations demanding the closure of the
of a district notorious for illicit distillation of liquor. plant. In a recent agitation thousands of people took
The illicit liquor leads to many deaths, reported and part, creating a law and order problem necessitating
unreported, and causes a major problem for the stern police action. Following the public outcry, the
district authorities. State government ordered the closure of the factory.
The approach till now had been to view it as a law The closure of the factory resulted in the
and order problem and tackle it accordingly. Raids, unemployment of not only those workers who were
arrests, policies cases, criminal trails – all these had engaged in the factory but also those who were
only limited impact. The problem remains as serious working in the ancillary units. It also very badly
as ever. affected those industries which depended on the
chemicals manufactured by it.
Your inspections show that the parts of the district
where the distillation flourishes are economically, As a senior officer entrusted with the responsibility
industrially and educationally backward. Agriculture of handling this issue, are you going to address it ?
is badly affected by poor irrigation facilities. (250 words) 20
Frequent clashes among communities gave boost to
illicit distillation. No major initiatives had taken place Q11. Dr. X is a leading medical practitioner in a city.
in the past either from the government’s side or from He has set up a charitable trust through which he
social taken place in the past either from the plans to establish a super-speciality hospital in the
government’s side or from social organizations to city to cater to the medical needs of all sections of
improve the lot of the people. the society. Incidentally, that part of the State had
been neglected over the years. The proposed
Which new approach will you adopt to bring the hospital would be a boon for the region.
problem under control ? (250 words)20
You are heading the tax investigation agency of that
Q10. A big corporate house is engaged in region. During an inspection of the doctor’s clinic,
manufacturing industrial chemicals on a large scale. your officers have found out some major
It proposes to set up an additional unit. Many states irregularities. A few of them are substantial which
rejected its proposal due to detrimental effect on the had resulted in considerable withholding of tax that
environment. But one State government acceded to should be paid by him now. The doctor is

cooperative. He undertakes to pay the tax for his “whistle blowing” by stating that he had a
immediately. duty to inform the public as to that which is done in
their name and that is done against them.”
However, there are certain other deficiencies in his According to Snowden, the Government’s violation
tax compliance which are purely technical in nature. of privacy had to be exposed regardless of legality
If these technical defaults are pursued by the since more substantive issues of social action and
agency, considerable time and energy of the doctor public morality were involved here. Many agreed
will be diverted to issues which are not so serious, with Snowden. Few argued that he broke the law and
urgent or even helpful to the tax collection process. compromised national security, for which he should
Further, in all probability, it will hamper the prospects be held accountable.
of the hospital coming up.
Do you agree that Snowden’s actions were ethically
There are two options before you: justified even if legally prohibited? Why or why not?
Make an argument by weighing the competing
● (i) Taking a broader view, ensure substantial values in this case. (250 words) 20 Marks
tax compliance and ignore defaults that are
merely technical in nature.
● (ii) Pursue the matter strictly and proceed on
all fronts, whether substantial or merely
technical.
As the head of the tax agency, which course of

action will you opt for and why? (250 words) 20
Q12. Edward Snowden, a computer expert and

former CIA systems administrator, released
confidential Government documents to the press
about the existence of Government surveillance
programmes. According to many legal experts and
the US Government, his actions violated the
Espionage Act of 1917, which identified the leak of
State secrets a an act of treason. Yet, despite the
fact that he broke the law, Snowden argued that he
had a moral obligation to act. He gave a justification

6. “In spite of adverse environmental impact,

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies coal mining is still inevitable for
Paper-1 2017 Development”. Discuss. (150 words)
7. Mention the advantages of Cultivation of
1. How do you justify the view that the level pulses because of which year 2016 was
of excellence of Gupta Numismatic Art is declared as the International year of
not at all noticeable in later times ? (150 Pulses By the United Nations. (150 words)
words) 8. How does the cryosphere affect global
2. Clarify how Mid-eighteenth century India climate ? (150 words)
was beset with the spectre of a 9. In the context of diversity of India, can it
fragmented Polity ? (150 words) be said that the regions form cultural units
3. Why did the Moderates fails to carry rather than the states? Give reasons with
conviction with the nation about their examples for your viewpoint. (150 words).
proclaimed ideology and political goals by 10. What are the two major legal initiatives by
the end of nineteenth century? (150 state since Independence, addressing
words) discrimination against Scheduled Tribes
4. What problems were germane to the (ST) ? (150 words).
decolonization in the Malay Peninsula? 11. The spirit and tolerance not only an
(150 words) interesting feature of Indian Society from
5. How does the Juno Mission of NASA help very early times but it is also playing an
to understand the origin and evolution of important role in the present. Elaborate.
earth ? (150 words) (250 words).

12. Examine how the decline of artisanal

industry in colonial India crippled the rural UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
economy.(250 words) Paper-2 2017
13. Highlight the importance of the new
1. The local self-government system in India
objectives that got added to the vision of
has not proved to be effective instrument
Indian Independence since the twenties of
of governance.” Critically examine the
the last century. (250 words)
statement and give your views to improve
14. Account for variations in oceanic salinity
the situation. (10)
and discuss its multi-dimensional effects.
2. Critically examine the Supreme court’s
15. Petroleum refineries are not necessarily
judgment on National Judicial
located nearer to crude oil producing
appointments Commission act, 2014 with
areas, particularly in many of the
reference to appointment of judges of
developing countries. Explain its
higher judiciary in India. (10)
implications. (250 words)
3. “Simultaneous election to the lok sabha
16. In what way can floods be converted to
and the state Assemblies will limit the
sustainable source of irrigation and all
amount of time and money spent in
weather inland navigation in India ? (250
electioneering but it will reduce the
words)
government’s accountability to the
17. What characteristics can be assigned to
people.” Discuss (10)
monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding
4. How do pressure groups influence Indian
more than 50 percent of World population
political process? Do you agree with this
residing in Monsoon Asia ? (250 words)
view that informal pressure groups have
18. The women’s questions arose in modern
emerged as more powerful than formal
India as the part of 19th century social
pressure groups in recent years?
reform movement. What are the major
(10)
issues and debates concerning women in
5. Discuss the role of Public account
that period? (250 words)
Committee in establishing accountability
19. Distinguish between
of the government to the people.
religiousness/religiosity and
6. “To ensure effective implementation of
Communalism giving one example of how
policies addressing water, sanitation and
the farmer has got transformed into latter
hygiene needs the identification of the
in Independent India? (250 words)
beneficiary segments is to be
20. “The growth of cities as I.T Hubs has
synchronized with the anticipated
opened new avenues of employment, but
outcomes.” Examine the statement in the
has also created new problems”.
context of the WASH scheme. (10)
Substantiate this statement with
7. Does the rights of persons with
examples. (250 words).
Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective
mechanism for the empowerment and
inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in
the society? Discuss (10)

8. Hunger and poverty are the biggest 15. Is the national commission for women
challenges for good governance in India able to strategize and tackle the problems
still today. Evaluate how far successive that women face at both public and
governments have progressed in dealing private spheres? (15)
with these humongous problems. Suggest 16. The emergence of the self-help groups
measure for improvement. (10) (SHGs) in contemporary times points to
9. “China is using its economic relation and the slow but steady withdrawal of the
positive trade surplus as tools to develop state from development activities.”
potential military power status in Asia” In Examine the role of the SHGs in
the light of this statement. Discuss its developmental activities and the
impact on India as her neighbor. (10) measures taken by the Government of
10. What are the main function of the United India to promote the SHGs. (15)
Nations Economic and social Council 17. Poverty alleviation programmes in India
(ECOSOC)? Explain different function remain mere showpieces until and unless
commission attached to it. (10) they are backed up by political will.”
11. Explain the salient features of the Discuss with reference to the performance
Constitution (One Hundred and First of the major poverty alleviation
Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is programmes in India. (15)
efficacious enough “to remove cascading 18. Initially Civil services in India were
effect of taxes and provide for common designed to achieve the goals of neutrality
national market for goods and services”? and effectiveness, which seems to be
(15) lacking in the present context. Do you
12. Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights agree with the view that drastic reforms
in the light of the latest judgment of the are required in Civil Services? Comment.
Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (15) (15)
19. The question of India’s Energy Security
13. The Indian Constitution has provisions for constitutes the most important part of
holding joint session of the two houses of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s
the parliament. Enumerate the occasions energy policy cooperation with west Asian
when this would normally happen and also countries. (15)
the occasions when it cannot, with reason 20. Indian Diaspora has an important role to
thereof. (15) play in south-East Asian countries’
economy and society. Appraise the role of
14. To enhance the quality of democracy of Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this
India the Election Commission of India context. (15)
has proposed electoral reforms in 2016.
What are the suggested reforms and how
far are they significant to make democracy
successful? (15)

missions. What are the main obstacles to

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies launching a manned space mission, both
Paper-3 2017 in terms of technology and logistics?
Examine critically. (10 Marks)
1. Among several factors for India’s potential
8. Not many years ago, river linking was a
growth, savings rate is the most effective
concept but it is becoming a reality in the
one. Do you agree? What are the other
country. Discuss the advantages of river
factors available for growth potential?
linking and its possible impact on the
(10 Marks)
environment. (10 Marks)
2. Account for the failure of manufacturing
9. Discuss the potential threats of Cyber
sector in achieving the goal of
attack and the security framework to
labour-intensive exports. Suggest
prevent it. (10 Marks)
measures for more labour-intensive rather
10. The North- East region of India has been
than capital – intensive exports. (10
infested with insurgency for a very long
Marks)
time. Analyze the major reasons for the
3. Examine the development of airports in
survival of armed insurgency in this
India through joint ventures under Public –
region. (10 Marks)
private Partnership (PPP) model. What are
11. One of intended objectives of the Union
the challenges faced by the authorities in
Budget 2017-18 is to transform, energise
this regard? (10 Marks)
and clean India’. Analyse the measure
4. Explain various types of revolutions, took
proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to
place in agriculture after Independence in
achieve the objective. (15 Marks)
India. How these revolutions have helped
12. “Industrial growth rate has lagged-behind
in poverty alleviation and food security in
in the overall growth of
India? (10 Marks)
Gross-Domestic-product (GDP) in the
5. What are the reasons for poor acceptance
post-reform period.” Give reasons. How far
of cost-effective small processing unit?
the recent changes in Industrial-policy are
How the food processing unit will be
capable of increasing the industrial growth
helpful to uplift the socio-economic status
rate? (15 Marks)
of poor farmers? (10 Marks)
13. What are the salient features of inclusive
6. Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in
growth? Has India been experiencing such
India to treat a wide variety of medical
a growth process? Analyse and suggest
conditions including Leukaemia,
measures for inclusive growth. (15
Thalassemia, damaged cornea and severe
Marks)
burns. Describe briefly what stem cell
14. What are the major reasons for declining
therapy is and what advantages it has over
rice and wheat yield in the cropping
other treatments? (10 Marks)
system? How crop diversification is
7. India has achieved remarkable successes
helpful to stabilize the yield of the crops in
in unmanned space missions including the
the system? (15 Marks)
Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission,
but has not ventured into manned space

15. How do subsidies affect the cropping Q1. Conflict of interest in the public sector arises
pattern, crop diversity and economy of when
farmers? What is the significance of the (A) Official duties.
crop insurance, minimum support price
and food processing for small and (B) Public interest, and
marginal farmers ? (15 Marks) (C) Personal interest,
16. Give an account of the growth and
Are taking priority one above the other.
development of nuclear science and
technology in India. What is the How can this conflict in administration be resolved?
advantages of fast breeder reactor Describe with an example. (150 Words)
programme in India? (15 Marks) Q2. Examine the relevance of the following in the
17. ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How context of civil service : (150 Words)
India will be affected by climate change?
(A) Transparency
How Himalayan and coastal states of
India will be affected by climate change? (B) Accountability
(15 Marks) (C) Fairness and justice
18. On December 2004, tsunami brought
(D) Courage of conviction
havoc on fourteen countries including
India. Discuss the factor responsible for (E) Sprit of service
occurrence of tsunami and its effects on Q3. Young people with ethical conduct are not
life and economy. In the light of guidelines willing to come forward to join active politics.
of NDMA (2010) describe the
Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward.
mechanisms for preparedness to reduce
(150 Words)
the risk during such events. (15 Marks)
19. Mob violence is emerging as a serious law Q4. (a) One of the taste of integrity is complete
and order problem in India. By giving refusal to be compromised. Explain with reference
suitable example, analyze the causes and to a real life example. (150 Words)
consequences of such violence. (15 (b) Corporate social responsibility makes
Marks) companies more profitable and sustainable.
20. The scourge of terrorism is a grave Analyse. (150 Words)
challenge to national security. What
Q5. (a) "Great ambition is the passion of a great
solutions do you suggest to curb this
character. Those endowed with it may perform very
growing menace? What are the major
good or very bad acts.
sources of terrorist funding? (15
Marks) All depends on the principles Which direct them." -
Napoleon Bonaparte.
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Stating examples mention the rulers (i) who have
Paper-4 2017 harmed society and country, (ii) who worked for the
development of society and country. (150 Words)
SECTION – A

(b) "if a country is to be corruption free and (b) When the number of people adopting unfair
become a nation of a beautiful mind, I strongly feel means is large, a small minority having a penchant
there are three key societal members who can towards ethical means makes no difference.
make a difference. They are the father, the mother (c) Sticking to ethical means is detrimental to the
and the teacher." - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Analyse. larger developmental goals
(150 Words)
(d) While one may not involve oneself in large
Q6.(a) how will you apply emotional intelligence in unethical practices, but giving and accepting small
administrative practice? gifts makes the system more efficient.
(b) Strength, peace and Security are considered to Examine the above statements with their merits
be the pillars of international relations. Elucidate . and demerits. (250 Words)
Q7. (a) The crisis of ethical values in modern times Q10. You are aspiring to become an IAS officer and
is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. you have cleared various stages and now you have
Discuss. been selected for the personal interview. On the day
(b) Increased national wealth did not result in of the interview, on the way to the venue you saw an
equitable distribution of its benefits. It has created accident where a mother and child who happen to
only some ‘’enclaves of modernity and prosperity be your relatives were badly injured. They needed
for a small minority at the cost the majority.’’ immediate help.
Justify. What would you have done in such a situation?
Q8.(a) Discipline generally implies following the Justify your action. (250 Words)
order and subordination.However it may be Q11. You are the head of the Human Resources
counterproductive for the organisation. Discuss. department of an organisation. One day one of the
(b)Without commonly shared and widely workers died on duty. His family was demanding
entrenched moral values and obligation, neither the compensation. However, the company denied
law, nor democratic government, nor even the compensation because it was revealed in
market economy will function properly. investigation that he was drunk at the time of the
What do you understand by this statement? Explain accident. The workers of the company went to
with illustration in the contemporary times. strike demanding compensation for the family of
the deceased. The Chairman of the management
SECTION – B board has asked for your recommendation.
Q9. You are an honest and responsible civil servant. What recommendation would you provide the
You often observe the following: management?
(a) There is a general perception that adhering to Discuss the merits and demerits of each of the
ethical conduct one may face difficulties to oneself recommendations. (250 Words)
and cause problems for the family, whereas unfair
practices may help to reach the career goals. Q12. You are the manager of a spare parts
company A and you have to negotiate a deal with
the manager of a large manufacturing company B.
The deal is highly competitive and sealing the deal

is critical for your company. The deal is being functioned as a check on the supposedly arbitrarily
worked out over a dinner. After dinner the manager administrative behaviour and actions. However, as
of manufacturing company B offered to drop you to a PIO you have observed that there are citizens who
the hotel in his car. On the way to hotel he happens filed RTI applications not for themselves but on
to hit motorcycle injuring the motorcyclist badly. behalf of such stakeholders who purportedly want
You know the manager was driving fast and thus to have access to information to further their own
lost control. The law enforcement officer comes to interests. At the same time there are these RTI
investigate the issue and you are the sole activists who routinely file RTI applications and
eyewitness to it. Knowing the strict laws pertaining attempt to extort money from the decision makers.
to road accidents you are aware that your honest This type of RTI activism has affected the
account of the incident would lead to the functioning of the administration adversely and
prosecution of the manager and as a consequence also possibly jeopardises the genuineness of the
the deal is likely to be jeopardised, which is of applications which are essentially aimed at getting
immense importance to your company. justice.
What are the dilemmas you face? What will be your What measures would you suggest to separate
response to the situation? (250 Words) genuine and non-genuine applications? Give merits
Q13. A building permitted for three floors, while and demerits of your suggestions. (250 Words)
being extended illegally to 6 floors by a builder,
collapses. As a consequence, a number of innocent
labourers including women and children died.
These labourers are migrants of different places.
The government immediately announced cash
relief to the aggrieved families and arrested the
builder.
Give reasons for such incidents taking place across
the country. Suggest measures to prevent their
occurrence. (250 Words)
Q14. You are a Public Information Officer (PIO) in a
government department. You are aware that the RTI
Act 2005 envisages transparency and
accountability in administration. The act has

8. To what extent globalisation has influenced the

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies core of cultural diversity in India? Explain.
Paper-1-2016 9. “An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to
liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.”
1. Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk
Substantiate this statement with suitable
motifs and narratives, successfully expounds
examples.
Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.
10. Why are the tribals in India referred to as ‘the
2. Krishnadeva Raya, the king of Vijayanagar, was
Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major provisions
not only an accomplished scholar himself but was
enshrined in the Constitution of India for their
a also a great patron of learning and literature.
upliftment.
Discuss.
11. With a brief background of quality of urban life
3. Explain how the upraising of 1857 constitutes an
in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of
important watershed in the evolution of British
‘Smart City Programme.”
policies towards colonial India.
12. What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that
4. Discuss the role of women in the freedom
unequal distribution of benefits of development on
struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.
regional basis eventually promotes regionalism?
5. Highlight the differences in the approach of
Substantiate your answer.
Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the
13. Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its
struggle for freedom.
role in macro-climatic changes.
6. Has the formation of linguistic states
14. “The Himalayas are highly prone to
strengthened the cause of Indian unity?
landslides.”Discuss the causes and suggest
7. The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were
suitable measures mitigation.
led by the new elite of Western -educated Africans.
Examine.

15. The effective management of land and water a new trend in the functioning of Indian
resources will drastically reduce the human federal politics?
miseries. Explain. 2. To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian
16. South China Sea has assumed great Constitution, bearing marginal note
geopolitical significance in the present context. “temporary provision with respect to the
Comment. State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary?
17. Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to Discuss the future prospects of this
flood conditions. Discuss. provision in context of Indian polity.
18. Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty 3. “The Indian party system is passing through
and examine its ecological, economic and political a phase of transition which looks to be full
implications in the context of changing bilateral of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss.
relations. 4. Exercise of CAG’s powers in relation to the
19. Enumerate the problems and prospects of accounts of the Union and the States is
inland water transport in India. derived from Article 149 of the Indian
20. In what way micro-watershed development Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the
projects help in water conservation in Government’s policy implementation could
drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India? amount to overstepping its own (CAG)
jurisdiction.
5. Discuss each adjective attached to the word
‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they
defendable in the present circumstances?
6. What was held in the Coelho case? In this
context, can you say that judicial review is
of key importance amongst the basic
features of the Constitution?
7. Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay
down a federal constitution? Discuss.
8. What is quasi judicial body? Explain with the
help of concrete examples.
9. Professor Amartya Sen has advocated
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies important reforms in the realms of primary
Paper-2-2016 education and primary health care. What are
your suggestions to improve their status
1. Discuss the essentials of the 69th and performance?
Constitutional Amendment Act and 10. “In the Indian governance system, the role of
anomalies, if any, that have led recent non-state actors has been only marginal.”
reported conflicts between the elected Critically examine this statement.
representatives and the institution of the 11. “Effectiveness of the government system at
Lieutenant Governor in the administration of various levels and people’s participation in
Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to the governance system are interdependent”

Discuss their relationship in the context of internal affairs of member states by

India. Pakistan are not conducive for the future of
12. In the integrity index of Transparency SAARC (South Asian Association for
International, India stands very low. Discuss Regional Cooperation).” Explain with
briefly the legal, political, social and cultural suitable examples.
factors that have caused the decline of 20. What are the aims and objectives of the
public morality in India. McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What
13. Has the Indian governmental system is India’s position these?
responded adequately to the demands of
Liberalization, Privatization and UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
Globalization started in 1991? What can the Paper-3-2016
government do to be responsive to this
important change?
1. How globalization has led to the reduction of
14. “Traditional bureaucratic structure and
employment in the formal sector of the Indian
culture have hampered the process of
economy? increased informalization detrimental to
socio-economic development in India.”
the development of the country?
Comment.
2. Women empowerment in India needs gender
15. Examine the main provisions of the National
budgeting. What are the requirements and status of
Child Policy and throw light on the status of
gender budgeting in the Indian context?
its implementation.
3. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is
16. “Demographic Dividend in India will remain
necessary for bringing unbanked to the institutional
only theoretical unless our manpower
finance fold. Do you agree with this for financial
becomes more educated, aware, skilled and
inclusion of the poor section of the Indian society?
creative.” What measures have been taken
Give arguments to justify your opinion.
by the government to enhance the capacity
4. What are ‘Smart Cities’? Examine their relevance
of our population to be more productive and
for urban development in India. Will it increase rural
employable?
urban differences? Give arguments for ’Smart
17. “The broader aims and objectives of WTO
Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission.
are to manage and promote international
5. Justify the need for FDI for the development of
trade in the era of globalization. But the
the Indian economy. Why there is gap between
Doha round of negotiations seem doomed
MOUs signed and actual FDIs? Suggest remedial
due to differences between the developed
steps to be taken for increasing actual FDIs in India.
and the developing countries.” Discuss in
6. Comment on the challenges for inclusive growth
the Indian perspective.
which include careless and useless manpower in
18. Evaluate the economic and strategic
Indian context. Suggest measures to be taken for
dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the
facing these challenges.
context of the post Cold War international
7. What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of
scenario.
micro-irrigation in increasing the water-use
19. “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in
efficiency.
India and growing interference in the

8. What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major 19. Border management is a complex task due to
cropping systems of irrigated agriculture. difficult terrain and hostile relations with some
9. Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies
development. Identify the factors that were for effective border management.
responsible for the success of land reforms in 20. Use of internet and social media by non-state
India. actors for subversive activities is a major security
10. Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to concern. How have these been misused in the
vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb
insurance and bring out the salient features of the the above threat.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
11. Give an account of the current status and the UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable Paper-4-2016
energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the
importance of National Programme on Light
Section A
Emitting Diodes (LEDs).
Q.1) a) Explain how ethics contributes to social and
12. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of
human well-being. (150 words) 10
Space Science and Technology. How the
b) Why should impartiality and nonpartisanship be
application of this technology has helped India in
considered as foundational values in public
its socio-economic development?
services, especially in the present day
13. Why is nanotechnology one of the key
socio-political context? Illustrate your answer with
technologies of the 21st century? Describe the
examples. (150 words) 10
salient features Indian Government’s Mission on
Q.2) a) What do you understand by the terms
Nanoscience and Technology and the scope of its
‘governance’, ‘good governance’ and ‘ethical
application in development process of the country.
governance’? (150 words) 10
14. Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of
b) Discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of seven
the important environmental impacts which always
sins. (150 words)
attracts controversy while planning major projects.
Q.3) a) Analyse John rawls’s concept of social
Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of
justice in the Indian Context. (150 word) 10
this impact while proposing major developmental
b) Discuss the Public Services Code as
projects.
recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms
be adopted to mitigate the impact of recent
Commission. (150
incidents of cloudbursts in many places of
words) 10
Uttarakhand.
Q.4) a) “Corruption causes misuse of government
17. The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are
treasury, administrative inefficiency and obstruction
often used in connection with armed action against
in path of national development.” Discuss Kautilya’s
terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of
views.. (150 words). 10
such actions.
b) How could social influence and persuasion
18. ‘Terrorism is emerging as a competitive
contribute to the success of Swachh Bharat
industry over the last few decades.” Analyse the
Abhiyan? (150 word). 10
above statement.

Q.5) Law and ethics are considered to be the two dismissed. She cannot risk losing her job as she is
tools for controlling human conduct so as to make the sole bread-winner for her family and has
conducive to civilized social existence. support her ailing parents and siblings. At first, she
a) Discuss how they achieve this objective. thinks that if her seniors are keeping quiet, why
b) Giving examples, show how the two differ in their should she stick out her neck. But her conscience
approaches. (150 words) 10 pricks her to do something to save the river and the
Q.6) Our attitudes towards life, work, other people people who depend upon it. At heart she feels that
and society are generally shaped unconsciously by the advice of silence given by her friends is not
the family and the social surroundings in which we correct though she cannot give reasons for it. She
grow up. Some of these unconsciously acquired thinks you are a wise person and seeks your advice.
attitudes and values are often undesirable in the a) What arguments can you advance to show her
citizens of a modern democratic and egalitarian that keeping quiet is not morally right?
society. b) What course of action would you advise her to
a) Discuss such undesirable values prevalent in adopt and why? (250 words) 20
Today’s educated Indians. Q.10) Land needed for mining, dams and other
b) How can such undesirable attitudes be changed large-scale projects is acquired mostly from
and socio-ethical values considered necessary in Adivasis, hill dwellers and rural communities. The
public services be cultivated in the aspiring and displaced persons are paid monetary
serving civil servants? (150 words) 10 compensation as per the legal provisions. However,
Q.7) Anger is a harmful negative emotion. It is the payment is often tardy. In any case, hit cannot
injurious to both personal life and work life. sustain the displaced families long. These people
Q.8) “Max Weber said that it is not wise to apply to do not possess marketable skills to engage in
public administration the sort of moral and ethical some other accusation. They end up as low paid
norms we apply to matters of personal conscience. migrant laborers. Moreover, their development go to
It is important to realize that the state bureaucracy industries, industrialists and urban communities
might possess its own independent bureaucratic whereas the costs are passed on to these poor
morality.” Critically analyse this statement. (150 helpless people. This unjust distribution of costs
words) 10 and benefits unethical.
Q.9) A fresh engineering graduate gets a job in a Suppose you have been entrusted with the task of
prestigious chemical industry. She likes the work. drafting a better compensation-cum-rehabilitation
The salary policy such displaced persons, how would you
is also good. However, after a few months she approach the problem and what would be the main
accidentally discovers that a highly toxic waste is elements of your suggested policy? (250 words) 20
being secretly discharged into a river nearby. This is Q.11) Suppose you are an officer in-charge of
causing health problems to the villagers implementing a social service scheme to provide
downstream who depend the river for their water support to old and destitute women. An old and
needs. She is perturbed and mentions her concern illiterate woman comes to you to avail the benefits
to her colleagues who have been with the company of the scheme. However, she has no documents to
for longer periods. They advise her to keep quite as show that she fulfils the eligibility criteria. But after
anyone who mentions the topic summarily meeting her and listening to her you feel that she

certainly needs support. Your enquiries also show shareholder base. The company is continuously
that she is really destitute and living in pitiable expanding the generating employment. The
condition. You are in a dilemma as to what to do. company, in expansion and diversification
Putting her under the scheme without necessary programme, decides to establish a new plant at
documents would clearly be violation of rules. But Vikaspuri, an area which underdeveloped. The new
denying her the support would be cruel and plant is designed to use energy efficient technology
inhuman. that will help the company save production cost by
a) Can you think of a rational way to resolve this 20%. The company’s decision goes well with the
dilemma? Government policy of attracting investment to
b) Give your reasons for it. (250 words) 20 develop such underdeveloped regions. The
Since you have good tuning with the boss, he government has also announced tax holiday for five
started depending on you. One day due to ill health years for the companies that invest in
he invited you at his place for finishing some urgent underdeveloped areas. However, the new plant may
work. bring chaos for inhabitants of Vikaspuri region,
You reached his house and before you could ring which is otherwise tranquil. The new plant may
the bell you heard shouting noises. You waited for a result in increased cost living, aliens migrating to
while. After entering the house the boss greeted the region, disturbing the social and economic
you and explained the work. But you were order. The company sensing possible protest tried
constantly disturbed the crying of a woman. At last, to educate the people of Vikaspuri region and
you inquired with the boss but his answer did not public in general that how its Corporate Social
satisfy you. Responsibility (CSR) policy would help overcome
Next day, you were compelled to inquire further in the likely difficulties of the residents of Vikaspuri
the office and found out that his behavior is very region. In spite of this the protests begin and some
bad home with his wife. He also beats up bit wife. of the residents decided to approach the judiciary
His wife is not well educated and is a simple as their
woman comparison to her husband. you see that plea before the Government did not yield any result.
though your boss is a nice person in the office, he is a) Identify the issues involved in the case
engaged domestic violence at home. b) What can be suggested to satisfy the company’s
In such a situation, you are left with the following goal and to address the residents’ concern? (300
options. Analyse each option with its words)
consequences. Q.14) Saraswati was a successful IT professional in
a) just ignore thinking about it because it is their USA. Moved by the patriotic sense of doing
personal matter. something for the country she returned to India.
b) Repost the case to the appropriate authority. Together with some other like-minded friends, she
c) Your own innovative approach towards the formed an NGO build a school for a poor rural
situation. (250 words) 20 community.
The objective of the school was to provide the best
Q.13) ABC Ltd. Is a large transnational company quality modern education at a nominal cost. She
having diversified business activities with a huge soon discovered that she has to seek permission
from a number of Government agencies. The rules

and procedures were quite confusing and

cumbersome. What frustrated her most was delays,
callous attitude of officials and constant demand
for bribes. Her experience and the experience of
many others like her has deterred people meaning,
honest NGO efforts are not thwarted? (300 words).
25

Q3. How difficult would have been the achievement

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi?
Paper-1-2015 Discuss.
Q4. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B R Ambedkar,
despite having divergent approaches and
strategies, had common goal of amelioration of the
Instructions: Answer the following questions in not
downtrodden. Elucidate. (12.5M)
more than 200 words each. Contents of the
Q5. It would have been difficult for the Constituent
answers
Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting
are more important than their length. All questions
Constitution for Independent India in just three
carry equal marks.
years, but its experience gained with the
Government of India
Note: Each question carries 12.5 Marks (12.5 x 20
Act, 1935 .Discuss.(12.5M)
= 200 Marks )
Q6. Why did the industrial revolution first occur in
England? Discuss the quality of life of the people
Q1. The ancient civilization in Indian sub continent
there
differed from those of Egypt , Mesopotamia and
during the industrialization. How does it compare
Greece
with that in India at present times?
in that its culture and traditions have been
Q7. To what extend can Germany be held
preserved without breakdown to the present day.
responsible for causing the two World Wars?
Comment (12.5M)
Discuss critically.
Q2. Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not
Q8. Describe any four cultural elements of diversity
only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a
in India and rate their relative significance in
fine
building national identity.
aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting.
Critically evaluate this comment. (12.5M)

Q9. Critically examine whether growing population

is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the mains UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
cause population increase in India. Paper-2-2015
Q10. How do you explain the statistics that show
that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more
favourable women than the sex ratio among
Scheduled Castes?
answers
Q11. Discuss the changes in the trends of labour
migration within and outside India in the last four
carry equal marks.
decades.
Note: Each question carries 12.5 Marks (12.5×20 =
Q12. Discuss the positive and negative effects of
200 Marks )
globalization on women in India?
Q1. Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India
Q13. Debate the issue whether and how
from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as
contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit
provided
identity work towards
for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.
annihilation of caste.
Q2. The concept of cooperative federalism has
Q14. Explain the factors responsible for the origin
been increasingly emphasised in recent years.
of ocean currents. How do they influence regional
Highlight drawbacks in the existing structure and
climates,
extent to which cooperative federalism would
fishing and navigation?
answer shortcomings.
Q15. Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega
Q3. In the absence of well – educated and
cities of the country but the air pollution is much
organised local level government system,
more
Panchayats and Samitis
serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other
have remained mainly political institutions and not
two. Why is this so?
effective instrument of governance. Critically
ecological carrying capacity due to tourism.
Discuss.
Critically evaluate.
Q4. Khap panchayats have been in the news for
Q18. How far do you agree that the behaviour of the
functioning as extra – constitutional authorities,
Indian monsoon has been changing due to
often
humanizing
delivering pronouncements amounting to human
landscape? Discuss.
right violations. Discuss critically the actions taken
Q19. Smart cities in India cannot sustain without
by the
smart villages. Discuss this statement in the
legislative, executive and judiciary to set the things
backdrop of rural
right in this regard.
urban integration.
Q5. Resorting to ordinances has always raised
Q20. What are the economic significances of
concern on violation of the spirit of separation of
discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible
power
environmental Consequences?
doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the
power to promulgate, analyse whether the decision
of Supreme Court on the issue have further

facilitated to resorting to this power. Should the transparency and accountability.

power to promulgate Q15. If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers
the ordinances be repealed? Protection Act 2011 tabled in the Parliament is
Q6. What are the major changes brought in the passed, there maybe no on left to protect. Critically
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1966 through the Evaluate.
recent ordinance promulgated by the President? Q16. For achieving the desired objectives,it is
How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution necessary to ensure that the regulatory institution
mechanism? Discuss. remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in
Q7. Does the right to clean environment entail legal the light of experiences in recent past.
regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Q17. Increasing interest of India in Africa has its
Discus the light of Article 21 of Indian Constitution pro and cons. Critically Examine.
and judgements of the apex in this regard. Q18. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its
Q8. Examine critically the recent changes in the rule pursuit of a permanent seat in UNSC.
governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Q19. Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique
Foreign foreign policy initiative of Indian government to
Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. improve relationship wit its neighbours. Does the
Q9. The Self Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage project have a strategic dimension? Discuss
Program (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation , Q20. Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have
has proved clouded India – Pakistan relations. To what extent
to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation the use soft power like sports and cultural
and women empowerment programme. Elucidate. exchange could help generate goodwill between the
Q10. How can be the role of NGOs be strengthened two countries. Discuss with suitable examples.
in India for development works relating to
protection the Environment? Discuss throwing light
on the major constraints.
Q11. The quality of higher education in India
requires major improvement to make it
internationally
competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign
educational institutions would help improve the
quality technical and higher education in the
country. Discuss.
Q12. Public health system has limitation in
providing universal health coverage. Do you think
that private
over time. Do you agree. Critically examine with
reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.
Q14. In the light of Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss
the changes brought in the corporate governance to
ensure

Q6. What are the impediments in marketing and

supply chain management in developing the food
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies processing
Paper-3-2015 industry in India? Can e-commerce help in
overcoming this bottleneck?
Q7. Craze for gold in Indian has led to surge in
import of gold in recent years and put pressure on
balance payments and external value of rupee. In
answers
view of this, examine the merits of Gold
Monetization scheme.
carry equal marks.
Q8. “Success of make in India program depends on
Note: Each question carries 12.5 Marks (12.5×20 =
the success of Skill India programme and radical
200 Marks )
labour
reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments.
Q1. The nature of economic growth in India in
Q9. To what factors can be the recent dramatic fall
recent times is often described as a jobless growth.
in equipment cost and tariff of solar energy be
Do you
attributed?
agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of
What implications does the trend have for thermal
your answer.
power producers and related industry?
Q2. Livestock rearing has a big potential for
Q10. There is a clear acknowledgement that
providing non- farm employment and income in
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a tool of
rural areas.
industrial
Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote
development, manufacturing and exports.
this sector in India.
Recognising this potential, the whole
Q3. In the view of the declining average size of land
instrumentality of SEZs
holdings in India which has made agriculture non –
require augmentation. Discuss the issue plaguing
viable
the success of SEZs with respect to taxation,
for a majority of farmers should contract farming
governing laws
and land leasing be promoted in agriculture?
and administration.
critically
Q11. What do you understand by “Standard
evaluate the pros and cons.
Positioning System” and “Precision positioning
Q4. How can the Digital India program help farmers
system” in GPS era? Discuss the advantage India
to improve farm productivity and income? What
perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme
step has
employing just seven
the government taken in this regard?
satellites.
Q5. In what way could replacement of price subsidy
Q12. What are the areas of prohibitive labour that
with direct benefit Transfer (DBT) change the
can be sustainably managed by robots? Discuss
scenario
initiatives that can propel the research in premier
of subsidies in India? Discuss.
research institutes for substantive and gainful
innovation.

corrective strategies needed to win the Left Wing

Q13. Discuss the advantage and security Extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back
implication of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in into mainstream of social and economic growth.
house machine information on more than 2 million
medicinal formulations is proving a powerful Q20. Considering the threats cyberspace poses for
weapon in country’s fight against erroneous the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Forces”
patents. Discuss the pro and cons of making the prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National
database available publicly available under open Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges
source licensing. perceived in its effective implementation.
Q15. Discuss the Namami Gange and National

Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and
causes mixed results from the previous schemes.
What quantum leaps can help preserve the river
Ganga better than incremental inputs?
Q16. The frequency of earthquakes appears to have

increased in the Indian subcontinent. However,
India’s preparedness for mitigating their impact has
significant gaps. Discuss various aspects.
Q17. Human right activists constantly highlight the Paper-4-2015
fact that the Armed forces (Special Powers) Act,
1958 Instructions: Word limit in questions, wherever
AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of specified, should be adhered to.
human right abuses by security forces. What Note: The number of marks carried by a
sections of AFSPA question/part is indicated against it.
are opposed by the activists. Critically evaluate the
requirement with reference to the view held by Apex Section A
Court. Q1.
Q18. Religious indoctrination via social media has a) What is meant by ‘environmental ethics’? Why is
resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS. What is it important to study? Discuss any one
ISIS and environmental issue from viewpoint of
its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous to the environmental ethics. (150 words) (10)
internal security of our country. b) Differentiate between the following (10 marks)
Q19. The persisting drives of the government for (200 Words)
development of large industries in backward areas i) Law and ethics
have resulted in isolating the tribal population and ii) Ethical management and management of ethics
the farmers who face multiple displacements. With iii) Discrimination and preferential treatment
Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the iv) Personal Ethics and Professional Ethics

Q2. Given are two quotations of moral a) Distinguish between these two terms and write
thinkers/philosophers. For each of these bring out their merits and demerits.
what it means to you in present context. b) Is it possible to balance the two too create a
a) “The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the better administration for the faster development of
attribute of strong.” (10) (150 words) our country?
b) “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the Q6. Today we find that in-spite of various measures
dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of prescribing codes of conduct, setting up
of the light” marks) (150 words) vigilance
Q3. cells/commissions, RTI, active media and
a) “A mere compliance with law is not enough, the strengthening of legal mechanism, corrupt
public servant also have to have a well developed practices are not coming under
sensibility to ethical control. (10 Marks) (150 words)
issues for effective discharge of duties” Do you a) Evaluate the effectiveness of these measures
agree? Explain with the help of two examples where with justifications
(i) an act is ethically b) Suggest more effective strategies to tackle this
right, but not legally and (ii) an act is legally right, menace
but not ethically. (10 Marks) (150 words) Q7. At the international level, bilateral relations
b) How do the virtues of trustworthiness and between most nations are governed on the policy
fortitude get manifested in public service? Explain of promoting one’s
with examples (10) (150 own national interest without any regard for the
words) interest of other nations. This lead to conflicts and
Q4. tension between
a) Social values are more important than economic the nations. How can ethical consideration help
values. Discuss the above statement with examples resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific
in the context inclusive growth of a nation. (150 examples. (10 Marks) (150
words) (10 Marks) words)
b) Some recent developments such as introduction Q8. Public servants are likely to confront with the
of RTI Act, media and judicial activism, etc. are issues of “Conflict of Interest”. What do you
proving helpful bringing about greater transparency understand by term “Conflict of Interest” and how
and accountability in the functioning of the does it manifest in the decision making by public
government. However, it is also being servants? If faced with conflict of interest situation
observed that at times the mechanisms are how would you resolve it? Explain with the help of
misused. Another negative effect is that the officers examples. (10 Marks) (150 words)
are now afraid to take prompt Section – B
decisions. Analyse the situation in detail and Q9. A private company is known for its efficiency,
suggest how the dichotomy can be resolved. transparency and employee welfare. The company
Suggest how these negative impacts though owned by private individual has a
bureaucratic attitude and the democratic attitude. cooperative character where employees feel a
(10 Marks) (150 words) sense of ownership. The company employs nearly
700

personnel and they have voluntarily decided not to Q11. One of the scientists working in the R&D
form union. laboratory of a major pharmaceutical company
One day suddenly in the morning, about 40 men discovers that one of company’s best selling
belonging to political party gate crashed into the veterinary drugs has the potential to cure a
factory demanding jobs the factory. They currently incurable liver disease which is prevalent
threatened the management and employees, and in tribal
also used foul language. The employees feel areas. However, developing a variant of the drug
demoralized. suitable for human being entailed a lot of research
was clear that those people who gate crashed and development having
wanted to be on the payroll of the company as well huge expenditure to the extent of Rs. 50 crores. It
as continue as volunteers/members of the party. was unlikely that company would recover the cost
The company maintains high standards in integrity as the disease was
and does not extend favours to civil administration rampant only in poverty stricken areas having very
that also includes law little market otherwise.
enforcement agency. Such incident occur in public If you were the CEO, then (20 Marks) (250 Words)
sector also. (20 Marks) (250 Words) a) Identify the various actions that you could take
a) Assume you are the CEO of the company. What b) Evaluate the pros and cons of each of your
would you do to diffuse the volatile situation on the actions
date of gate crashing Q12. There is a disaster prone state having frequent
with the violent mob sitting inside the company landslides, forest fires, cloudbursts, flash floods
premises? and earthquakes, Some of these are seasonal and
b) What can be the long term solution to the issue often unpredictable. The magnitude of the disaster
discussed in the case? is always unanticipated. During one of seasons a
c) Every solution/action that you suggest will have cloudburst caused a devastating floods and
a negative and a positive impact on you as (CEO), landslides leading to high casualties. There was
the employees and performance of the employees. major damage infrastructure like roads, bridges and
Analyse the consequences of each of your power generating units. This led to more than
suggested actions. 100000 pilgrims, tourist and other locals
allowed to take meals by their parents. trapped across different routes and locations. The
Consequently the attendance in the schools falls people trapped in your area of responsibility
sharply. This could result in possibility of includes senior citizens, patients
discontinuation of midday meal scheme, thereafter in hospitals, women and children, hiker, tourist,
of teaching staff and subsequent closing down the ruling parties, regional presidents along with his
school. family, additional chief
20 Marks) (250 Words) secretary of the neighboring state and prisoners in
a) Discuss some feasible strategies to overcome jail.
the conflict and to create right ambiance. As a civil services officer of the state, what would
b) What should be the responsibilities of different be the order in which you would rescue these
social segments and agencies to create positive people and why? Give
social ambiance accepting such changes? Justifications (20 Marks) (200 Words)

Q13. You are heading a district administration in a Can you suggest any other option with proper
particular department. Your senior officer calls you justifications?
from the State Q14. You are recently posted as district
Headquarters and tells you that a plot in Rampur development officer of a district. Shortly thereafter
village is to have a building constructed on it for a you found that there considerable tension in the
school. A visit is scheduled rural areas of your district on the issue of sending
during which he will visit the site along with the girls to schools.
chief engineer and the senior architect. He wants The elders of the village feel that many problems
you to check out all papers relating to it and ensure have come up because girls are being educated
that the visit is properly arranged. You examine the and they are stepping out the safe environment of
file which relates to the period before you the household. They are the view that the girls
joined the department. The land was acquired for should be quickly married off with minimum
the local panchayat at a nominal cost and the education.
papers showed that clearance The girls are also competing for jobs after
certificates are available for the two of the three education, which have traditionally remained in
authorities who have to certify the site’s suitability. boys’ exclusive domain, adding unemployment
There is no certification amongst male population.
by the architect available on file. You decide to visit The younger generation feels that in the present
Rampur to ensure that all is in the order as stated era, girls should have equal opportunities for
on file. When you visit education and employment, and
Rampur, you find that the plot under reference is a other means of livelihood. The entire locality is
part of Thakurgarh fort and that the walls, ramparts, divided between sexes in both generations. You
etc., are running across come to know that Panchayat or in other local
it. The fort is well away from the main village, bodies or even in busy crosswords, the issue is
therefore a school here will be a serious being acrimoniously debated.
inconvenience for the children. One day you are informed that an unpleasant
some vested interest. (25 Marks) (250 Words) incident has taken place. Some girls were
a) List the likely vested interest of the concerned molested, when they were en route schools. The
parties. incident led to clashes between several groups and
b) Some of the options for action available to you a law and order problem has arisen. The elder after
are listed below. Discuss the merits and demerits of heated
each of the options: discussion have taken a joint decision not to allow
i) You can await the visit of the superior officer and girls to go to school and to socially boycott all such
let him take a decision. families, which do follow their dictate. (250 words)
ii) You can seek his advice in writing or on phone. (25 Marks)
iii) You can consult your predecessor/ colleagues, a) What steps would you take to ensure girls’ safety
etc, and then decide what to do. without disrupting their education?
iv) You can find out if any alternate plot can be got b) How would you manage and mould patri archic
in exchange and then send a comprehensive attitude of the village elders to ensure harmony in
written report. the inter-generational

relations?

5. Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies either the religious ideas and practices or the
Paper-1-2014 outward structure of Hindu/Muslim societies to any
appreciable extent. Comment.
1. To what extent has the urban planning and
6. Examine critically the various facets of economic
culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided
policies of the British in India
inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss.
From mid-eighteenth century till independence.
2. Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the
7. In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the
Romans as to the Greeks. Explain.
last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations
3. Taxila university was one of the oldest
in India?
universities of the world with which were
8. What were the major political, economic and
associated a number of renowned learned
social developments in the world Which motivated
personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic
the anti-colonial struggle in India?
location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike
9. What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis
Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the
in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s
modern sense. Discuss.
self-image as a world power?
4. The third battle of Panipat was fought in
10. The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had
1761.Why were so many empire-shaking battles
influenced the policies adopted by India soon after
fought at Panipat?
independence. Evaluate.

11. How does patriarchy impact the position of a 25. How does India see its place in the economic
middle class working woman in India? space of rising natural resource richAfrica?
12. Why do some of the most prosperous regious
of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give
your arguments. UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
13. The life cycle of a joint family depends on Paper-2-2014
economic factors rather than social values.
Discuss.
Answer the question in NOT MORE THAN 200
14. Discuss the various economic and sociocultural
words each. Contents of the answer is more
forces that are driving increasing feminization of
important than its length. All question carry equal
agriculture in India.
marks.
15. How do the India debates on secularism differ
1. Staring from inventing the ‘basic structure’
from the debates in the West?
doctrine, the judicial activism in achieving the
16. Most of the unusual climatic happenings re
ideals of democracy.
explained a an outcome of the EI-Nino effect. Do
2. Though the federal principal is dominant in our
you agree?
constitution and that principle is one of its basic
17. Why are the world’s fold mountain systems
features, but it is equally true that federalism under
located along the margins of continents? Bring out
the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong
the association Between the global distribution of
Center, a feature that militates against the concept
fold mountains and the earth quakes and
of strong federalism. Discuss.
volcanoes.
3. The ‘Powers, Privileges and Immunities of
18. Explain the formation of thousands of islands in
Parliament and its members’ as envisaged in
Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos.
Article 105 of the Constitution leave Room for a
19. Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South
large number of un-enumerated privileges’. How
China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf Of Mexico. Why?
can this problem be
20. Bring out the relationship between the shrinking
addressed?
Himalayan glaciers and the Symptoms of climate
4. What do you understand by the concept
change in the Indian sub-continent.
“Freedom of speech and expression”?Does it
21. Whereas the British planters had developed tea
coverhat speech also?Why do the films in India
gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser
stand on a slightly different plane From other forms
Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed
of expression? Discuss.
beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain.
5. Instances of President’s delay in commuting
22. Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually
death sentences has come under public debate as
by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil and
denial of justice. Should there be a time limit
good availability of water?
specified for the President to accept/reject such
23. Account for the change in the spatial pattern of
petitions ? Analyse.
the Iron and Steel Industry in the world.
6. The size of the cabinet should be as big as
24. Critically evaluate the various resources of the
governmental work justifies and as big as he
oceans which can be harnessed to meet the
PrimeMinister can manage as a team. How far is
resource crisis in the world.

the efficacy of a government then inversely related hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a
to the size of the cabinet? Discuss. reward mechanism as encouragement.
7. Thought 100 percent FDI is already allowed in 13. Should the premier institutes like IITs/ IIMs be
non-news media like a trade publication and allowed to retain premier status, allowed more
general entertainment channel, the Government is academic independence in designing course and
mulling over also decide mode/ criteria of selection of students.
the proposal for increased FDI in new for quite Discuss inlight of the growing challenges.
some time.What difference would an increase in 14. Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organization
FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons. been the cause of slow change in India? Critically
8. The setting up of a Rail Tarif Authority to regulate examine.
fares will subject the cash strapped Indian Railways 15. Two parallel run schemes of the Government,
to demand subsidy for obligation to operate non viz the Adhaar Card and NPR, one as voluntary and
profitable the other as
routes and services. Taking into account the compulsory, have led to debates at national levels
experience in the power sector, discuss if the and also litigations. On merits, discuss whether or
proposed reforms expected to benefit the not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse
consumers, the Indian Railways or the private the potential of the schemes to achieve
container operators. developmental benefits and equitable growth.
9. National Human Rights Commission (NIIRC) in 16. With respect to the South China sea,maritime
India can be most effective when its tasks are territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the
adequately supported by other mechanisms that need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure
ensure the accountability of a government. In light freedom of navigation and overflight throughout the
of The above observation assess the role of NHRC region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues
as an effective complement to the judiciary and the between India and China.
judiciary and other 17. The aim of Information Technology Agreements
institutions. In promoting and protecting human (ITAs) is to all taxes and tariffs on information
rights standards. technology products by signatories to zero. What
10. The penetration of self-help groups (SHGs) in impact would such agreements have on India’s
rural areas in promoting participation in interests?
development programmes is facing sociocultural 18. Some of the International funding agencies
hurdles. Examine. have special terms for economic participation
11. Do government schemes for up-lifting stipulating a substantial component of the aid to be
vulnerable and backward communities by used for sourcing equipment from the leading
protecting required social resources for them, lead countries. Discuss on merits of such terms and if
to their exclusion in establishing businesses in there exists a strong case not to accept such
urban economies? conditions in the India context.
12. An athlete participates in Olympics for personal 19. India has recently signed to become founding
triumph and nation’s glory; victors are showered member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also
with cash incentives by various agencies, on their the Asian Infrastructure Bank (AIIB). How will the
return. Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent

role of the two Banks be different?Discuss the 3. There is also a point of view that Agricultural
strategic significance of these two Banks for India. Produce Market Committees (APMCs) set up under
20. WTO is an important international institution the State Acts have not only impede the
where decisions taken affect countries in a development of agriculture but also have been the
profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and cause of food inflation in India. Critically examine.
how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse 4. “In the villages itself no form of credit
India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food organization will be suitable except the cooperative
security. society.” —All India Rural Credit Survey. Discuss this
statement in the background of agricultural finance
in India. What constraints and challenges do
financial institutions supplying agricultural finance
face? How can technology be used to better reach
and serve rural clients?
5. The Right to Fair Compensation and
Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation
and Resettlement Act, 2013 has come into effect
from 1st January, 2014. What are the key issues
which would get addressed with the Act in Place?
What implications would it have on industrialization
and agriculture in India?
6. Capitalism has guided the world economy to
unprecedented prosperity. However, it often
encourages short-sightedness and contributes to
wide disparities between the rich and the poor. In
this light, would it be correct to believe and adopt
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies capitalism for bringing inclusive growth in India?
Paper-3-2014 Discuss.
1. Normally countries shift from agriculture to 7. Explain how Private Public Partnership
industry and then later to services, but India shifted arrangements, m long gestation infrastructure
directly from agriculture to services.What are the projects, can transfer unsustainable liabilities to the
reasons for the huge future.What arrangements need to be put in place
growth of services vis-à-vis industry in the country? to ensure that successive generations’ capacities
Can India become a developed Country without a are not compromised?
strong industrial base ? 8. National Urban Transport Policy emphasizes on
2. “While we flaunt India’s demographic dividend, ‘moving people’ instead of ‘moving vehicles’.
we ignore the dropping rates of employability.” Discuss critically the success of the various
What are we missing while doing so? Where will the strategies of the Government in this regard.
jobs that India desperately needs come from? 9. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence
Explain. sector is now set to be liberalized. What influence

this is expected to have on Indian defence and 17. International civil aviation laws provide all
economy in the short and long run? countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over
10. Scientific research in Indian universities is the airspace above their territory. What do you
declining, because a career in science is not as understand by ‘airspace’? What are the implications
attractive as are business professions, engineering of these laws on the space above this
or administration, and the universities are airspace?Discuss the challenges which this poses
becoming consumer oriented. Critically comment. and suggest ways to contain the threat.
11. Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics 18. How does illegal transborder migration pose a
without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to
emergence of drug resistant diseases in India? curb this, bringing out the factors which give
12. In a globalized world, Intellectual Property impetus to such migration.
Rights assume significance and are a source of 19. In 2012, the longitudinal marking for high risk
litigation. Broadly distinguish between the areas for piracy was moved from 65 degrees east
terms-Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets. to 78 degrees east in the Arabian Sea by the
13. Should the pursuit of carbon credits and clean InternationalMaritime Organization.What impact
development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC does this have on India’s maritime security
be maintained even though there has been a concerns?
massive slide in the value of a carbon credit? 20. China and Pakistan have entered into an
Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for agreement for development of an economic
economic growth. corridor. What threat does this pose for India’s
14. Drought has been recognized as a disaster in security? Critically examine.
view of its spatial expanse, temporal duration, slow
onset and lasting effects on vulnerable sections. UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
With a focus on the September 2010 guidelines Paper-4-2014
from the National Disaster Management Authority
1. (a)All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you
(NDMA), discuss the mechanisms for preparedness
agree?What does happiness mean to you? Explain
to deal with likely El Nino
with examples.
and La Nina fallouts in India.
(b) What does ethics seek to promote in human
15. Environmental Impact Assessment studies are
life? Why is it all the more important in public
increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared
administration?
by the Government. Discuss the environmental
2. (a) In the context of defence services, ‘patriotism’
impacts of coal fired thermal plants located at
demands readiness to even lay down one’s life in
coalpit threads.
protecting the nation. According to you, what does
16. “The diverse nature of India as a multi religious
patriotism imply in everyday civil life? Explain with
and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the
illustrations and justify your answer.
impact of radicalism which is seen in her
(b)What do you understand by ‘probity’ in public
neighbourhood.” Discuss
life? What are the difficulties in practicing it in the
along with strategies to be adopted to counter this
present times? How can these difficulties be
environment.
overcome?

3. (a) “Integrity without knowledge is weak and notice about the caste system in our society?How
useless, but knowledge without integrity is do you explain the existence of these contrasting
dangerous and dreadful.”What do you understand attitudes?
by this statement? Explain your stand with 7. What does ‘accountability’ mean in the context of
illustrations from the modern context. public service? What measures can be adopted to
(b) “Human beings should always be treated as ensure individual and collective accountability of
‘ends’ in themselves and never as merely ‘means’.” public
Explain the meaning and significance of this Servants?
statement, giving its implications in the modern 8. We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual
techno economic violence against women in the country. Despite
society. existing legal provisions against it, the number of
4. (a)Which eminent personality has inspired you such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some
the most in the context of ethical conduct in life? innovative measures to tackle this menace.
Give the gist of his/her teachings. Giving specific 9. Now-a-days, there is an increasing thrust on
examples, describe how you have been able to economic development all around the globe. At the
apply these teachings for your own ethical same time, there is also an increasing concern
development. about environmental
(b) There is a heavy ethical responsibility on the degradation caused by development. Many a time,
public servants because they occupy positions of we face a direct conflict between developmental
power, handle huge amounts of public funds, and activity and
their decisions have wide-ranging impact on society environmental quality. It is neither feasible to stop
and environment. What steps have you taken or curtail the development process, nor it is
improve your ethical competence to handle such advisable to keep degrading the environment, as it
responsibility? threatens our very
5. (a) the current society is plagued with Survival.
widespread trust-deficit. What are the Discuss some possible strategies which could be
consequences of this situation for personal adopted to eliminate this conflict and which could
well-being and for societal well-being? What can load to sustainable development.
you do at the personal level to make yourself 10. Suppose one of your close friends, who is also
trustworthy? aspiring for civil services, comes to you for
(b) It is often said that poverty leads to corruption. discussing some of the issues related to ethical
However, there is no dearth of instances where conduct in public service.
affluent and powerful people indulge in corruption He raises the following points:
in a bigway. What are the basic causes of (i) In the present times, when unethical
corruption among people? Support your answer environmental is quite prevalent, individual
with examples. attempts to stick to ethical
6. What factors affect the formation of a person’s principles may cause a lot of problems in one’s
attitude towards social problems? In our society career. It may also cause hardship to the family
contrasting attitudes are prevalent about many members as well as risk to one’s life.Why should we
social problems. What contrasting attitudes do you not be pragmatic and follow the path of least

resistance, and be happy with doing whatever good (i) Give your explanation to the Commission and go
we can? soft on the disciplinary action.
(ii) When so many people are adopting wrong (ii) Ignore the Commission and proceed firmly with
means and are grossly harming the system, what the disciplinary action.
difference would it make if only a small minority (iii) Brief your higher-ups, seek directions from them
tries to be ethical? They are going to be rather and act accordingly. Suggest any other possible
ineffective and are bound to get frustrated. option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best
(iii) If we become fussy about ethical course of action, giving your reasons for it.
considerations, will it not hamper the economic 12. Suppose you are the CEO of a company that
progress of our country? After all, in the present manufactures specialized electronic equipment
age of high competition, we cannot afford to be left used by a government department. You have
behind in the race of development? submitted your bid
(iv) It is understandable that we should not get for the supply of this equipment to the department.
involved in grossly unethical practices, but giving Both the quality and cost of your offer are better
and accepting than those of the competitors. Yet the concerned
small gratifications and doing small favours officer is demanding a hefty bribe for approving the
increases everybody’s motivation. It also makes the tender. Getting the order is important both for you
system more efficient. What is wrong in adopting and for your company.Not getting the order would
such practices? mean closing a production line. It may also affect
Critically analyze the above viewpoints. On the your own career.However, as a value-conscious
basis of this analysis, what will be your advice to person, you do not want to give bribe. Valid
your friend? arguments can be advanced both for giving the
11. You are a no-nonsense, honest officer. You have bribe and getting the order, and for refusing to pay
been transferred to a remote district to head a the bribe and risking the loss of the order. What
department that is notorious for its inefficiency and those arguments could be?Could there be any
callousness. You find that the main cause of the better way to get out of this dilemma? If so, outline
poor state of affairs is the indiscipline of a section the main elements of this third way, pointing out its
of employees. They do not work themselves and merits.
also disrupt the working of others. 13. Rameshwar successfully cleared the
You first warned the troublemakers to mend their prestigious civil services examination and was
ways or else face disciplinary action.When the excited about the opportunity that he would get
warning had little effect, you issued a show cause through the civil services to serve the country.
notice to the ringleaders.As a retaliatory measure, However, soon after joining the services, he realized
these troublemakers instigated a woman employee that things are not as rosy as he had imagined. He
amongst themto file a complaint of sexual found a number of malpractices prevailing in the
harassment against youwith the Women’s department assigned to him. For example, funds
Commission. The Commission promptly seeks your under various schemes and grants were being
explanation. The matter is also publicized in the misappropriated. The official facilities were
media to embarrass you further. Some of the frequently being used for personal needs by the
options to handle this situation could be as follows: officers and staff. After some time, he noticed that

the process of recruiting the staff was also not up as in the urban areas. In fact, things are becoming
to the mark. Prospective candidates were required really unmanageable. Can you analyze this problem
to write an examination in which a lot of cheating in detail and indicate not only the socio-economic
was going on. Some Candidates were provided but also the emotional and
external help in the examination. Rameshwar attitudinal factors responsible for this problem?
brought these incidents to the notice of his seniors. Also, distinctly bring out why-
However, he was advised to keep his eyes, ears and (a) educated rural youth are trying to shift to urban
mouth higher-ups. Rameshwar felt highly areas;
disillusioned and uncomfortable. He comes to you (b) landless poor people are migrating to urban
seeking your advice. Indicate various options that slums;
you think are available in this situation. How would (c) even some farmers are selling off their land and
you help him to evaluate these options and choose trying to settle in urban areas taking up petty jobs.
the most appropriate path to be adopted? What feasible steps can you suggest which will be
14. In our country, the migration of rural people to effective in controlling this serious Problem of our
towns and cities is increasing drastically. This is country?
causing serious problems both in the rural as well

6. Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba
Paper-1-2013 Bhave and their success. (200 words) (10 marks)
7. Write a critical note on the evolution and
significance of the slogan, ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’.
1. Though not very useful from the point of view of
a connected political history of South India, the
8. Discuss the contributions of Maulana Abul
Sangam literature portrays the social and economic
Kalam Azad to pre- and post-independent India.
conditions of its time with remarkable vividness.
(200 words)
Comment. (200 words) (10 marks)
(10 marks)
2. A. Discuss the ‘Tandava’ dance as recorded in
9. Analyze the circumstances that led to the
early Indian inscriptions. (100 words) (5 marks)
ḤTashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the
B Chola architecture represents a high watermark
highlights of the Agreement. (200 words) (10
in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss
marks)
10. Critically examine the compulsion which
3. Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion,
prompted India to play a decisive role in the
the Indian women became the torchbearer during
emergence of Bangladesh. (200 words) (10 marks)
the struggle for Freedom in India. Discuss. (200
11. “‘Latecomer’ Industrial Revolution in Japan
words)
involved certain factors that were markedly
(10 marks)
different from what West had experienced.”
4. Several foreigners made India their homeland
Analyze. (200 words)(10 marks)
and participated in various movements. Analyze
12. “Africa was chopped into states artificially
their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. (200
created by accidents of European competition.”
words) (10 marks)
Analyze. (200 words) (10 marks)
5. “In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder
of modern India.” Elaborate. (200 words) (10
marks)

13. “American Revolution was an economic revolt 22. b There is no formation of deltas by rivers on
against mercantilism.” Substantiate. (200 words) the Western Ghats.Why? (100 words) (5 marks)
(10 marks) 23. a Do you agree that there is a growing trend of
14. What policy instruments were deployed to opening new sugar mills in southern states of
contain the Great Economic Depression? (200 India? Discuss with justification. (100 words) (5
words) (10 marks) marks)
15. Discuss the various social problems which 23. b Analyze the factors for the highly
originated out of the speedy process of decentralized cotton textile industry in India. (100
urbanization in India. (200 words) (10 marks) words) (5 marks)
16. “Male membership needs to be encouraged in 24. With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic
order to make women’s organization free from energy is gaining more and more significance in
gender bias.” India. Discuss the availability of raw material
Comment. (200 words) (10 marks) required for the
17. Critically examine the effect of globalization on generation of atomic energy in India and in the
the aged population in India. (200 words) (10 world. (200 words) (10 marks)
marks) 25. It is said that India has substantial reserves of
18. Growing feeling of regionalism is an important shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the
factor in generation of demand for a separate state. country for quarter century. However, tapping of the
Discuss. (200 words) (10 marks) resource does not appear to be high on the agenda.
19. a What do you understand by the theory of Discuss critically the availability and issues
continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences involved. (200 words) (10 marks)
in its support. (100 words) (5 marks)
19.b The recent cyclone on the east coast of India
was called ‘Phailin’. How are the tropical cyclones UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
named across the world? Elaborate. (100 words) (5 Paper-2-2013
marks)
1. The role of individual MPs (Members of
20. a Bring out the causes for the formation of heat
Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a
islands in the urban habitat of the world. (100
result healthy constructive debates on policy issues
words) (5 marks)
are not usually witnessed. How far can this be
20. b What do you understand by the phenomenon
attributed to the anti-defection law which was
of ‘temperature inversion’ in meteorology? How
legislated but with a different intention? (200
does it affect weather and the habitants of the
words) 10
place? (100words) (5 marks)
2. Discuss -Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to
21. Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are
its alleged violation of Article 19 of the
located between 20-30 degN latitudes and on the
Constitution. (200 words) 10
western sides of the continents. Why? (200 words)
3. Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and
(10 marks)
Natural Gas are perceived by the ‘Nagas’ as a threat
22. a Bring out the causes for more frequent
to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the
occurrence of landslides in the Himalayas than in
State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian
the Western Ghats. (100 words) (5 marks)
Constitution. (200 words) 10

4. ‘The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on 12. The Central Government frequently complains
arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the on the poor performance of the State Governments
Constitution.’ Discuss critically. (200 words) 10 in eradicating suffering of the vulnerable sections
5. Many States Governments further bifurcate of the society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored
geographical administrative areas like Districts and schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the
Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, cause of vulnerable sections of population aims at
can it also be justified that more number of smaller providing flexibility to the States in better
States would bring in effective governance at State implementation. Critically evaluate. (200 words) 10
level? Discuss. (200 words) 10 13. Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare
6. Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the schemes is an ambitious project to minimize
inter-state water disputes have failed to address corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms
and solve the problems. Is the failure due to Comment. (200
structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss. words) 10
(200 words)10 14. The basis of providing urban amenities in rural
7. Discuss the recommendations of the 13th areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity
Finance Commission which have been a departure Comment. (200 words) 10
from the previous commissions for strengthening 15. Identify the Millennium Development Goals
the local government finances. (200 words) 10 (MDGs) that are related to health. Discuss the
8. The product diversification of financial success of the actions taken by the Government for
institutions and insurance companies, resulting in achieving the same.
overlapping of products and services strengthens (200 words) 10
the case for the merger of the two regulatory 16. Though Citizens’ charters have been formulated
agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify. (200 by many public service delivery organizations, there
words) 10 is no
9. The concept of Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme is corresponding improvement in the level of citizens’
almost a century old in India with early beginnings satisfaction and quality of services being provided
in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The Analyse. (200 words) 10
scheme has again been given impetus in most 17. ‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be,
states in the last two decades. Critically examine cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public
its twin objectives, latest mandates and success: affairs.’ Discuss. (200 words) 10
(200 words) 10 18. The proposed withdrawal of International
10. Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan
the informal face of politics. With regards to the in 2014 is fraught with major security implications
above, assess the structure and functioning of for the countries of the region. Examine in light of
pressure groups in India. (200 words) 10 the fact that India is faced with a plethora of
11. The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help challenges and needs to safeguard its own
Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance strategic interests. (200 words) 10
outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny 19. What do you understand by ‘The String of
for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss. Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline
(200 words) 10

the steps taken by India to counter this. (200 3. What is the meaning of the term ‘tax
words) 10 expenditure’? Taking housing sector as an example,
20. Economic ties between India and Japan while discuss how it influences the budgetary policies of
growing in the recent years are still far below their the government.
potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are (200 words)
inhibiting this growth. (200 words) 4. Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger
21. The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various
Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society apprehensions in its effective implementation
between the nationalists. And Islamic forces.What along with the concerns it has generated in WTO.
is its significance for India-? (200 words) 10 (200 words)
22. Discuss the political developments in Maldives 5. What are the different types of agriculture
in the last two years. Should they be of any cause subsidies given to farmers at the national and at
of concern to India? (200 words) 10 state levels? Critically analyse the agricultural
23. In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss subsidy regime with reference to the distortions
how domestic factors influence foreign policy. (200 created by it. (200 words)
words) 10 6. India needs to strengthen measures to promote
24. What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have the pink revolution in food industry for ensuring
any relevance today? Discuss. (200 words) 10 better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the
25. The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known statement. (200 words)
as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two 7. Examine the impact of liberalization on
inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure companies owned by Indians. Are they competing
of the world’s economic and financial order. with the MNCs satisfactorily? Discuss. (200 words)
Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit 8. Establish relationship between land reforms,
many common characteristics, yet their role, agricultural productivity and elimination of poverty
functions and mandate are distinctly different. in the Indian economy. Discuss the difficulties in
Elucidate. (200 words) designing and implementation of agriculture –
friendly land reforms in
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies India. (200 words)
Paper-3-2013 9. (a) Discuss the impact of FDI entry into
Multi-trade retail sector on supply chain
1. With a consideration towards the strategy of
management in commodity trade pattern of the
inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill, 2013 has
economy. (100 words)
indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation.
9. (b) Though India allowed Foreign Direct
Discuss the
Investment (FDI) in what is called multibrand retail
challenges expected in its implementation in right
through the joint venture route in September 2012,
earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the Bill
the FDI, even after a year, has not picked up.
and their implications. (200 words)
Discuss the reasons. (100 words)
2. What were the reasons for the introduction of
10. Discuss the rationale for introducing the Goods
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management
and Services Tax (GST) in India. Bring out critically
(FRBM) Act, 2013? Discuss critically its salient
features and their effectiveness. (200 words)

the reasons for the delay in roll out for its regime. 9. What are the consequences of Illegal mining?
(200 words) Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forest
11. Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to concept of GO
alleviate the problem of conventional energy. (200 AND NO GO zones for coal mining sector. (200
words) words)
12. Adoption of PPP model for infrastructure 20. Enumerate the National Water Policy of
development of the country has not been free of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss
criticism. Critically discuss the pros and cons of the the strategies which may be adopted for river water
model. (200 words) pollution control and management. What are the
13. Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which legal provisions of management and handling of
forced amendment to the section 3(d) in Indian hazardous wastes in India? (200 words)
Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized 21. Money laundering poses a serious security
by the Supreme threat to a country’s economic sovereignty. What is
Court in its judgement in rejecting Novartis’ patent its significance for India and what steps are
application for ‘Glivec’. Discuss briefly the pros and required to be taken to control this menace? (200
cons of the decision. (200 words) words)
14. What do you understand by Fixed Dose drug 22. What are social networking sites and what
Combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and security implications do these sites present? (200
demerits. (200 words) words)
15. What do you understand by Umpire Decision 23. Cyber warfare is considered by some defense
Review System in cricket? Discuss its various analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or
components. Explain how silicone tape on the edge terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber
of a bat may fool the system? warfare?Outline the cyber threats which India is
16. (a)What is a digital signature?What does its vulnerable to and bring out the state of the
authentication mean? Give various salient built-in country’s preparedness to deal with the same. (200
features of a digital signature. (100 words) words)
16. (b) How does the 3D printing technology work? 24. Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to
List out the advantages and disadvantages of the administration of schedules area and tribal areas.
technology. (100 words) Analyse the impact of non-implementation of the
17. (a) What is an FRP composite material? How provisions of the Fifth schedule on the growth of
are they manufactured?Discuss their application in Left
aviation and automobile industries. (100 words) Wing extremism. (200 words)
17. (b) What do you understand by Run-of river 25. How far are India’s internal security challenges
hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any linked with border management particularly in view
other hydroelectricity project? (100words) of the long porous borders with most countries of
18. How important are vulnerability and risk South Asia and Myanmar? (200 words)
assessment for pre-disaster management? As an
administrator, what are key areas that you would
focus on in a Disaster Management System? (200
words)

4. What is ‘emotional intelligence’ and how can it be

developed in people? How does it help an individual
in taking ethical decisions? (150 words) 10 marks
5-. (a) What do you understand by the term ‘voice
of conscience’?How do you prepare yourself to
heed to the voice of conscience? (150 words) 10
marks
(b)What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? Narrate
one incident in your life when you were faced with
such a crisis and how you resolved the same. (150
words) 10 marks
6. Given below are three quotations of great moral
thinkers/philosophers. For each of these
quotations, bring out what it means to you in the
present context:
(a) “There is enough on this earth for every one’s
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies need but for no one’s greed.” -Mahatma Gandhi
Paper-4-2013 (150 words)
1. What do you understand by ‘Values’ and ‘Ethics’? 10 marks
In what way is it important to be ethical along with (b) “Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if
being professionally competent? (150 words) 10 you want to test a man’s character, give himpower.”
marks -AbrahamLincoln. (150 words) 10 marks
2. (a) What do you understand by the following (c) “I count him braver who overcomes his desires
terms in the context of public service? (250 words) than him who overcomes his enemies.” - Aristotle
3x5= 15 marks. (150 words) 10 marks
1. integrity; 7. “The good of an individual is contained in the
2. Perseverance good of all.” what do you understand by this
3. Spirit of Service statement? How can
4. Commitment this principle be implemented in public life? (150
5. Courage of Conviction words) 10 marks
(b) Indicate two more attributes which you consider 8. It is often said that ‘politics’ and ‘ethics do not go
important for public service. Justify your answer. together. What is your opinion in this regard?
10 marks. Justify your answer with illustration. (150 words)
3. Some people feel that values keep changing with 10 marks
time and situation, while others strongly believe 9. A Public Information Officer has receive dan
that there are application under RTI Act. Having gathered the
certain universal and eternal human values. Give information, the PIO discovers that the information
your perception in this regard with due justification. pertains to some of the decisions taken by
(150 words) 10 marks him,which
were found to be not altogether right.

There were other employees also who were party to suggest what course of action you would like to
these decisions. Disclosure of the information is take, giving
likely to lead to disciplinary action with possibility reasons. (250 words) 20 Marks
of punishment against him as well as some of his 11. So far as child labor norms for hazardous
colleagues. Non-disclosure or part disclosure or industries like firecrackers industry are concerned,
camouflaged disclosure of information will result International Labour Organization (ILO) has set the
into lesser punishment or no punishment. minimum age as 18 years. In India, however, this
10. You are working as an Executive Engineer in the age is 14 years. The units in industrial clusters of
construction cell of a Municipal Corporation and firecrackers can be classified into registered and
are presently in-charge of the construction of a non-registered entities. One typical unit is
flyover. There are two Junior Engineers under you household based work Though the law is clear on
who have the responsibility of day-to-day inspection the use of child labour employment norms in
of the site and are reporting to you, while you are registered/ non-registered units, it does not include
finally reporting to the Chief Engineer who heads household based works. Household based work
the cell. While the construction is heading towards means children working under the supervision of
completion, the Junior Engineer have been regularly their parents/relative. To evade child labor norms,
reporting that all construction is taking place as per several units project themselves as
design specifications. household-based works but employ children from
However, in one of your surprise inspections, you outside. Needless to say that employing children
have noticed some serious deviations and lacunar saves the costs for these units leading to higher
which, in your opinion, are likely to affect the safety profits to the owner. On your visit to one of the units
of the flyover. Rectification of these lacunae at this at Sivakasi, the owner takes you around the unit
stage would require a substantial amount of which has about 10-15 children below 14 years of
demolition and rework which age. The owner tells you that in his
will cause a tangible loss to the contractor and will household-based unit, the children are all his
also delay completion. There is a lot of public relatives. You notice that several children smirk,
pressure on the Corporation to get this construction when the owner tells you this.On deeper enquiry,
completed because you figure out that neither the owner nor the
of heavy traffic congestion in the area. When you children are able to satisfactorily establish their
brought this matter to the notice of the Chief relationship with each other.
Engineer, he advised you that in his opinion it is not a. bring out and discuss the ethical issues involved
a very serious lapse and may be ignored. He in the above case.
advised for further expediting the project for b. What would be your reaction after your above
completion in time. However, you are convinced visit? (300 words) 25 marks
that This was a serious matter which might affect 12. You are heading a leading technical institute of
public safety and should not be left unaddressed. the country. The institute is planning to convene an
What will you do in such a situation? Some interview panel shortly under your chairmanship for
of the options are given below. Evaluate the merits selection of the post of professors. A few days
and demerits of each of these options and finally before the interview, you get a call From the
Personal Secretary (PS) of a senior government

functionary seeking your intervention in favor of the company so much so that you are thinking of
selection of a close relative of the functionary for promoting him. However, you have been receiving
this post. The PS also informs you that he is aware information from many corners about his attitude
of the long pending and urgent proposal of our towards the female colleagues; particularly his
institute for grant of funds for modernization,which habit of making loose comments on women. In
are awaiting the functionary’s approval. He assures addition, he regularly sends indecent SMS’ to all the
you that he would get these proposals cleared. team members including his female colleagues.
a. What are the options available to you? One day, late in the evening, Mrs. X, who is one of
b. Evaluate each of these options and choose the Mr. A’s Team members, comes you visibly
option which you would adopt, giving reasons. (250 disturbed. She complains
words) 20 marks against the continued misconduct of Mr. A, who
13. As a senior officer in the Finance Ministry, you has been making undesirable advances towards
have access to some confidential and crucial her and has even tried to touch her inappropriately
information about policy decisions that the in his cabin. She tender her resignation and leaves
Government is about to announce. These decisions your office.
are likely to have far reaching impact on the (a) What are the options available to you?
housing and construction industry. If the builders (b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the
have access to this information beforehand, they options you would adopt, giving reasons. (250
can make huge profits. One of the builders has words) 20 marks
done a lot of quality work for the Government and is
known to be close to your immediate superior,who
asks you to disclose this information to the said
builder.
(a) What are the options available to you?
(b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the
options which you would adopt, giving reasons.
(250 words) 20 marks
14. You are the Executive Director of an upcoming
Infotech Company which is making a name for
itself in the market. Mr. A, who is a star performer,
is heading the marketing team. In a short period of
one year, he has helped in doubling the revenues as
well as creating a high brand equity for the

sections of society. It also underwent the process

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies of constant ideological evolution.” Critically
Paper-1-2012 examine.
(f) ‘The issues of tourism in core areas of tiger
reserve forests in the country is a subject
1. Answer any five of the following in about
matter of debate. Critically examine various
250 words each: 25 × 5 = 125
aspects of this issue, keeping in view relevant
(a) What do you understand by the term
recent judicial pronouncements.
“Innovation”? Discuss the need for launching a
2. Answer any seven of the following in about 150
national innovation in India?
words each: 15 × 7 = 105
(b) Keeping in view the informal sector’s share in
(a) “There is an urgent need for the Planning
the total workforce in the country, critically examine
Commission to revise the chapter on health in the
the relevant inclusive measures initiated by the
12th Plan document” Comment.
Government of India and their effectiveness.
(b) The Union Cabinet recently cleared the proposal
(c) Examine the cause and the extent of
to rename and amend the Child Labour (Prohibition
‘desertification’ in India and suggest remedial
and Regulation) Act, 1986. What are the salient
measures.
features of the proposed amendments?
(d) In the context of the growing demands for the
(c) “Domestic resource mobilization, though central
ban of Endosulfan in the country, critically examine
to the process of Indian economic growth, is
the issues involved. What, in your view, should be
characterized by several constraints.” Explain.
done in the
(d) The ‘flute-playing Krishna’ theme is very popular
matter?
in Indian art. Discuss
(e) “The Indian independence movement was a
mass-based movement the encompassed various

(e) What are the salient features of the Consumer (k) You are stationed in a small district town in the
Protections (Amendment) Bill, 2011 introduced in plains of Northern India. The summer has been
the Lok Sabha in December 2011? severe. Suddenly, a colleague, who had been out
(f) What do you understand by the term “Multi-Drug since morning, returns to the office complaining of
Resistant Tuberculosis” (MDR-TB)? What measures headache, restlessness and confusion. Shortly, he
would you advocate for its containment and what becomes unconscious. His body temperature is
are 40°C. What first aid steps would you take to revive
the implications of its spread in the community? him?
(g) Given the accelerated pace development and 4. Comment on each of the following in about 20
demand for energy, would you consider renewable words each: 2 × 5 = 10
energy as a viable option for India’s future? (a) The significance of Patharughat in the Indian
(h) Many food items contain ‘trance fate’. What do freedom struggle.
you understand by this term? Which Indian food (b) Bagurumba folk dance
items contain Trans fats? What are the implications (c) Determining the ‘value’ assigned to the vote of a
of trans fats on human health? Member of a State Legislative Assembly and of
3. Answer the following in about 50 words each: 5 aMember of Parliament in the Indian Presidential
× 11 = 55 elections
(a) What is the ‘Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalat’? (d) Significance of the SPOT-6 rocket launch for
(b) List the main objective of the National ISRO
Manufacturing Policy (NMP), 2011. (e) Issues highlighted through the work of
(c) Comment on the significance of Rasarnava in Palagummi Sainath
studying the history of Indian Chemistry. 5. Why have the following been in the news
(d) What are the Rights within the ambit of Article recently? (Answer to be in one sentence only) 1 × 5
21 of the Indian Constitution? =5
(e) Comment on the significance of the Preamble (a) P.V. Sindhu
contained in the Right to Information Act. (b) Aditya Kumar Mandi
(f) To implement one key recommendation of the (c) Cyrus Mistry
Mohini Giri Committee, the Government has (d) Ashoke Sen
recently announced the constitution of a National (e) Mario de Miranda
Council. Highlight the composition and the
mandate of the National Council. UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
(g) Comment on the recent launching of the Paper-2-2012
National Mission on Libraries (NML).
1. Answer any five of the following in about 250
(h) What are the groups into which musical
words. 25 × 5 = 125
instruments in India have traditionally been
(a) Do you think that China’s emergence as one of
classified?
the largest trading partners of India has adversely
(i) Comment on the significant of fire in
against the settlement of the outstanding border
Zoroastrianism.
problem?
(j) Why is Lauric Baker called ‘the conscience
(b) Discuss the globalization R & D and its impact
keeper of Indian architecture’?
on India’ development. Provide an illustration from

at least sectors such as Information Technology or (a) In the context of Assisted Reproductive
Health. Technologies. India has emerged as a hut of
(c) Discuss the contentious issues that have commercial surrogacy. What key biological, legal
caused the prolonged constitutional logjam in and ethical issues merit consideration while
Nepal. framing the regulation to govern surrogacy in India?
(d) The human population is abated to grew to9 (b) Why is international trade perceived to have
billion by 2050. In this context, many scientist failed to act as an “engine of growth” in many
predict that plant genomes would play critical role developing countries including India?
in keeping out (c) Despite strict prohibitory regulations, “doping”
hunger and preserving the environment. has become increasingly common amongst
Explain. athletes. Name five commonly used
(e) ‘The situation today is far different to that performance-enhancing drugs. What are the risks
prevalent fifty years back when the Indus Water associated with their use?
treaty was signed.’ Highlight the complexity of the (d) Compare the significance of IBSA and BRICS in
current challenges on both sides of the border in the context of India’s multilateral diplomacy.
this regard. Do you think that a review of the Treaty (e) The safe landing of the “Curiosity” Rover under
is in India’s best interests? NASA’s space programme has sparked many
2. Answer any five of the following in about 150 possibilities. What are these and how could
words each: 15 × 5 = 75 humankind benefit from them?
(a) Write a short analytical note on Indian Diaspora. (f) How have the US sanctions against Iran affected
How is the “New Diaspora” different from the “Old India’s bilateral relations with Iran?
Diaspora”? (g) What is Perm culture? Give at least three
(b) Why have the resource rich African and South common examples where permaculture concepts
Asian countries remained poor of decades? are being put to use.
Explain. 4. Answer the following is not more than 50 words
(c) Does Putin’s return as President of Russian each: 5 × 6 = 30
mark a shift to a confrontationist stance in (a) The Sequoias supercomputer was launched this
international diplomacy towards theWest? year. What are its specific features and what its
(d) Analyse critically the interlinkages between the purpose?
Convention on Biological Diversity and FAO Treaty (b) What 5 is measure by the G8 + 5 groups?
on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and (c) The Human Papilloma vaccine has been making
Agriculture. the headlines in the recent months. Who make the
(e) Critically review the international concern in ideal candidates for receiving this vaccine and
achieving the target set for the Minimum what are its benefits?
Development Goals. (d) What are India’s stakes in the South China Sea?
(f) Discuss the likely negative impact of the (e) Explain the concepts “Environmental
protectionist measure proposed by the US on Sustainability” and “Sustainable Development of
India’s software industry. People”?
3. Answer any six of the following in not more than (f) Explain briefly the “Clean Development
100 words each: 10 × 6 = 60 Mechanism” as provided under the United Nations

Framework Convention on Climate Change 1941 171.94 46.79

(UNFCCC). 1951 200.25 62.82
5. (A) The following table gives the number of (i) Construct a sustainable diagram to compare the
mistakes made by 16 data entry clerks who enter population figures.
medical data from case report forms. The column (ii) Comment on the change in populations.
Entered indicates the number of values entered, (C) Supposemilk being sold at the rates of 18, 20,
and the column Errors give the number of coding 22 and 25 rupees per litre in four different months.
errors that were detected among these. Assuming that equal amounts of money are spent
Entered Errors on milk by a family in the four months, using a
4434 35 suitable measure, determine the average price in
4841 42 rupees per litre.
6280 15 6. (A) (i)Determine the median and mode for the
1958 28 following distribution of monthly income for 580
7749 36 middle-class people of a country:
2829 42
4239 18 Monthly Income Frequency
3303 64 (in Rs. thousands)
4706 34 25 – 30 53
3770 40 30 – 35 81
3363 36 35 – 40 114
1740 23 40 – 45 195
3404 27 45 – 50 63
1640 26 50 – 55 32
3803 56 55 – 60 20
1529 20 60 – 65 11
(i) Make a scatter-plot of these data. Which do you 65 – 70 8
choose for the response and which for the 70 – 75 3
explanatory variables? Describe any patterns. (ii) Also obtain an approximate value of the mean
(ii) Does the scatter-plot indicate any relation income from the values of median and mode.
between the two variable? (iii) Comment on the nature of the income
(iii) One analyst concluded, “The clerks who enter distributors.
more values make more mistakes. Evidently they (B) From the frequency distribution of height for
become tried as they enter values.” Is this on 177 Indian adult given below, draw the ‘more than
appropriate conclusion? type’ give:
(B) The following table provides the Rural and Height (cm)Class Interval Frequency
Urban population of West Bengal 144.55 – 149.55 1
according to the Censuses of 1921 – 1951: 149.55 – 154.55 3
Census Year Population (in lakhs) 154.55 – 159.55 24
1921 139.94 24.32 159-.55 – 164.55 59
1931 147.92 28.97 164.55 – 169.55 60

169.55 – 174.55 27
174.55 – 179.55 2
179.55 – 184.55 2
Also locate the position of the median.
(C) A survey of 1000 large U.S. companies
conducted by a Research Organisation asked their
plans for outsourcing high level white-collar jobs to
countries outside the U.S. The following table
shows the percentage that indicated a certain
action. The data for 2003 are real, the data for 2008
are speculative.
Plan to 2003 (%) 2008 (%)
Do virtually no
white-collar off shoring 63 46
(i) Does the Bar chart compare the impression of
Offshore white-collar
any anticipated trend in outsourcing of white-collar
work to some extent 33 44
jobs?
Offshore any white-collar
(ii) Does the mode differ from the median for the
work possible 4 10
distribution of percentages in 2003 and 2008?
The following Bar chart with aide-by-side columns

summarizes the data:

(a) Trace the salient sequence of events in the

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies popular revolt that took place in February 1946 in
Paper-1-2011 the then ‘Royal Indian Navy’ and bring out its
significance in the freedom
1. Answer any three of the following in about 250
struggle. Do you agree with the view that the sailors
words each: 20×3=60
who took part in this revolt were some of the
(a) ‘Essentially all this is contained in Part IV-A of
unsung heroes of the freedom struggle?
the Constitution is just a codification of tasks
(b) Evaluate the influence of the three important
integral of the Indian way of life. Critically examine
women’s organizations of the early twentieth
this statement.
century in India on the country’s society and
(b) ‘The exercise of executive clemency is not a
politics. To what extent do you think were the social
privilege but is based on several principles, and
objectives of these organizations constrained by
discretion has to be exercised in public
their political objectives?
considerations.’ Analyse this statement in the
3. Answer one of the following in about 250 words:
context of the judicial powers of the President of
20
India.
(a) Critically examine the design of the Natural
(c) Discuss the extent, causes, and implications of
Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) scheme. Do you
the ‘nutrition transition’ said to be underway in
think it has a better chance of success than the
India.
Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) in
(d) Bring out the salient features of the PCPNDT
achieving its objectives?
Act, 1994, and the implications of its amendment in
(b) Highlight the structure, objectives and role of
2003.
the Advertising Standards Council of India. in what
2. Answer one of the following in about 250 words:
20

way has the August 2006 government notification (b) Why the Central Statistical Office has notified a
made it more new series of Consumer Price Index from this year?
Effective? (c) Composition and functions of the National
4. Comment on any five of the following in about Executive Communities of the National Disaster
150 words each: 12×5=60 Management
(a) Salient recommendations of the RBI appointed Authority.
Damodaran committee on customer service in (d) The Bihar Special Courts Act, 2009 and why it
Banks has been in the news recently?
(b) Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (e) The Telecommunications Ministry’s proposed
(DDRS). Spectrum Management Commission.
(c) Evolution of ‘Green Benches’ in our higher (f) The Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS)
judiciary. approach to sanitation.
(d) Distinction between ‘Department Related 8. Attempt the following in not more than 50 words
Parliamentary Standing Committees’ and each: 5×4=20
Parliamentary Forums’. (a) Distinguish either between the ‘Moatsu’ and
(e) Benefits and potential drawbacks of ‘cash ‘Yemshe’ festivals of Nagaland Or the ‘Losar’ and
transfers’ to ‘Below Poverty Line’ (BPL) households. ‘Khan’ festivals of Arunachal Pradesh.
(f) New initiatives during the 11th Five Year Plant in (b) Write a sentence each on any five of the
the National Programme for Control of Blindness following traditional theater forms.
(NPCB). (i) Bhand Pather
5. Examine any three of the following in about 150 (ii) Swang
words each: 12×3=36 (iii) Maach
(a) The impact of climate change on water (iv) Bhaona
resources in India. (v) Mudiyettu
(b) Measures taken by the Indian government to (vi) Dashavatar.
combat piracy in the Indian Ocean. (c) What are the major different styles of
(c) The significance of counter-urbanisation in the unglazed pottery making in India?
improvement of metropolitan cities in India. (d) List the classical dance forms of India as per
(d) Problems specific to the denitrified and the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
nomadic tribes in India. 9. Comment on following in not more than 50
6. In the context of the freedom struggle, write words each: 5×5=25
short notes (not exceeding 50 words each) on the (a) Nisarga-Runa technology of BARC.
following: 5×3=15 (b) The first-aid that you safely administer to a
(a) ‘Binoy-Badal-Dinesh Martyrdom person standing next to you at the bus stop who
(b) Bharat Naujawan Sabha suddenly faints.
(c) ‘Babbar Akali’ movement (c) The Kaveri K10 aero-engine.
7. Comment on the following in not more than 50 (d) Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) technology.
words each: 5×6=30 (e) E-governance initiatives by the Union Public
(a) Phase-IV of the tiger monitoring programme in Service Commission (UPSC).
India.

10. Who are the following and why have they been (c) Bring out the importance of the ‘Small and
in the news recently? Each answer should not Medium Enterprises Expo and Conference’ held in
exceed 20 words) 2×7=14 Dubai last year Indian business.
(a) Lieutenant Navdeep Singh (d) What are the salient features of the political and
(b) Rahim Fahimuddin Dangar economic relationship between India and South
(c) Lobsang Sangay Africa?
(d) P.R. Sreejesh 3. Answer either of the following in about 250
(e) Nileema Mishra words: 20
(f) V. Tejaswini Bai (a) “The causes and implications of the Jasmine
(g) Aishwarya Narkar Revolution and its spread are as much economic in
nature as they are political.”Critically evaluate.
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies (b) In the context of the ‘Euro-zone’ debt crisis,
Paper-2-2011 examine the proposed ‘six-pack’ solution. Do you
think that this has a better chance of success than
the earlier Stability and Growth Pact?
1. Answer any two of the following in about 250
4. Answer any four of the following in about 150
words each. 20×2=40
words each: 12×4=48
(a) List the Central Asian Republics and identify
(a) “As regards the increasing rates of melting of
those of particular strategic and economic
Arctic Sea ice, the interests of the Arctic Council
importance to India. Examine the opportunities and
nations may not coincide with those of the wider
bottlenecks in enhancing relations with these
World.” Explain.
countries.
(b) It there still a role for the concept of balance of
(b) Critically examine the security and strategic
power in contemporary international politics?
implications of the so-called string of pearls theory
Discuss.
for India.
(c) “Strategic interests seem to be replacing
(c) “Compared to the South Asian Free Trade Area
commercial interests for the host country with
(SAFTA), the Bay of Bengal Initiative for
regard to Cam Ranh Bay.” Amplify.
Multispectral Technical and Economic Cooperation
(d) To what extent has the withdrawal of al-Shabad
Free Trade Area (BIMSTEC FTA) seems to be more
from Mogadishu given peace a real chance in
promising,” Critically evaluates.
Somalia? Assess.
2. Answer any three of the following in about
(e) On a Formula-one (F-1) racing car track,
150 words each: 12×3=36
information to drivers is generally signaled through
(a) Subsequent to the Number Suppliers’ Group
the standardized use of flags of different colours.
(NSG) waiver in 2008, what are the agreements on
Describe the meanings associate with any six of
nuclear energy that India has signed with different
the flags listed below:
countries?
(i) White flat
(b) Trace the progress of India’s efforts for a joint
(ii) Black flag
counter-terrorism strategy with China. What are the
(iii) Yellow flag
likely implications of the recent Xinjiang violence on
(iv) Blue flag
these efforts?
(v) Black and white flag divided diagonally

(vi) Chequered flag (a) Tiangong-1

(vii) Yellow and red striped flag (b) K-computer
5. Comment on any thirteen of the following in (c) Gliese 581 g
about 50 words each: 5×3=15 (d) MABEL robot
(a) International year of Chemistry (e) ‘Operation Shady Rat’
(b) The source of e-waste (f) ‘SAGA-220’
(c) ‘Designer’ poultry eggs (g) ‘Billion Acts of Green’
(d) INSPIRE programme of the Department of (h) L’Aquila earthquake
Science and Technology (i) OPERA detector at Gran Sasso
(e) The ‘Kessler syndrome’ with reference to space (j) Saturn’s Titan
debris (b) Draw an ogive for the following distribution.
(f) Omega-3 fatty acids in our food Read the median from the graph. How many
(g) Difference between ‘spin-drying’ and students get between
‘tumble-drying’ technology with reference to drying 60 and 72? 5
of washed clothes Marks No. of students
(h) The diminishing population of vultures 50-55 6
(i) ‘Arsenic-bug’ and significance of its discovery 55-60 10
(j) F-22 ‘Raptor’ aircraft 60-65 22
(k) ‘Concentrated’ solar energy and ‘photovoltaic’ 65-70 30
solar energy 70-75 16
(l) Analog, hybrid and IP systems in CCTV 75-80 12
technology 80-100 15
(m) Various applications of Kevlar (c) From the following data calculate missing
(n) Difference between Compact Disc (CD), Digital frequency:
Versatile Disc (DVD) and Blu-ray Disc No. of tablets No. of persons cured
6. Comment of the following in about 50 words 4-8 11
each: 5×5=25 8-12 13
(a) Functions of the World Customs Organisation 12-16 16
(WCO) 16-20 14
(b) Success of international intervention in Cote 20-24 ?
d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) 24-28 9
(c) Strategies adopted by Colombia to eliminate its 28-32 17
drug cartels 32-36 6
(d) World Food Programme (WEP) of the United 36-40 4
Nations (UN) The average number of tables to cure fever was
(e) Sculpture of the broken chair in front of the UN 19.9.
building at Geneva 8. Why have the following been in the news
7. (a) Why have each of the following been in the recently?(Each answer in a sentence or two only)
news recently? (Each answer in a sentence or two 2×5=10
only) 2×10=20 (a) ‘News International’ newspaper

(b) Mustafa Abdul-Jalil 15, Rs. 20 and Rs. 24 per share. After 5 months,
(c) Abel Kirui what is the average price for the shares by him?4
(d) Natalie Portman (d) Life-time 400 tubes tested in a company is
(e) Nawaf Salman distributed as follows:
9. (a) List the requisites of a good table. Present Life-time (Hours) No. of tubes
the following in a suitable a tabular form: 5 300-399 14
In 1980 out of a total of 1750 workers of a factory, 400-499 46
1200 were members of a union. The number of 500-599 58
women employed was 200 Of which 175 did not 600-699 76
belong to the union. In 1985 the number of union 700-799 68
workers increased to 1580 of which 1290 were 800-899 62
men. On the other hand the number of non-union 900-999 48
workers fell down to 208 of which 180 weremen. In 1000-1099 22
1990 there were 1800’ employees who belonged to 1100-1199 6
the union and 50 who did not belong to the union. Determine
Of all the employees in 1990, 300 were women of (i) Relative frequency of sixth class.
which only 8 did not belong to the union. (ii) Percentage of tubes whose life-time does not
(b) The mean of 200 items was 50. Later on It was exceed 600 hours.
found that two items were wrongly read as 92 and (iii) Percentage of tubes whose life-time greater
8 instead of 192 and 88. Find the correct mean. than or equal to 900 hours.
(c) Students were asked how long it took them to (iv) Percentage of tubes whose life-time is at least
walk to school on a particular morning. A 5000 but less than 1000 hours.
cumulative frequency distribution was formed. 10. A car travels 25 kmat 25 kmat 50 kph, and 25
Time taken (minutes) c.f. kmat 75 kph. Find the average speed of the car of
<5 28 the entire journey.
< 10 45
< 15 81
< 20 143
< 25 280
< 30 349
< 35 374
< 40 395
< 45 400
(i) Draw a cumulative frequency curve.
(ii) Estimate How Many students took less than 18
minutes.
(iii) 6% of students took x minutes or longer. Find x.
(d) An Investor buys Rs. 1200 worth of shares in a
company each month. During the first five months
be bought the shares at a price of Rs. 10, Rs. 12, Rs.

Essay (Compulsory) - 2011
Write an essay on any one of the following

topics: 200
1. Certain of smaller states and the consequent

administrative, economic and developmental
implications.
2. Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or
merely reflect it?
3. Credit-based education system–status,
opportunities and challenges
4. In the Indian context, both human intelligence
and technical intelligence are crucial in combating
terrorism.

(a) “Dalhousie’s predecessors had acted on the

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies general principles of avoiding annexations, if these
Paper-1-2010 could be avoided. Dalhousie acted on the principles
of annexation, if lie could do so legitimately. His
annexations were both of war and peace.” Analyse.
1. Answer the following (in about 250 words for
(b) With respect to Cooperative Societies what are
each answer): 20 × 2 = 40
the salient features of the 106th and 111th
(a) “Disputes between the- riparian states on
Constitutional Amendment Bills as at present?
sharing of river waters in post-Independence India
(c) “Small-holder farms need to be strengthened to
are becoming
achieve national food security.” Do you agree with
increasingly complex.” Objectively analyse the
this
major disputes in this connection, with special
assessment? Substantiate.
reference to the
3. Answer any TWO of the following in about 150
Southern States.
words each: 12 × 2 = 24
(b) Critically examine the differing estimates for
(a) Comment on the spatial components in urban
(i) poverty figures, and
solid waste management in the country.
(ii) GDP
(b) Assess the contributions made by the Indian
growth data for April-June 2010, that have been in
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in
the news recently. In your view, what estimates are
agricultural development.
more reflective of the ground reality, and why ?
(c) List the significant local storms of the hot
2. Answer any TWO of the following in about 150
weather season .F in the country and bring out their
words each: 12 × 2 = 24
socio-economic impact.

4. Answer any TWO of the following in about 150 (d) After the September Ist changes, do you think
words each: 12 × 2 = 24 that Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) and
(a) What are the grounds of disqualification of a Mutual Funds (MFs) are on a level playing field ?
Member of Parliament from either House? Quote Substantiate your
relevant provisions in your answer. answer from the perspective of an ordinary
(b) Distinguish between the objectives, structure investor.
and functioning of the Kendriya Vidyalaya
Sangathan’ and the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti 7. Answer any FIVE of the following in about 150
(c) Bring out the salient features of the evolution words each: 12 x 5 = 60
and the current status of the ‘Bharat Stage’ vehicle (a) What do you understand by ‘repo rate’ and
emission norms in the country. ‘reverse repo rate? What are the implications in
5. Write brief but precise notes on any SIX of the raising these rates?
following. Your answer should not exceed 50 (b) “Cost-benefit analysis should not be the sole
words consideration, while deciding to host events like the
in each case. 5 × 6 = 30 Commonwealth Games.”
(a) Transhumance in India Critically comment on this perspective.
(b) Frontogenesis and Frontolysis (c) List any eight ‘Ramsar’ wetland sites located in
(c) Golden Revolution India. What is the ‘Montreux Record’ and what
(d) Sea-floor spreading Indian sites are
(e) Legislative powers assigned to the Rajya Sabha included in this Record?
under Art. 249 and Art. 312 of the Constitution (d) Are the ‘Dedicated Freight Corridor’ railway
(f) Causes for dominant dendritic pattern of project and the ‘Golden Quadrilateral’ road project
drainage in the Gangetic plains mutually complementary or competitive ? Assess.
(g) ‘Break-of-bulk” towns (e) “Upliftment of the neglected sections of society
6. Answer any THREE of the following in about 150 will be best served with many more centers of the
words each: 12 × 3 = 36 Indira Gandhi National Tribal University:” Expand on
(a) While bringing out their salient features, the assertion made.
distinguish between either ‘Madhubani’ Art and (f) Comment on the salient features of the recent
‘Manjusha’ Art or ‘Rajasthani’ schools of painting (-aftModel Real Estate (Regulation of Development)
and the ‘Pahari’ school Ac of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty
of Painting. Alleviation of the Central Government.
(b) Bring out the powers and responsibilities 8. Answer each of the following, briefly but
attached to the office of the Speaker of the Lok precisely. Each answer should be less than 50
Sabha. words. 5 × 6 = 30
(c) Distinguish between the following four literary (a) How is disagreement between the Legislative
awards: Council and the Legislative Assembly of a State in
(i) Jnanpith Award passing of an
(ii) Sahitya Akademi Award ordinary Bill, resolved?
(iii) Vyas Samman
(iv) Saraswati Samman

(b) Comment on the recent HFC-23 emissions

controversy that includes in its ambit some Indian UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
companies. Paper-2-2010
(c) Comment on the recommendations of the
1. Answer the following in not more than 250
Wadhwa Commission on the Public Distribution
words each: 20 × 2 = 40
System.
(a) Critically examine the implications of the
(d) What are the salient features of The National Oil
disintegration of the Soviet Union on India’s security
Soil Disaster Contingency Plan?
and strategic perspectives. What further responses
(e) You arrive first at, the scene where a bus
would you suggest in India’s foreign policy to
accident as just occurred. What emergency
accommodate these implications?
measures should immediately and safely adopt?
(b) Evaluate India’s approach towards meeting the
(f) Bring out the sectoral and state-wise distribution
country’s growing energy demands. Compare the
patterns of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows
success of this Approach with that of another
into the country.
Asian giant which has perhaps the fastest growing
9. Write brief notes on each of the following, in
energy demands.
about 20 words each: 2 × 8 = 1
2. Answer any FOUR of the following in not more
(a) Contributions of Latika Ghosh to the freedom
than 150 words each : 12 × 4 = 48
struggle
(a) How far have Japan’s principles of Hikaku San
(b) Bhai Maharaj Singh as a freedom fighter
Gensoku impacted bilateral ties with India?
(c) Chandrayaan-II
(b) Assess the contributions of Indian Diaspora in
(d) Agni-V
the Caribbean.
(e) Babli Project
(c) Do you agree with the view that Israel is a
(f) ‘Swava Jamban’ Scheme
‘natural ally’ ; of India?
(g) National Investment Fund
(d) Bring out the FDI and employment implications
(h) ‘Aerostat’ balloon
of China being a manufacturing hub and India a
10. Who are the following and why have been in
services hub?
the news recently? (Each answer should not
(e) Have the Uruguay Round negotiations and the
exceed 20 words) : 2 × 8 = 16
resultant Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights
(a) Divya Ajith kumar
(TRIPS) agreement helped in resolving trade
(b) N.C. Saxena
conflicts arising out of variations in different
(c) Islam A. Siddiqui
nations’ IPR regimes? Also list the steps taken by
(d) Swarnalatha Cherukutty
India to conform to
(e) Nitin Nohria
TRIPS.
(f) Deepak Mondal
(f) Examine the recent developments towards the
(g) Gaurav Singh Saini
solution of the Bangladesh- Myanmar maritime
(h) Upendra Limaye
boundary dispute. What implications do these have
for India?
3. Answer any EIGHT of the following in not more
than 50 words each : 5 × 8 = 40

(a) Compare and contrast the role of the IMF with (c) Comment on the present status of the Biological
that of the World Bank. Weapons Convention (BWC). What important
(b) What are the major capacity-building and issues, do you think, need to be taken up at the
reconstruction projects being undertaken by India seventh review conference of the BWC scheduled
in Afghanistan? for 2011?
(c) Bring out the significance of GDI and GEMas 5. Answer any FOUR of the following in not more
components of the UN’s Human Development than 150 words each : 12 × 4 = 48
Report (HDR). Comment on India’s relative rankings (a) Bring out the applications of computer models
with regard in studying climate changes, with special reference
to HDI and GDI. to the Community Earth System Model (CESM).
(d) What is ‘Round Tripping’ in the context of FDI (b) What is phytoremediation ? Discuss its
inflow, and why has it been in the news recently in applications.
the case of India? (c) Explain and differentiate among ‘Plasma’, ‘LCD’
(e) Comment on the reason for the recent hike in and ‘LED’ television technologies.
visa processing fees for certain categories of US (d) What is ‘cloud computing’? Bring out its
visas. What is the likely impact of this hike on essential features and list its advantages and
India? limitations.
(f) In the context of the United Nations Framework (e) Discuss the applications of nanotechnology in
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the health care sector.
distinguish between ‘Annex I’ and ‘Annex II’ 6. Comment on any THREE of the following in not
countries. more than 50 words each: 5 × 3 = 15
(g) Highlight the role of the Indian peacekeeping (a) Rotterdam Convention
contingent as part of MONUSCO. (b) The Mavi Marmara incident
(h) List the salient features of the Riyadh (c) Significance of the Kampala declaration of the
declaration and the bilateral agreements between International Criminal Court (ICC)
India and Saudi Arabia signed earlier this year. (d) Trial chamber of the Extraordinary Chambers in
(i) Comment on the reasons for the recent the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) and its recent
economic crisis in the so-called ‘PIGS’ countries of verdict.
Europe. 7. Comment on any SIX of the following in not
4. Answer any TWO of the following in not more more than 50 words each : 5 × 6 = 30
than 150 words each : 12 × 2 = 24 (a) MRSA infection
(a) Examine the opportunities for a lasting West (b) HRP-2M Choromet
Asia peace solution in the context of the ‘historic’ (c) Maglev vehicles
talks started in September 2010. (d) Super absorbent polymers (SAP)
(b) Has the February agreement between the (e) Ginkgo biloba
Sudanese government and the Justice and Equality (f) CARTOSAT-2B
Movement (JEM) been more successful in ending (g) Various generations of mobile phone
the strife in Darfur than the Abuja peace agreement technology
of 2006 “? Evaluate. 8. Who/What are the following and why
have they been in the news recently? (Your

answers should be in a sentence or two only): 3 × 8

= 24
(a) Craig Venter
(b) Shahran Amid
(c) Wolfram Alpha
(d) ‘Dreamliner’ aircraft
(e) Blue gene project
(f) ‘Predator’ drones
(g) ‘Deepwater Horizon’ incident
(h) ACTN3 gene If the total proposed outlay on different heads is rs.
9. (a) The distribution of rent of 150 residential 4,34,100 crores at 1991-92 prices, obtain separately
houses surveyed in a locality is as follows the proposed outlay on each of the heads and
Rent in Rs. Number of Houses make an overall comment. 4
101-150 10 (d) Represent the following data through a suitable
151-200 18 diagram:
201-250 27
251-300 35 Region ‘A’ ‘B’ ‘C’ ‘D’
301-350 30 Married Criminals 95 80 63 32
351-400 16 Unmarried Criminals 72 25 41 26
401-450 8
451-500 6 10. (a) Data on flight arrivals from several cities for
Find : (i) The percentage of houses having rent two airlines are shown below for the last six
higher than ‘ 300. months. 5
(ii) The percentage of houses having rent more than Table : Citywise “ontime and delayed flights” for
1 250 but less than Z 401. airlines A and B
(b) Workout the trend values by any suitable Airline A Airline B
method from the following data showing the Ontime Delayed Ontime Delayed
number of murders (in thousand) in a country for City I 497 62 694 117
the years 1985-1995. City II 221 12 4840 415
City III 212 20 383 65
Year 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 City IV 503 102 320 129
Murders 19.0 20.6 20.1 20.7 21.5 24.7 City V 1841 305 201 61
Year 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
Murders 24.7 23.8 24.5 23.3 21.6 It is known that City II was mostly sunny And City
was mostly foggy during the six month period of
(c) The data on the total investment on different data collection. Compare the performance of the
heads under the eighth five year plan are shown two airlines A and B over the cities, in terms of
below : percentage of delayed flights. What is your
conclusion when the data on all the cities are
combined.

(b) The arithmetic mean of two observations is

127.5 and their geometric mean is 60. Find (i) the
two observations and (ii) their harmonic—mean. 3
(c) The following table shows the number of
bushels of wheat and corn produced in a farm
during the years 1950-1960. Express the yearly
number of bushels of wheat and corn as
percentages of total annual production. Graph the
percentages by suitable bar charts and comment. 4
Year No. of bushels No. of bushels
of wheat of corn
1950 200 75
1951 185 90
1952 225 100
1953 250 85
1954 240 80
1955 195 100
Essay(Compulsory) - 2010
1956 210 110 Examiners Will pay special attention to the
1957 225 105 candidate’s grasp of his material, its relevance to
1958 250 95 the subject chosen, and to his ability to think
1959 230 110 constructively and to present his ideas concisely,
1960 235 100 logically and effectively.
(d) Following are the maximum daily temperature
(°C) recorded in a week in a particular city : 38, 40, Write an essay on any ONE of the following topics:
36, 35, 30, 32, 34 200
During that week the average maximum daily 1. Geography may remain the same; history need
temperature in another city was 92°F Determine not.
which city on the average, has higher maximum 2. Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh
daily temperature during that week. mining in tribal areas of the country?
3. Preparedness of our society for India’s global
leadership role.
4. From traditional Indian philanthropy to the
Gates-Buffett model - a natural progression or a
paradigm shift. 2

(c) Govind Guru

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies (d) ‘Brahmadeya’
Paper-1-2009 (e) ‘Egmore Faction’
(f) Haileybury College
1. Critically analyse any two of the following
(g) Ijara System
statements with reference to the contexts in which
(h) Taji Mideren
they were made (in about 150 words each): 15 × 2
(i) Gurudwara Reform Movement
= 30
(j) ‘Marumakkathayam’
(a) “Many Englishmen honestly consider
themselves the trustees for India and yet To what a
3. Answer any four of the following (in about 150
condition they have reduced our country.”
words each): 15 × 4 = 60
(b) “The foreign power will be withdrawn but for me
(a) Assess the significance of coastal regions in the
real freedom will come only when we free ourselves
economic development in India.
of the dominance of western education, western
(b) Discuss the wetlands and their role in ecological
culture and the western way of living which have
conservation in India.
been ingrained in us.”
(c) Elaborate the steps taken by the Government for
(c) “Satan cannot enter till he finds a flaw, ….A great
regionally differentiated approach to increase crop
ocean separates us educated few from the millions
production and diversification in the country.
in our country.”
(d) Bring out the significance of the various
activities of the Indian Meteorological Department.
2. Write about the following (not exceeding 20
(e) Examine the status of urbanization among the
words each): 2 × 10 = 20
states in India and bring out spatial inequalities.
(a) KiangNongbah (b) Maski

4. Write about the following (not exceeding 30 of that report give your views how to harmonise
words each): 3 × 10 = 30 private investment and quality of education.
(a) ‘bhuvan’ website (b) In the changing context of governance in the
(b) National Waterways country, what should be the role of the UPSC ?
(c) Ultra Mega Power Projects (c) In the context of recent incidents, suggest
(d) NNRMS measures on how security of passengers and
(e) BSUP Scheme property can be improved over Indian Railways.
(f) GAGAN Project 8. Answer any one of the following (in about 250
(g) Fruit Production in India words) : 30
(h) Section 377 of IPC (a) Comment on the salient features of the
(i) ‘Whereabouts’ clause of WADA Integrated Energy Policy recently approved by the
(j) Barren Island Government and its implications on the energy
security needs of the country.
5. Answer any two of the following (in about 100 (b) How far has the impact of the global meltdown
words each): 10 × 2 = 20 been reflected in the Economic Survey 2008 - 09 ?
(a) Analyse India’s achievement in the sports sector Identify some of the core areas given priority to
during 2008-09. neutralise the adverse effects of the global
(b) List the salient features of the important folk downturn.
dances of either Central India or North Eastern
India. 9. Answer any two of the following (in about 150
(c) What are the important similarities and words each): 15 × 2 = 30
differences ‘ between the Hindustani and the (a) Trace the significant steps in the evolution of
Carnatic styles of classical music ? Television in the country.
(b) The last National Family Health Survey (NFHS)
6. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 displayed a very dismal picture of nutrition as
words each): 15 × 2 = 30 regards several indicators for average Indians.
(a) What are your views on the features and impact Highlight the salient aspects of this problem.
of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005? (c) ‘As we live in a plural society we need the
(b) Are the traditional determinants of voting greatest freedom to express our opinions even if
behaviour in India changing ? Examine in the others find it offensive’ - Do you agree? Discuss
context of the last General Elections. with reference to some recent incidents in the
(c) Examine corruption as a serious development Indian context.
challenge in Indian Polity.
10. Write on the following (in about 200 words
7. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 each): 2 × 10 = 20
words): 15 × 2 = 30 (a) Significance of 26th November in the country’s
(a) Mushrooming of Higher Educational Institutions polity
As a matter of grave concern for Yashpal (b) Desert National Park
Committee. With reference to the relevant portion (c) Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra
(d) Deep Joshi’s recent achievement

(e) Girni Kamgar Union (b) “The lesson of the current global financial crisis
(f) Ayush-64 is that India should halt and may be even reverse
(g) Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Nidhi (RGVN) financial liberalisation.”
(h) Satya Vrat Shastri recent achievement 6. Answer any One of the following in about 200
(i) Pocket Veto words : 20
(j) PESA, 1996 (a) “In the WTO negotiations over the years of the
DOHA Round, India appears to be diluting its stand
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies on agriculture issues to pursue perceived gains in
Paper-2-2009 services.” Critically examine this statement.
(b) Discuss the Indo-US knowledge initiative in
1. Write notes on any three of the following in
Agriculture.
about 150 words each: 3 × 15 = 45
7.Answer any Two of the following (Each answer
(a) India’s strategic interests in South Asia
must not exceed 150 words) :2 × 15 = 30
(b) China’s ‘peaceful rise’ doctrine
(a) Evaluate the prospects for greater economic
(c) India - Russia Defence Ties
cooperation between India and China.
(d) India’s ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ power strategy in Foreign
(b) Does India need the World Bank ?
Policy.
(c) Critically assess the recent Free Trade
2. Write brief notes on any four of the
Agreement entered into by India with ASEAN .
following in about 50 words each :
8. Answer any Three of the following (in about 150
4 × 5 = 20
words each): 3 × 15 = 45
(a) Nuclear Supply Group (NSG) and India
(a) What do you understand by ‘Biosignatures’?
(b) Your views on the recent ‘Gilgit - Baltistan
Discuss briefly.
Empowerment and Self- Governance Order 2009’
(b) Write about Green Fluorescence Protein (GFP)
(c) Wakhan Corridor
and its applications.
(d) Nuclear Submarine ‘Arihant’
(c) Define ‘Bioinformatics: How does it work? What
(e) National Security Advisory Board (NSAB).
are its major branches and applications ? .
3. Comment on any two of the following in about
(d) What is the ‘Hubble Space Telescope’ ? How
100 words each: 2 × 10 = 20
many Servicing Missions (SMs) have been
(a) India - USA as strategic partners
conducted for it ?
(b) Ethnic conflicts in South Asia
9. Explain any Four of the following (in about 100
(c) ‘NEPAD’ and its objectives.
words each): 4 × 10 = 40
4. Write on any Two of the following in about 50
(a) DNA Finger Printing and its utility.
words each: 2 × 5 = 10
(b) What is ‘Nanotech’ ? Give a brief account of its
(a) Indo - Bhutan trade relations
basic concepts, materials used and applications.
(b) Sino - Myanmar relations
(c) What is “Graphene” ? Mention at least three of
(c) Geopolitics and Geostrategy.
its applications.
5. Comment critically on any ONE of the following
(d) Define ‘optical frequency comb’. Suggest at
statements in not more than 200 words : 20
least three applications.
(a) “Foreign investment is far from being critical to
(e) Why is tele-medicine important for country like
India’s economic growth.”
India ?

10. Write brief notes on any Five of the following Sales 100 250 300 290
(in about 30 words each) : 680
5 × 3 = 15 Net Profit 2.5 4.5 6 8.5
(a) Artificial Sun 12
(b) ‘Vegetable Gold’ (i) In which year the percentage of
(c) PFCs and ‘liquid breathing’ growth in sales, relative to the previous year is
(d) The ‘P-8A Poseidon’ higher?
(e) Biometric ATMs (ii) In which year the percentage of growth in net
(f) ExtraVehicular Activity (EVA) profit, relative to the previous year, is higher ?
11. (a) The total areas of cultivation of high, (iii) Let the profitability be defined as the ratio of
medium and low sugar-content sugarcanes in four Net Profit to Sales. In which year the profitability is
regions of a state are given below : higher ? 4
Sugar Content Region (d) The total sales (in ‘000 rupees) of a particular
North South East West item in a shop, on 10 consecutive days, is reported
High 100 100 200 50 by a clerk as
Medium 300 300 400 250 follows :
Low 800 400 1000 700 35.00, 29.60, 38.00, 30.00, 40.00, 41.00, 42.00,
Total 1200 800 1600 1000 45.00, 3.60, 3.80 Later, it was found that reports of
Draw suitable diagram that facilitates the the 4th and 8th days were 10.00 more than the true
comparison of areas of cultivation of different values and that in the last two days the clerk put a
sugar-content varieties among the four regions. decimal wrongly one place to the left (for example,
(b) The following table gives the production of soda 3.60 was really 36.0). Calculate the true mean value
ash (in tons) by three companies (A, B and C) over of sale. 5
seven years period 12. (a) In a factory, 1500 women are working. Eight
hundred of them come from rural areas and 450 of
Company 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 the married women are skilled labourers. The
2002 number of skilled, rural and married labourers is
300. Of the 400 unmarried and skilled women
A 20 25 28 31 34 36 41 labourers, 250 are from urban area. The number of
B 15 18 23 35 40 46 50 married, semi-skilled women labourers from urban
C 45 43 40 37 30 26 20 areas is 200. One hundred married rural women are
semi skilled labourers. Tabulate the above
Draw a suitable diagram so as to compare the information. 4
performance of these companies. (b) The mean score of a class in an examination is
(c) The following data relate to the sales and net 70. If the mean score of boys is 60 and that of girls
profit (in Rupees Crores) of a company : is 75, obtain the percentage of girls in the class. 4
(c) In a city 20% people read newspaper A, 25%
Years 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 people read B and 10% read both A and B. What is
1998-99 the percentage of people who read at least one of
the two

newspapers? 2 (e) The percentage of literates in six villages of an

(d) In order to study the effect of inoculation on TB, area are noted as follows: 52, 46, 21, 30, 17, 24.
it was found that the number of inoculated and Can you compute the percentage of literates in the
unaffected from TB is 28, and not inoculated and entire area from this information ? If yes, compute
affected from TB is 13. If inoculation was the percentage. If no, state what additional
performed over 40 persons out of 60 persons, information you would need for the computation.
complete the table and obtain the missing
numbers. 2
ESSAY(COMPULSORY) - 2009
Write an essay on any one of the following topics: 200

1. Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death ?
2. Are we a ‘soft’ state ?
3. “The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed
towards the ‘haves’ of our society.”
4. “Good fences make good neighbours.”
5. ‘Globalism’ vs. ‘Nationalism.

(d) Vaikom Satyagraha

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies (e) Indian States Commission
Paper-1-2008 (f) Bodhisattva
(g) Megasthenes
(h) Brihadeshwara Temple, Tanjore
1. Answer any two of the following (in about 150
(i) Perini Shivatandavam
words each) : 15 × 2 = 30
(j) Allasani Peddana
(a) “The emergence of new social classes in British
(k) Golkonda Fort
India was the direct consequence of the
(l) Chishti Silsila
establishment of new social economy, new state
(m) Chauth and Sardeshmukhi
system, administrative machinery and Western
(n) Poona Sarvajanik Sabha
education.” Discuss.
(o) ‘Rama Sethu’
(b) “British vision of India had no single coherent
set of ideas. On the contrary, the ideas were shot
words each) : 15 × 2 = 30
through with contradictions and inconsistencies.”
(a) The winter rains in North India are largely
Discuss.
related to Jet Streams and Western Disturbances.
(c) “Non-Cooperation Movement gave new direction
Bring out the relationship.
and energy to the National Movement.” Explain.
(b) Agricultural Productivity in India remain low.
Explain the reasons for this situation.
words each): 2 × 15 = 30
(c) Bring out the pros and cons of Special
(a) Lakshmibai, Rani of Jhansi
Economic Zones.
(b) Ilbert Bill
(c) Lala Har Dayal

4. Write about the following (not exceeding 20 (b) Do you think there is a need for a review of the
words each): 2 × 5 = 10 Indian Constitution ? Justify your view.
(a) Buckingham Canal 9. Answer any two of the following (in about 150
(b) Terai Region words each) : 15 × 2 = 30
(c) Organic Farming (a) Examine the role of caste in Indian politics.
(d) Demographic Dividend (b) Discuss the problems in achieving National
(e) Nor westers Integration in India.
5. Answer any one of the following (in about 250 (c) Examine the impact of Regional Political Parties
words): 30 in Indian politics.
(a) What is meant by ‘Judicial Activism’ ? Evaluate 10. Answer any one of the following (in about 250
its role in the context of the functioning of Indian words) : 30
polity. (a) “Globalization has brought about a distinct
(b) Discuss the major extra-constitutional factors class divide in India instead of ushering in a
influencing the federal polity in India. classless society.” Critically examine this argument.
6. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 (b) “The conditions of the urban poor are more
words each) : 15 × 2 = 30 deplorable than that of their rural counterparts.”
(a) Enumerate the Fundamental Duties Give your views.
incorporated in the Constitution after the 42nd 11. Answer any two of the following (in about 150
Amendment. words each) : 15 × 2 = 30
(b) Examine the demand for greater state (a) Examine whether rural women in India have
autonomy and its impact on the smooth been empowered by their active participation in
functioning of Indian polity. Panchayat Raj System.
(c) Discuss the composition and functions of the (b) “Decline in the sex ratio in India is an alarming
Union Public Service Commission. sign for India’s future social development.” Discuss.
7. Answer the following (in about 20 words each): (c) What should be the role of the media to project
2 × 5 = 10 mass realty’ in place of ‘illusion of reality’ ?
(a) What is a Censure Motion ? 12. Write about the following (in about 20 words
(b) Distinguish between the auditing and each) : 2 × 5 = 10
accounting functions of the CAG of India. (a) MTP Act
(c) Distinguish between a starred question and an (b) Supreme Court on Ragging
unstarred one asked in the Parliament. (c) New Seven Wonders of the World
(d) What is contempt of Parliament ? (d) M. M. Punchhi Commission
(e) What were the two major considerations to have (e) Lakshmi Mittal
the Governor appointed and not elected ?
8. Answer any one of the following (in about 250 UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
words): 30 Paper-2-2008
(a) What, in your opinion, are the causes of
1. Write notes on any two of the following (answer
terrorism ? Suggest suitable measures to deal with
to each question should be in about 150 words): 2
the threat of terrorism in India.
× 30 = 60
(a) India and the New World Order

(b) Indo-Bhutan Relations 8. Briefly write about the following (answer to each
(c) India and China : Strategy to Boost Ties question should be in about 20 words):5 × 2 = 10
2. Write about the following (answer to each (a) Look East Policy and North-East India
question should be in about 20 words) : 5 × 2 = 10 (b) India at the Beijing Olympics
(a) India’s Ocean Development Policy (c) India’s role in Afghanistan Today
(b) Major hurdles in Indo-Pak ties (d) IPCC Report on Global Warming
(c) India-Nigeria : Abuja Declaration (e) Indo-EU Economic Ties
(d) India-Bangladesh Border Road cum fencing 9. Briefly write about the following (answer to each
(e) India’s L.C.A. (Tejas) question should be in. about 20 words): 5 × 2 = 10
3. Write about the following (answer to each (a) G.C.C.
question should be in about 20 words) : 5 × 2 = 10 (b) G-77
(a) Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (c) I.C.R.C.
(b) Council for Promotion of Overseas Employment (d) MERCOSUR
(CPOE) (e) INTERPOL
(c) Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme 10. Answer any one of the following (in about 250
(d) Indian Diaspora in Singapore words) : 30
(e) Indian Diaspora and Bollywood (a) In What Way ‘Medical Biotechnology’ and
4. Answer any one of the following (in about 250 ‘Bioengineering’ are useful for technological
words) : 30 development of India ?
(a) Discuss India’s stand on agricultural issues In (b) What do you know about Indian National
WTO’s Ministerial Conferences since Doha Round. Satellite Systems ? Describe its important features.
(b) Assess the performance of India in attracting 11. Explain any three of the following (in about 150
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). words each) : 3 × 15 = 45
5. Discuss any two of the following topics (answer (a) Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)
each question in about 150 words): 2 × 15 = 30 (b) Spintronics
(a) Assistance to the States for Development of (c) Wifi
Export Infrastructure and other Activities (ASIDE). (d) Components of Robots
(b) Convertibility of Indian Rupee. 12. Write brief notes on all the five (in about 20
(c) India on Global Competitiveness Index-2007. words each) below : 5 × 2 = 10
6. Write about the following (answer to each (a) Copyright and Trade-mark
question in about 200 words) : 5 × 2 = 10 (b) TIFAC
(a) Special, Drawing Rights (SDRs) (c) Aspartame
(b) NAMA (d) Gene doping
(c) Non-tariff trade barriers (e) Sappan
(d) Current Account Balance 13. (a) The principal exports of India for the
(e) Free Trade Area financial year 2001-2002 are given in the following
7. Write on any one of the following (answer in table :
about 150 words) : 15 SI.No. Category Export
(a) South-South Cooperation (Rs. Crores)
(b) Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1 Agriculture and 29312

allied products Calculate the mean value and the total value of the
2 Ores and minerals 4736 vouchers received by the company on the day in
3 Manufactured goods 161161 question. Use the histogram to estimate the modal
4 Fuels and lubricants 10411 value of the vouchers. 6
5 Others 3398 (b) A trip to a destination is made in the following
Total 209018 way: 900 kms by train at an average speed of 60
Represent the above date by a suitable diagram and kms/hr 3000 kms by plane at an average speed of
comment on the export performance of the 500 kms/hr 400 kms by boat at an average speed
country. 6 (b) Prior to constructing a, damon a river of 25 kms/hr 15 kms by taxi at an average speed of
the engineers performed a series of tests to 45 kms/hr What is the average speed for the entire
measure the water flow at the proposed location of journey ? 6
the dam. The results of the testing were used to 15. (a) A hotel owner has nine refreshment stalls
construct the following frequency distribution. located at various points in a large compound. He
Water flow Frequency wants to make one of the stalls as a supply place
(Thousands of gallons such that amount of travel between the stalls and
per minute) the source of supply is minimized. He has to visit
1001 - 1050 7 all stalls almost equal number of times with a view
1051 - 1100 21 to supplying the refreshment stuff
1101 - 1150 32 everyday. The distances of stalls fromthe first stall
1151 - 1200 49 are 250, 500, 650, 800, 850, 910, 940 and 1000
1201 - 1250 58 yards respectively. Which stall should he choose to
1251 - 1300 41 use as the supply place ? Give reason in favour of
1301 - 1350 27 your answer. 2
1351 - 1400 11 (b) In a statistical investigation of 1003 families of
Construct an appropriate diagram to estimate what a city, it was found that 63 families had neither a
proportion of the flow occurs at less than 1300 radio nor a TV, 794 families had a radio and 187
thousands of gallons per minute. Give the estimate. had a TV.
6 How many families of the city selected in the
14. (a) A company files its sales vouchers sample had both ?2
according to their sales value so that they falls in (c) The mean monthly income of a person is Rs.
four strata. Two hundred, vouchers are received on 18190/and his mean monthly expenditure comes
a business day. The information is listed in the out to be Rs. 17930. What is his average monthly
following table: saving? 2
Stratum Number of Mean
vouchers value (Rs.) Essay (Compulsory) – 2008
Above Rs. 1000 50 1800 Write an essay on any one of the following topics:
Rs. 800 but under Rs. 1000 60 890 200
Rs. 400 but under Rs. 800 50 560 1. Role of the Media in good governance
Less than Rs. 400 40 180 2. National identity and patriotism
3. Special Economic Zones : Boon or Bane

4. Discipline Means success, anarchy means ruin 6. Is an egalitarian society possible by educating
5. Urbanisation and its hazards the masses?


UPSC Mains Exam General Studies words each):
Paper-1-2007 (a) Age of Sangam Literature
(b) Bhakti
1. Answer anyone of the following questions (in
(c) Ashtadhyayi of Panini
about 250 words): 30
(d) Charvakas
(a) What was the character of socio-religious
(e) Ajivikas
reforms in the 19th Century and how did they
(f) Gandhara Art
contribute to the national awakening in India ?
(g) Mlechchhas
(b) The crisis of the colonial order during 1919 and
(h) Lingayats (i) Megasthenes
1939 was directly linked to the constitutional
(j) R. C. Dutt
reforms, disillusionment and militant anti-colonial
(k) Nagarjunakonda
struggles. Elucidate.
(I) Pastoralism
2. Answer any two of the following questions (in
(m) Rudramadevi
about 150 words each): 15 × 2 = 30
(n) Sati
(a) What are the salient features of the Government
(o) ‘Ramanuja 2 × 15 = 30
of India Acts of 1858 and 1909 ?
(b) Do you think Mahatma Gandhi’s support to
about 125 words each) : 10 × 2 = 20
Khilafat Movement had diluted his secular
(a) Explain how the Himalayan and the Tibetan
credentials? Give your argument based on the
highlands play an important role in the
assessment of events.
development of the South - West monsoon.
(c) Evaluate the contribution of revolutionary
(b) Technological changes have brought in a major
terrorism represented by Bhagat Singh to the cause
shift in the use of roads as transport corridors in
of India’s struggle for independence.
India. How far do you agree with this view ?

(c) Explain the nature and causes of growing slum of Ministers and Cabinet ?
problems in the metropolitan cities of India. (e) What is the importance of Right to
Constitutional Remedies ?
5. Write notes on the following (in about 20 words 10. Answer any one of the following questions
each): (in about 250 words): 30
(a) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) (a) What were the main recommendations of
(b) Inceptisol the Platform for Action (PFA) adopted at the Beijing
(c) Jarawas Women Conference, 1995?
(d) Indira Point (b) Discuss the steps to get rid of child labour in
(e) Causes of Chambal Ravines 2 × 5 = 10 India.
6. Answer any one of the following questions (in 11. Answer any two of the following questions (in
about 250 words): 30 about 125 words each): 10 × 2 = 20
(a) What is a Constitution ? What are the main (a) What is stealth technology ?
sources of the Indian Constitution? (b) Differentiate between Natural and Cultural
(b) Bring out the differences between the heritage.
Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of (c) What is value-based politics ?
State Policy. Discuss some of the measures taken 12. Write notes on any two of the following (in
by the Union and about 125 words each) : 10 × 2 = 20
State Governments for the implementation of the (a) Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
Directive Principles of State Policy. (b) Prime Minister’s 5-point agenda for India’s
7. Answer any one of the following questions (in development as a knowledge society
about 250 words): 30 (c) The Lokpal Bill
(a) What is Regionalism? In which way regionalism 13. Write short notes on the following (in about 20
has affected the Indian polity? words each): 2 × 5 = 10
(b) What are the main determinants of voting (a) Yakshagana
behaviour in India ? (b) PACE
8. Answer any two of the following questions (in (c) Footloose Industries
about 150 words each): 15 × 2 = 30 (d) The Statue of Liberty
(a) What are the exceptions when the President of (e) Genome
India is not bound by the aid and advice of the
Council of Ministers? UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
(b) What is pro tem Speaker ? Paper-2-2007
(c) Under what circumstances, Parliament may
Paper - II
legislate on State subjects ?
1. Answer any two of the following (answer to each
9. Answer the following questions (in about 20
question should be in about 150 words): 15 × 2 =
words each): 2 × 5 = 10
30
(a) What is criminalization of politics ?
(a) Indo-Russian Defence Co-operation
(b) How is the President of India elected ?
(b) India’s response to political crisis in Bangladesh
(c) What is casting vote ?
(c) Elaborate on India’s Nuclear Doctrine.
(d) What is the difference between Council

2. Write about the following (answer to each (g) What is Engel’s Law ?
question should be in about 20 words) :2 × 5 = 10 (h) Meaning of CCI L.
(a) SAFTA (i) What is Administered Price ?
(b) India and East Asia Summit (EAS) (j) What is Venture Capital ?
(c) Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (S.C.O.) (k) Explain the term Balance on Current Account.
(d) Panchsheel in India’s Foreign Policy (l) What is Consolidated Fund ?
(e) Relevance of NAM (m) What is Budget Deficit ?
3. Write about the following (answer to each (n) Explain the term Most Favoured Nations.
question should be in about 20 words) : 2 × 5 = 10 (o) Meaning of Capital-Output Ratio.
(a) Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana, 2006 7. Write about any two of the following (in about
(b) Indian All-Women Contingent to Liberia 150 words each): 15 × 2 = 30
(c) Madhes his in Nepal (a) Impact of globalization on state system and its
(d) Know India Programme (KIP) institutions.
(e) Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (b) SAARC Summit 2007.
4. Answer any one of the following (in about 250 (c) TheUN conference on Environment and
words) : 30 Development (The Earth Summit)
(a) What is Dumping ? Evaluate the remedial 8. Write about the following (in about 20 words
measures taken by Government of India vis-a-vis each): 2 × 5 = 10
WTO provisions regarding dumping. (a) G-8 Summit 2007
(b) Comment on the relationship between credit (b) Hyde Act of 2006
availability and agricultural growth in India. (c) Global Governance
5. Answer any two of the following (answer to each (d) Operation Silence
question should be in about 150 words): 15 × 2 = (e) SAARC Human Rights Report 2006
30 9. Write about the following by expanding and
(a) What is the meaning and aim of Social Forestry explaining the objectives (in about 20 words each)
? What are the main weaknesses noticed in Social : 2 × 5 = 10
Forestry Programme ? (a) ICT4D
(b) Bring out the main objectives of Rashtriya Krishi (b) BEMs
Bima Yojana. The scheme is being implemented by (c) IAEA
which agency? (d) BIMSTEC
(c) Explain Mega Food Park Scheme of (e) ECJ
Government, of India. 10. Answer any one of the following in about 250
6. Write about the following (answer to each words: 30
question should in about 20 words) : 2 × 15 = 30 (a) Explain the phenomenon of ozone depletion, its
(a) Explain the term Merit Goods. causes and effects. What effects are needed to
(b) What is Cheap Money ? reduce it ?
(c) What is Countervailing Duty ? (b) What do you understand by the term
(d) What is Hot Money ? ‘biodiversity’? Examine the causes and
(e) Explain the Concept Trickle Down Theory. consequences of degeneration of biodiversity.
(f) What is Stagflation ?

11. Answer any two of the following (answer for 14. (a) For the following distribution of statistics
each question should be in about 150 words): 15 × test grades, construct a frequency polygon and
2 = 30 answer the following:
(a) What are the alternative fuels available for the (i) How many test grades are greater than 87 ?
transport sector? Discuss their characteristics, (ii) What percentage of test grades are greater than
advantages and disadvantages in their utilization. 83 ?
(b) Explain the objectives and the current (iii) What percentage of test grades are lower than
achievements of human genome project. 72 ?
(c) Discuss the missile technology initiatives (iv) What percentage of test grades are between 72
undertaken by India. and 79 (inclusive) ?
12. Answer all the five (in about 20 words each): 2 Test Grades:
× 5 = 10 73, 92, 57, 89, 70, 95, 75, 80, 47, 88, 47, 48, 64, 86,
(a) What is firewall ? 79, 72, 71, 77, 93, 55, 75, 50, 53, 75, 85, 50, 82, 45,
(b) What is malware ? 40, 82, 60, 55, 60, 89, 79, 65, 54, 93, 60, 83, 59.
(c) What do the following stand for ? (b) Construct an appropriate diagram to show the
(i) MPEG (ii) ISP following data of a University: 8
(iii) HTML (iv) ASCII Course No. of students
(d) What is Root kit ? Engineering 440
(e) What is computer architecture ? Arts 220
13. (a) In the year 2000 out of a total 1750 workers Agriculture 120
of a factory 1200 workers were members of a Home Science 80
union. The number of women employed was 200 of Economic 60
which 175 did not belong to the union. In 2005, the Total 920
number of union workers increased to 1510 of 15.(a)What do you understand by : 2
which 1290 were men. On the other hand the (i) Primary and Secondary Data
number of non union workers fell down to 208 of (ii) Data classification
which 180 were men. 8 (iii) Measures of central tendency
(i) Put the above information in a proper table with (iv) Characteristics of good average
title. (b) The mean wage of 100 labourers working in a
(ii) Calculate the increase in the percentage of the factory running two shifts of 60 and 40 workers
female workers belonging to the union in that five respectively is Rs. 38. The meanwage of 60
year period. labourers working in the morning shift is Rs. 40.
(b) The marks obtained by 20 students in a subject Find the mean wage of 40 labourers working in the
are given : 8 evening shift. 2
32, 62, 72, 46, 52, 74, 53, 42, 58,.61, 59, 46, 36, 76, (c) The mean age of a group of 5 boys is 16 years.
58, 77, 62, 48, 36, 39 Another boy joins the group and then the mean age
Form a frequency distribution table with class of the group becomes 18 years. How old is the
interval 10.Also draw the histogram. newcomer ? 2
(d) Arithmetic means of two completely different
sets of values may be the same. When extreme

values are taken into consideration, the arithmetic

mean is largely affected. Is it merit or demerit of
arithmetic mean and give reasons for your
statement.
ESSAY (COMPULSORY) – 2007
Write an essay on any one of the following topics

1. Independent thinking should be encouraged right
from the childhood.
2. Evaluation of Panchayati Raj Systems in India
from the point of view of eradication of poverty to
power to people.
3. Attitude makes habit, habit makes character and
character makes a man.
4. Is autonomy the best answer to combat
balkanization ?
5. How has satellite television brought about
cultural change in the Indian mindset ?
6. BPO boom in India.


words each): 15 × 2 = 30
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies (a) Kalhana
Paper-1-2006 (b) Panini
(c) Yakshagana
(d) Natyasastra
1. Answer any one of the following (in about 250
(e) Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
words): 30
(f) MadhuraVijayam
(a) Regardless of distance in time, there were lots
(g) Pandurang Mahatmya
of similarities between Lord Curzon and Jawaharlal
(h) Prithviraj Raso
Nehru. Discuss.
(i) “The Insider”
(b) How did the Government of India Act, 1935
(j) Ali Sardar Jafri
mark a point of no return in the history of
(k) Aruna Roy
constitutional development in India ?
(l) Dr. J.C. Daniel
(m) Balwant Gargi
words): 2 × 15 = 30
(n) Dr. Jayant Narlikar
(a) What was the attitude of Indian Industrialists
(o) Shashi Tharoor
towards the Indian National Congress in the
4. Answer any two of the following (in about
pre-independent era ?
125words): 2 × 10 = 20
(b) Critically assess Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru’s views
(a) Bring out the prospects of development of
on Indian Nationalism.
alternative energy sources of India.
(c) Characterise the main features of Indian
Renaissance.

(b) Blue Revolution has definite advantages in India (ii) Prorogation of the House
but it is not free from environmental impacts. (iii) Adjournment of the business of the House
Discuss. (b) What is Consolidated Fund of India ?
(c) Why do the rivers of west coast not form a delta (c) To what extent can the President
? With hold his assent to a Bill already passed by the
5. Write notes on the following (in about 20 words Parliament ?
each): 5 × 2 = 10 (d) What is India’s ‘Look East’ Policy?
(a) Mixed economy (e) What is meant by empowerment of women’ in
(b) Winter rains in India India ?
(c) NewMoore Island 10. Answer any one of the following questions (in
(d) NationalWater Grid about 250 words) : 30
(e) Hussain Sagar (a) What are the social and economic
6. Answer anyone of the following (in about 250 consequences of abolishing child labour in India ?
words): 30 (b) Explain the implications of the implementation
(a) What is right to life and personal liberty? How of Intellectual Property Clauses in our patent law
have the courts expanded its meaning in recent regime after joining the WTO.
years ? 11. Answer any two of the following questions (in
(b) On what grounds can a member be disqualified about 125 words each) : 2 × 10 = 20
from either House of Parliament? (a) Explain full convertibility of Indian Rupee.
7. Answer any one of the following questions (in (b) What are the linkages to be developed under the
about 250 words) : Knowledge Revolution for Rural India Plan ?
(a) What is the ‘strategic partnership’ between India (c) What do we understand by ‘Doha Round’ of
and United States of America ? What are its talks?
implications for both the partners ? 12. Answer any two of the following questions (in
(b) Discuss economic backwardness as a major about 125 words each) : 2 × 10 = 20
challenge of Indian democracy. Can democracy and (a) Explain the social constraints in bringing about
development go together smoothly ? gender equality in Indian society.
8. Answer any two of the following questions (in (b) What are the problems related to the
about 150 words): 2 × 15 = 30 rehabilitation of the mentally challenged persons in
(a) How would you differentiate between the India ?
passage of a Constitution Amendment Bill and of (c) Bring out the issues involved in implementing
an Ordinary Legislative Bill ? compulsory primary education in India.
(b) How does the Inter-State Council establish 13. Write about the following (in about 20 words
co-ordination between States? each) :
(c) Is the High Courts’ power to issue ‘writs’ wider (a) Business Process Outsourcing
than that of the Supreme Court of India ? (b) Female foeticide
9. Answer the following questions (in about 20 (c) RCI
words each): 5 × 2 = 10 (d) UNIDO
(a) Explain the following terms : (e) S. Chandrashekhar
(i) Dissolution of the House

6. Answer the following (in about 20 words each):

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies 2 × 15 = 30
Paper-2-2006 (a) What is Phillips curve ?
(b) What is Hundi ?
(c) What is twin deficit ?
1. Write about any two of the following (in about
(d) What is the main difference between free trade
150 words each) : 15 × 2 = 30
area and common market ?
(a) US policy on Iran’s nuclear programme
(e) What is forward currency market ?
(b) Terrorism : Sources in Pakistan and Afghanistan
(f) What is offshore currency market ?
(c) Crippling the King in Nepal
(g) What is Laffer curve ?
2. Write about the following (in about 20 words
(h) What are Eurobonds ?
each): 2 × 5 = 10
(i) What is disguised unemployment ?
(a) Simla Agreement
(j) What are nifty and the nifty junior ?
(b) India-Israel cooperation in the field of agriculture
(k) What is Agri-Trade ?
(c) Pakistan’s role in Sri Lanka
(l) What is CEMA bloc ?
(d) Indo-US military cooperation
(m) What is rolling settlement ?
(e) Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty
(n) What is the difference between Green Box
subsidies and Blue Box subsidies ?
each): 2 × 5 = 10
(o) What are non-factor services in India’s
(a) Contribution of the NRIs to GCC countries
balance of payments ?
(b) Future of Indians in Fiji
7. Write about any two of the following (in about
(c) Indians in the House of Lords, UK
150 words each) : 15 × 2 = 30
(d) Contribution of Indians in Silicon Valley
(a) G - 5 Summit in Russia
(e) Exodus of persons of Indian origin from Uganda
(b) Expanding role of Amnesty International
(c) Role of European Parliament
words): 30
(a) Discuss the importance of World Trade
each): 2 × 5 = 10
Organisation (WTO) to Indian economy in the light
(a) Trade through Nathu La Pass
of various opportunities and challenges at the
(b) Outer Space Treaty
global level.
(c) Withdrawal of Japanese Troops from Iraq
(b) Describe the main sources of Industrial finance
(d) Maastricht Treaty
in India. How could India be benefitted from recent
(e) Cuba and Castro
developments in International finance ?
9. Write about the following, by expanding and
explaining the objectives (in about 20 words each)
words each) : 15 × 2 = 30
: 2 × 5 = 10
(a) Discuss the role of public sector during the
(a) ICJ
post-reform period of Indian economy.
(b) INTELSAT
(b) Examine the effects of globalisation on poverty
(c) IBRD
removal in India.
(d) WMO
(c) What are the implications of gender disparities
(e) WHO
in India ?

10. Answer any one of the following (in about250 (b) Present the following information using a
words): 30 suitable diagram: 8
(a) Justify with necessary logic “Biological clean-up State Percentage of Literates (2001
methods can be cheaper than the conventional Census)
physical and chemical pollution treatments”. Male Female Overall
(b) Explain how Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Kerala 94.20 84.86 90.72
have revolutionized modern technology. Maharashtra 86.27 67.51 74.27
11. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 Tamil Nadu 82.33 64.55 79.47
words each): 15 × 2 = 30 West Bengal 77.58 60.22 69.22
(a) What do you understand by optical computing ? 14. (a) From the following frequency distribution of
Why is optical computing envisaged to have much 260 housewives of a locality according to their
better performance than that of electronic TV-watching habit
computing? (i) draw the graph of cumulative frequencies of less
(b) Write a note on ‘Bio-refinery versus Fossil fuels. than type :
(c) What are normal osmosis and reverse osmosis Hours per week Number of
? Why has reverse osmosis become popular in watching TV housewives
India today ?
12. Answer all the five (in about 20 words each): 2 5-9 13
× 5 = 10 10-14 39
(a) What do you understand by a ‘search engine’ in 15-19 60
computing ? 20-24 75
(b) Expand the following 25-29 42
(i) CAD (ii) CAM (iii) CIM 30-34 27
(c) Explain what is Thin Film Memory in computers. 35-39 4
(d) Write a short note on ‘Artificial Intelligence. Total 260
(e) Who are called ‘Hackers’ in computer world ? Estimate using the above graph
13. (a) In an opinion survey regarding a proposed (ii) the median of the distribution;
Civil measure to be introduced, altogether 2878 (iii) number of housewives spending at
persons took part of which 1652 were males. 1226 most 18 hours per week watching TV.
persons voted against the proposal of which 796 (b) The following table shows the average
were males. 1425 persons voted for the proposed percentage of family expenditure, as also
measure. 156 females were undecided in their percentage increase in price in 2005 compared to
opinion. 2000, for the major heads of expenditure for the
(i) Put the above information in a neat statistical urban middle class families in a State in India.
table. Calculate the percentage increase in cost of living
From the table, calculate - for this segment of population in 2005 compared to
(ii) the percentage of males among those voting for 2000 :
the proposal; Head of % of family % increase in price in
(iii) the percentage of those voting for the proposal Expenditure expenditure 2005 compared to
among the males. 8 000

Food 25 32 4. “Education For All” Campaign in India : Myth or

Clothing 18 25 Reality.
Fuel & Electricity 16 30 5. Globalization Would Finish Small-Scale
House Rent 15 20 Industries in India.
Miscellaneous 26 45 6. Increasing Computerization Would lead to the
Total 100 — Creation of Dehumanized Society.
15. Answer all the questions : 2 × 4 = 8
(a) A union leader complained : that the owners of
this factory have adopted a policy of gradually
decreasing the wages of its workers is amply
evident from the fact that the average monthly
wage of the workers has dropped down to Rs.
2,530 in January, 2006 fromRs 2,570 in January,
2005. Comment on the validity of the argument.
(b) As High as 45% of the under-5 children, brought
to the outdoor clinics of 4 major State-run hospitals
in Kolkata last year, were found to be victims of
malnutrition. Incidence of malnutrition among the
under-5 children in the city must, here fore, be
alarmingly high. Explain why you support the
argument, or disagree with it.
(c) In a community support project, the average
grants (in Rs) received by the male and the female
beneficiaries were 5,200 and 5,800 respectively,
while the average grant received by all the
beneficiaries was 5,560. What percentage of
beneficiaries were females ?
(d) The amounts of rainfall (in mm) in a town on 10
consecutive days are as follows: 8.5, 0, 6.8, 3.2, 4.8,
10.5, 76.2, 9.4, 0, 1.2
Use a suitable measure to throw light on the central
tendency of the data.
ESSAY (Compulsory) - 2006

Write an essay on any one of the following subjects
1. Women’s Reservation Bill Would Usher in
Empowerment for Women in India.
2. Protection of Ecology and Environment is
Essential for Sustained Economic Development.
3. Importance of Indo-U.S. Nuclear Agreement.

(a) Yajnavalkya Smriti

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies (b) Sutta Pitaka
Paper-1-2005 (c) Bhagwati Sutra
(d) Gangaikonda-Cholapuram
(e) Nizamuddin Auliya
1. Answer any one of the following questions (in
(f) Raidas
about 250 words) : 30
(g) Calcutta Madrasa
(h) Jagat Seth
(a) What in your opinion were the positive steps
(i) Bhawani Mandir
taken by the British to modernise India ?
(j) Baba Ram Chandra
(b) Examine the policy of Subordinate Union
(k) Pandita Ramabai
towards Princely States. Account for the shift from
(l) Sir Thomas Roe
the policy of Subordinate Isolation.
(m) Moplah Rebellion
(n) Tavernier
about 150 words each) : 15 × 2 = 30
(o) Darul-Uloom
(a) “In the Montagu-Chelmsford Report communal
representation and reservations were not only
words each): 10 × 2 = 20
retained but considerably extended.” Comment.
(a) What are the resource bases available for the
(b) Evaluate Subhas Chandra Bose’s contribution to
economic development of the newly created States
India’s freedom.
of Jharkhand and Uttaranchal?
(c) Why and how did the Congress come to accept
(b) Elucidate the factors contributing to the growing
the partition of the country ?
need for water harvesting in India, both rural and
urban.
words each) : 2 × 15 = 30

(c) “Political boundaries and regional boundaries (b) What are the protections afforded to Scheduled
need to be coterminous.:” Do you agree ? Tribes in the Fifth Schedule of the Indian
5. Write notes on the following (in about 20 words Constitution ?
each): 2 × 5 = 10 (c) In what ways can the President of India
(a) Regurs ascertain the views of the Supreme Court on a
(b) Karewas particular bill ?
(c) Negative impacts of shifting cultivation (d) What is the common point between Articles 14
(d) Causes of droughts in India and 226 of the Indian Constitution ?
(e) Significance of Lake Chilka (e) Who and what does the Indian Parliament
6. Answer any one of the following (in about 250 consist of ?
words each) : 30 10. Answer any one of the following questions (in
(a) Comment on the financial relations between the about 250 words): 30
Union, and the States in India. Has post-1991 (a) Discuss the impact of globalization on higher
liberalization in any way affected it ? education in India.
(b) Is it possible to distinguish between judicial (b) What is disaster management? Discuss the
review and judicial activism in India ? Does the steps required to tackle natural disasters.
recent behaviour of the Indian judiciary partake 11. Answer any two of the following questions (in
more of judicial activism ? Argue with suitable about 125 words each) : 10 x 2 = 20
examples. (a) Explain the implications of the recent Supreme
7. Answer any ore of the following (in about 250 Court verdict on reservations in private and minority
words) : 30 educational institutions.
(a) Would you say that the implementation of the (b) What is the energy independence ? Discuss how
Panchayati System in the last ten years has led to a India can be transformed into an
real restructuring of the Indian polity ? ‘Energy-independent Nation:
(b) Give your views on the right to freedom of (c) What is eco-tourism ? How could it be promoted
religion as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Do in India ?
they make India a secular State ? 12. Write notes on any two of the following (in
8. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 about 125 words each) : 10 × 2 = 20
words each):15 × 2 = 30 (a) Sethusamudram Project
(a) What are the constitutional limitations on the (b) Causes of soil erosion and its control in India
free movements of Indians throughout the country (c) Use of Information Technology in health
? management in India
(b) How has the Indian State tackled the trade-off 13. Write short notes on the following (in about 20
between environment and development ? words each): 2 × 5 = 10
(c) What are the steps that the Election (a) Equal rights for women in parental property
Commission may take if a recalcitrant State (b) National knowledge Commission
Government wants to put off Assembly Elections ? (c) Genetically modified seeds
9. Answer the following questions (in about 20 (d) Ban on bar dancing
words each): 2 × 5 = 10 (e) Rehabilitation of street children in India
(a) What is meant by double jeopardy’?

(b) Enumerate the objectives of Latin American

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Reserve Fund. Do you favour such a fund for Asian
Paper-2-2005 countries ?
(c) Examine the functions of the European Free
Trade Association.
question should be in about 150 words): 2 x 15 =
6. Answer or write about the following (in about 20
30
words each): 15 × 2 = 30
(a) Present a complete picture of India’s efforts for
(a) What is Mekong - Ganga Co-operation?
a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
(b) What is IFC ?
(b) Explain the political and economic implications
(c) Crude oil price and Indian economy
of the Indo Iran gas pipeline.
(d) What is Gandhian economy ?
(c) Examine the developments in Afghanistan in the
(e) Second Green Revolution
post Taliban period.
(f) Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Yojana
2. Write about the following (answer to each
(g) What is Euro-control ?
question should be in about 20 words): 5 × 2 = 10
(h) Dow Jones (i) ‘Bluetooth’
(a) Indians in China
(j) MFN status to India by Pakistan
(b) Cyber-terrorism
(k) The notion of development of
(c) Military rule in Myanmar
underdevelopment
(d) Camp David Accord of 1978
(l) Cost-push inflation
(e) Future of Indian expatriates in the Gulf
(m) What is Green GDP ?
3. Write about the following (answer to each
(n) What were the terms of reference of the
question should be in about 20 words) : 5 × 2 = 10
Abid Hussain Committee ?
(a) Full convertibility
(o) What is structural unemployment ?
(b) Physical Quality Life Index
(c) Differences between absolute poverty and
relative poverty
30 (a) Detail the salient features of project
(d) India - US nuclear pact
‘Anthariksha.’
(e) Medical tourism
(b) Will a grand axis of India, China and Russia
challenge the unipolar supremacy of the US ?
words): 30
Elaborate your views.
(a) Discuss the causes and ramifications of hunger
(c) Explain the China - US textile war.
in Africa.
8. Answer or write about the following (answer to
(b) What are the reasons for industrial sickness in
each question should be in about 20 words): 5 × 2
India ? Suggest suitable remedies.
= 10
(a) What is Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM) ?
(b) What is the concept of copyleft ?
30
(c) What is -a rogue state ?
(a) What is the role of external financial assistance
(d) Repo market
in Indian economy ?
(e) What is banana war ?

9. Answer the following, by expanding or high paper: “10%, 30%, 60%, 80% and 90% of a
explaining (answer to each question should be in group
about 20 words) : 10 Of monthly wage earners receive less than Rs. 600,
(a) OAPEC Rs. 1000, Rs. 1800, Rs. 2800 and Rs. 3300
(b) IFAD respectively and 5% receive Rs. 3600 and above.”
(c) UPU (b) The marks obtained by 32 students of 12th
(d) SAVE class of a Government school are:
(e) ODA 628, 665, 560, 328, 421, 525, 480, 470,
10. Answer any one of the following in about 250 405, 424, 664, 668, 620, 300, 305, 520,
words : 30 420, 370, 326, 440, 328, 480, 565, 650,
(a) Describe the sources of ionizing and 480, 360, 325, 450, 360, 426, 440, 306
nonionizing radiations and their effects on the Forma Cumulative Frequency Table with class
biotic components of the atmosphere. interval of 50.
(b) What is digital convergence? Examine its 14. (a) Represent the following data by a
implications for modern society. histogram:
11. Answer any two of the following (answer to Daily Earnings (Rs.) No. of shares
each question should be in about 150 words each): 0 – 50 3
2 × 15 = 30 50 – 100 7
(a) Why do environmentalists regard asbestos and 100 – 150 4
polythene as pollutants? 150 – 200 5
(b) What is the therapeutic cloning? Describe briefly 200 – 250 4
the method and its potential applications. 250 – 300 3
(c) Why is hydrogen being acclaimed as the fuel of 300 – 350 2
the future? 350 – 400 2
12. Answer the following (in about 20 words each): (b) Construct a cumulative distribution table From
5 x 2 = 10 the following frequency distribution and find the
(a) What is an Exabyte? number of students obtaining below 15 marks:
(b) What is VIRUS? Marks Frequency
(c) What do the following stand for? 0–5 4
(i) XMPL 5 – 10 12
(ii) MASER 10 – 15 10
(iii) SECAM 15 – 20 8
(iv) TIPS 20 – 25 3
(d) What is avatar? 25 – 30 2
(e) What is Wikipedia? 15.(a)A train travels first 300 kilometers at an
13.(a) Put the following information into a average speed of 30 km ph and further travels the
frequency distribution table, assuming the range of same distance at an average speed of 40 kmph.
monthly wage is from Rs. 300 to Rs. 4500, and What is the average speed over the whole distance?
draw a histogram on a 2

(b) The arithmetic mean of 12 observations was II 9 72 18

computed to be 6. Afterwards, it was found that What can you say about the mean and variance of
one of the figures was wrong. Instead of 7 (seven, the combined set of observations as compared to
which is the correct figure) it was read as 1 (one, the individual means and variances without
the wrong figure). Find the correct value of the performing any calculation? 2
arithmetic mean after incorporating this
information. 2 Essay (Compulsory) – 2005
(c) A firm of readymade garments makes Both Write an essay on any one of the following
men’s and women’s shirts. It average profit is 6% of subjects:
sales. Its profit in men’s shirts average 8% of sales 1. Justice Must reach the poor.
and women’s shirts comprise 60% of output. What 2. The hand that rocks the cradle.
is the average profit per sales rupee in women’s 3. If women ruled the world.
shirts? 2 4. What is real education?
(d) The mean and variance of two set of data are 5. Terrorism And world peace.
given below with the data size: 6. Food security for sustainable national
Data Mean Variance development.
I 12 64 23

(vi) Muhammad Barkatullah

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies (vii) Sohan Singh Bhakna
Paper 1-2004 (viii) Alluri Sitaramaraju
(ix) Conjeevaram Natarajan Annadurai
(x) Jadong
words): 30
(xi) Jadunath Sarkar
(a) Discuss the major regulations enacted by the
(xii) Nazir Hasan
British rulers to curb the freedom of Press in India.
(xiii) Subhash Gupte
(b) Form a critical assessment of the Non-
(xiv) Acharya Nirmalya
Cooperation Movement.
(xv) Jyotirao Phule
words each): 2 × 15 = 30
words each): 2 × 10 = 20
(a) What led to the partition of Bengal in 1905?
(a) Examine the distribution of oil refineries in India.
(b) Write a note on the Theosophical Society.
(b) Why are the Aravallis called a divide Between
(c) Discuss the main findings of the Hartog
Mewar and Marwar ?
Committee (1929).
(c) What is Golden Quadrilateral ? How will it help in
the economic development of the country ?
words each): 15 × 2 = 30
5. Write short notes on the following (in about 20
(i) Upanishads
words each): 5 × 2 = 10
(ii) Vajrayana
(a) El Nino, La Nina and monsoon rains
(iii) Kumar Sambhav
(b) The Sambhar lake
(iv) Razmnama
(c) The Sundarbans
(v) Mirza Haidar

(d) Bombay High (a) The Inter-State river water dispute has once
(e) Sabarkantha & Banaskantha again assumed centre-stage after the Punjab
6. Answer any one of the following (in about 250 Assembly Bill terminating all previous accords on
words): 30 river waters. Discuss.
(a) What is the significance of a preamble to a (b) What is PURA ? Discuss its major objectives.
constitution ? Bring out the philosophy of the Indian 11. Write on any two of the following (in about 125
polity as enshrined in the Preamble of the Indian words each): 2 × 10 = 20
Constitution. (a) Explain UNDP Report on human development in
(b) Discuss the meaning of “breakdown of India.
constitutional machinery”. What are its effects. (b) What is WTO ? What are India’s objections to its
7. Answer any one of the following (in about 250 overall functioning ?
words) : 30 (c) Discuss the utility of e-governance in the Indian
(a) Discuss how the Constitution of India provides context.
equal rights. 12. Write notes on any two of the following (in
(b) How does the Indian Constitution seek to about 125 words each) : 2 × 10 = 20
maintain independence of the Public Service (a) Housing for all by 2010 is the goal set by The
Commission ? National Habitat Policy. How far is it achievable ?
8. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 (b) “Is greater spending on education linked to
words each): 2 × 15 = 30 higher literacy ?”Discuss.
(a) Define Money-bill. Discuss how it is passed in (c) What is Enterprise Resource Planning
the Parliament. 13. Write about the following (in about 20 words
(b) What is a Finance Commission ? Discuss the each): 5 × 2 = 10
main functions of the State Finance Commission. (a) ISRO
(c) Discuss how state governments can exercise (b) Central Vigilance Commission
control over panchayats. (c) NDDB
9. Answer the following (in about 20 words each): (d) Hiren Mukherjee
5 × 2 = 10 (e) Parichu Lake
(a) What is Habeas Corpus ?
(b) What are the constitutional restrictions imposed UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
upon the power of borrowing of the state Paper-2-2004
governments ?
1. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to
(c) What is the special facility provided to the
each question should be in about 150 words): 15 ×
linguistic minorities under Article 350 A ?
2 = 30
(d) How can a judge of the Supreme Court be
(a) Discuss the role played by the United States in
removed?
promoting/hindering improved relations between
(e) Howis the Election Commission of India
India and Pakistan.
constituted?
(b) Explain India’s strategic relationship with
10. Write on any one of the following (in about 250
Russia.
words): 30
(c) Account for India’s increasing involvement in the
SouthEast Asian region.

2. Answer the following (Answer to each question (d) What does “priority sector lending” mean?
should be in about 20 words) :2 × 5 = 10 (e) What is Minimum Alternative Tax (MAT)?
(a) The Panchsheel Pact. (f) What is Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)?
(b) India-Israel Cooperation. (g) What is ‘social justice’ in the context of Indian
(c) European Union’s trade restrictions against economy ?
India. (h) Explain the objectives of Plant Varieties Right
(d) Weak-spots in India-Nepal relations. Act, 2002.
(e) Hot Line between Islamabad and New Delhi. (i) How is human development index for life
3. Answer the following (Answer to each question expectancy measured ?
should be in about 20 words) : 2 × 5 = 10 (j) What are the objectives of the Twelfth Finance
(a) Categorize the People of Indian Origin (PIO). Commission ?
(b) Point out the difference between the Jewish (k) Explain the necessity and role of controls in a
Diaspora and the Indian Diaspora. mixed economy like India.
(c) What are the references made to theNRI in the (l) Distinguish between primary sector, secondary
Union Budget July 2004 ? sector and tertiary sector.
(d) What is known as reverse migration ? What is the change in the share of each sector in
(e) Why was January 9 chosen to observe the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during period of
NRI (Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas) Day? 1950-2000 ?
4. Answer any ONE of the following (in about 250 (m) What is the main objective of Security and
words): 30 Exchange Board of India (SEBI) ?
(a) State the comprehensive structural reforms (n) What has been the policy of agricultural
undertaken to improve the Indian economy since development during last two decades in India ?
1991. (o) What is deficit financing ?
(b) How is poverty level measured ? Evaluate 7. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to
poverty eradication programmes in India. each question should be in about 150 words): 15 ×
5. Answer any TWO of the following (in about 150 2 = 30
words each): 15 × 2 = 30 (a) Discuss the role of ‘intelligence’ in the making of
(a) Describe the recommendations of Narasimham foreign policy.
Committee regarding the banking sector in India. (b) Describe the role of the Amnesty International in
(b) Examine the effect of economic development securing human rights.
on environmental degradation in India. (c) Examine the relevance of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru’s
(c) What ails India’s road transport economy ? ideas in the international relations of today.
Suggest measures of remedy. 8. Answer the following (Answer to each question
6. Answer the following (in about 20 words each): should be in about 20 words) : 2 × 5 = 10
2 × 15 = 30 (a) ICJ verdict on Israel’s erection of barrier on the
(a) What are the major provisions of Agreements on West Bank.
Agriculture in the context Of World Trade (b) Beijing Taiwan Spat.
Organisation? (c) Prospects of international water-wars.
(b) Elucidate Special Drawing Rights. (d) Al Gharib Prisoners.
(c) What is Cash Reserve Ratio ?

(e) Recent developments in India-Myanmar Food 4,500 4,800 5,400 5,700

relations. Rent 1,800 1,800 2,200 2,300
9. Answer the following, by expanding and Children’s education 650 800 1,000 1,200
explaining the objectives (Answer to each question Others 2,400 2,600 3,000 3,400
should be in about 20 words): 2 × 5 = 10 Represent the above information by suitable
(a) BIMSTEC diagram. 8
(b) ARF (b) According to the Union Budget 2004-05, the
(c) Red Cross total receipts of Rs. 4,77,829 crore can be
(d) OPEC approximately broken up as follows
(e) IAEA A. Direct Taxes 25%
10. Answer any ONE of the following (Answer B. Indirect and other Taxes 32%
should be in about 250 words): C. Non-tax Revenue Receipts 13%
(a) Discuss in detail “Alternative Energy Sources”: D. Non-debt Capital Receipts 6%
30 E. Borrowings and other liabilities 24%
(b) “Global Warming”- Discuss. 30 Represent the above by a Pie-diagram. 8
11. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to 14.(a)Read the given data and answer the
each question should be in about 150 words): 15 × questions
2 = 30 that follow:
(a) What is Super-conductivity’? Give its uses and
applications.
(b) What is Biotechnology ? Discuss the important
applications of Biotechnology.
(c) Describe the importance of “Laser” in war and
peace.
12. Answer the following (in about 20 words each):
2 × 5 = 10
(a) What do you understand by E-governance ?
(b) What is a URL ?
(i) At what speed (kmph) is the engine considered
(c) What do the following stand for ?
to have its normal length of life?
(i) CD-ROM (ii) USB
(ii) The life of an engine driven at 20 kmph is how
(iii) ITES
many time smore than the life of an engine driven
(iv) FORTRAN
at 40 km per hour ?
(d) What do you understand by MP3 ?
(iii) If an engine, usually driven at speed of 60 km
(e) What are cyber crimes ? How are these
per hour, had a lifespan of 30,000 kilometres, what
protected?
will be the lifespan of an engine which is usually
13. (a) The table below shows the average monthly
driven at a speed of 40 km per hour?
house hold expenditure on different items for the
(iv) Given that the normal lifespan of an engine is
years 2001 to 2004:
60,000 km, what was the lifespan of an engine,
Item Average monthly expenditure in Rs.
which was driven for 20,000 kilometres at a speed
2001 2002 2003 2004

of 60 km per hour and later at a speed of 40 km per 100

hour? 100
(v) Running an engine between 60 kilometres per 100
hour and 40 km per hour, the lifespan increases by Which of the three averages—arithmetic mean,
what median and mode, adequately represents the data ?
percent ? (b) In a moderately skewed distribution the
(vi) At what speed (kmph) would the engine have following values were obtained Arithmetic mean =
the maximum life? 8 24.6 Mode = 26.1
(b) The Human Development Index (HDI) is a Find the value of themedian and explain the reason
simple average of three indexes for the method employed.
(A) Life Expectancy Index (to reflect health) (c) Suppose an item is sold at the rates of 18, 20,
(B) Education Index (to reflect knowledge) 22 and 25 rupees per litre in four different months.
(C) GDP/SDP Index (to reflect standard of living) Assuming that equal amounts of money are spent
The Education Index (B) is a combined index of two on the particular item by a customer in the four
indexes : months, find the average price in rupees per litre of
(i) adult literacy rate with 2/3 weight and the item.
(ii) combined gross enrolment rate with 1/3 weight. (d) The average of 11 observations is 50. The mean
Compute the HDI for INDIA and KERALA from the of the first six observations is 49 and that of the
following data: INDIA KERALA last six observations is 52. Find the value of the
(A) Life Expectancy Index 57.2 78.0 sixth observation.
(B) Education Index
(i) Adult Literacy Rate 48.7 86.0 ESSAY (Compulsory) - 2004
(ii) Combined Gross enrolment rate 59.1 100.6
(C) GDP/SDP Index 19.0 19.5 Write an essay on any one of the following
[Note : SDP is State Domestic Product] 8 subjects
15. Attempt all the questions. All questions carry 1. India’s Role in Promoting ASEAN Cooperation.
equal marks: 4 × 2 = 8 2. Judicial Activism and Indian Democracy.
(a) Consider the following data 3. Whither Women’s Emancipation ?
Weekly Wages in an Office (Rs.) 4. Globalisation and Its Impact on Indian
Position in the Office Weekly Wages Culture.
Senior Consultant 700 5. The Lure of Space.
600 6. Water Resources Should Be Under the
550 Control of the Central Government.
Junior Consultant 180
180
160
160
Clerical Helpers 100
100
100


(iii) The Jatiya Sarkar of Tamluk

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies (iv) Punnapra-Vayalar
Paper-1-2003 (v) Sajjad Zahir
(vi) Al-Hilal
1. Answer any ONE of the following (about 250
(vii) Har Dayal
words) : 30
(viii) Khudai Khidmatgar
(a) “The reforms of 1909 introduced a cardinal
(ix) Mahayana Cult
problem and ground of controversy at every
(x) W. W. Hunter
revision of the Indian electoral system.” Comment.
(xi) Indu Lal Yajnik
(b) Discuss the problems that impeded the
(xii) Achyut Patwardhan
integration of the princely states into the Indian
(xiii) Sir William Jones
Union. How were these problems tackled ?
(xiv) James Wilson
(xv) Ghulam-gri.
2. Answer any TWO of the following (about 150
4. Answer any TWO of the following (about 125
words): 2 × 15 = 30
words each): 2 × 10 = 20
(a) ‘The mainstay of Mahatma Gandhi’s Movements
(a) Describe the major characteristics of the rivers
was the rural India: Elucidate.
of Peninsular India.
(b) Discuss the character of major tribal uprisings
(b) Account for the very high concentration of salt
in British India in the nineteenth Century.
extraction industries in the Saurashtra and South
(c) Bring out the ideological basis of the Moderate
Tamilnadu Coast.
– Extremist divide in the Indian National Congress.
(c) State the four distinctive stages of Indian
Demographic history.
words each): 15 × 2 = 30
5. Write short notes on the following (about 20
(i) Arthasastra
words each): 5 × 2 = 10
(ii) Sarnath Pillar
(i) Define Terai Region.

(ii) Mention the area of Shola forests in India. (b) Suggest measures for the eradication of wide
(iii) Who are Todas and where do they live? spread corruption in Public Life India.
(iv) Name any four principal languages of 11. Write on any TWO of the following (about 125
Andaman and Nicobar Islands. words each): 2 × 10 = 20
(v) What is MRTS ? Where it is in operation? (a) The issue of gender equality in India.
6. Answer any ONE of the following (about 250 (b) Natural Heritage and Cultural Heritage.
words) : 30 (c) Identify the types of disabilities.
(a) Discuss the question of death sentence and 12. Write notes on any TWO of the following (about
Presidential clemency. 125 words each): 2 × 10 = 20
(b) Explain the discretionary powers of the (a) What are the distinctive features of the
Governor of a State. Lokpal Bill introduced in the Parliament this year ?
7. Answer any ONE of the following (about 250 (b) What is the Prime Minister’s Five-point agenda
words): 30 for India’s development as a Knowledge Society?
(a) Discuss Parliamentary Control over the (c) What are the preconditions for the growth of
Executive. Civil Society ? Is Indian democracy conducive to it ?
(b)Identify the major obstacles in the smooth 13. Write about the following (about 20 words
functioning of Parliamentary democracy each): 5 × 2 = 10
in India. (a) Anthrax
8. Answer any TWO of the following (about 150 (b) Radiation & its effects
words each): 2 × 15 = 30 (c) The Statue of Liberty
(a) Highlight the significance of Forty Fourth (d) George Walker Bush
Amendment to the Constitution of India. (e) Genome.
(b) Identify the major-Fundamental Duties.
(c) Explain the relevance of Rajya Sabha as a
second chamber in the federal set up of Indian UPSC Mains Exam General Studies
Parliamentary System. Paper-2-2003
9. Answer the following (about 20 words each): 5 ×
2 = 10
words each): 15 × 2 = 30
(a) What is a point of order ? When can it be raised
(a) Discuss the major issues in Indo-US relations in
?
recent times.
(b) What is a Privilege Motion ?
(b) Discuss the impact of the collapse of the Soviet
(c) State the difference between Council of
Union on Indo-Russian relations.
Ministers and the Cabinet.
(c) Discuss the recent trends in India’s relations
(d) Howis the Vice President of India elected?
with China.
(e) What is meant by ‘Sine-die’ adjournment?
2. Answer the following (in about 20 words each):2
10. Write on anyONE of the following (about 250
× 5 = 10
words): 30
(a) Discuss the importance of the Agra Summit on
(a) Discuss the steps taken by Government to
Indo Pakistan relations.
check child labour and promote child welfare.
(b) What has been the nature of “Track II
diplomacy” between India and Pakistan?

(c) Discuss the major irritants to Indo-Bangladesh (e) Name the two agencies that have helped to
relations. promote Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India.
(d) Discuss India’s policy towards international (f) What is the main thrust of the Fiscal
terrorism. Responsibility and Budget Management Bill?
(e) In what sense is Indo-Nepal cooperation (g) Highlight the main feature of the policy relating
important for both countries’ national security ? to buy-back of shares.
3. Answer the following (in about 20 words each): (h) Why was Janashree Bima Yojana introduced ?
2 × 5 = 10 (i) When was the idea of Agriculture Insurance
(a) Under what conditions are NRIs permitted to Corporation mooted ?
remit deposits in India in any currency of their (j) What is the policy of the Government with
choice ? respect to child labour?
(b) How can NRIs be attracted to invest in India? (k) Explain the objectives of the National Health
(c) What is the significance of the Pravasi Bhartiya Policy, 2002.
Divas in modern India ? (l) What was the main objective of the ‘Operation
(d) In what ways did Idi Amin make life difficult for Blackboard’ scheme ?
the people of Indian origin in his country ? (e) What (m) Explain the essential feature of differential rate
is “Brain drain”? of interest scheme.
4. Answer any one of the following (in about 250 (n) Which are the three major items of expenditure
words): 30 of the Government of India on revenue account?
(a) Write a note on the strategy of planning in India (o) What was the essential feature of the Pradhan
since 1951. Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana ?
(b) What were the major recommendations of the 7. Answer any two of the following (in about 150
Task Force on direct taxes appointed under the words each): 15 × 2 = 30
Chairmanship of Shri Vijay L. Kelkar ? (a) What is the ‘Veto’ in the UN-system ?
5. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 (b) Discuss the role of the NATO after the end of
words each): 15 × 2 = 30 the Cold War.
(a) Outline the important objectives of the Tenth (c) Discuss the role of the United Nations in the
Five Year Plan. protection and promotion of Human Rights.
(b) What is a Finance Commission ? 8. Answer the following (in about 20 words each):
(c) Point out the measures undertaken towards 2 × 5 = 10
flexibility in capital account transactions during the (a) What do the following stand for
recent past. (i) IBRD,
6. Answer the following (in about 20 words each): (ii) UNHCR
2 × 15 = 30 (b) Who is Hans Blix ?
(a) What is Plan Holiday ? (c) Why was David Kelly in the news recently?
(b) Why did India have a surplus in current account (d) What is the problem in Chechnya ?
balance in 2001-02 after a gap of 24 years ? (e) What is the significance of the Robin Island?
(c) What is Value Added Tax ? 9. Answer the following (in about 20 words each):
(d) What is the main objective of the 2 × 5 = 10
Competition Act, 2002 ?

(a) What is the significance of Enola Gay in world (c) What is an operating system ? List the basic
history? services provided by an operating system.
(b) Why is Guantanamo Bay in the news now? (d) What is an ‘Internet Worm’? Explain DDoS.
(c) What is the theory of “clash of civilisations”? (e) What do the following stand for ?
(d) What does the theory of “end of history” mean ? (i) POSIX (ii) EPROM
(e) Why was Robert Mugabe in the news recently ? (iii) MODEM (iv) COBOL
10. Answer any one of the following (in about 250 13. (a) In the year 2001 there were 18000 workers
words): 30 in a certain factory, of which 13000 were members
(a) What do you understand by depletion of ozone of a trade union, 12% of workers were women and
layer and why is it considered harmful ? Name 60% of them were members of the trade union. In
ozone depleting substances and processes. What the year 2002 the number of workers increased by
international ramifications took place to protect the 6% of which 480 were women. At the same time the
ozone layer and what was the target agreed upon? trade union membership of women fell by 304 while
(b) What is interactive television ? What special the total membership increased by 10%. In the
advantages are derived by using VOD services? non-members category, the ratio of men and
What are the components of a typical VOD system? women was 4 : 1 in this year. Tabulate this
Which feature information and supply the missing figures. 8
film was generated first entirely on computers and (b) The following table gives the frequency
in which year ? distribution of height for 180 adults males Height
11. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 (in cm) Frequency
words each): 15 × 2 = 30 144.5 - 149.5 3
(a) What does the solar system consist of ? 149.5 - 154.5 5
Discuss the motion of the entire solar system as a 154.5 - 159.5 24
whole and also the motion of most of the bodies 159.5- 164.5 54
forming the solar 164.5 - 169.5 60
system. 169.5 - 174.5 27
(b) In which year and by which countries was 174.5 - 179.5 4
International Space Station (ISS) launched? How 179.5 - 184.5 3
many countries are participating in this program? Draw the two ogives (“less than” and “greater than”
What are the type cumulative frequency curves). Find the point
unique studies being made in the station which of their intersection and comment on its
could not be made so accurately on the earth ? significance. 8
(c) Discuss the elements of ‘frozen semen 14. (a) The mean and variance of a set of 60
technology. What are ‘embryo transfers ‘transgenic observations are 10 and 4 respectively while for a
animals’, ‘DNA recombinant technique’? subset of 40 observations these measures are 11
12. Answer the following (in about 20 words each): and 2.25 respectively. Find the mean and variance
2 × 5 = 10 of the other subset. 8
(a) What is ‘Sympathetic Haptics’ ? (b) The three outcomes of an experiment; w1, w2
(b) What are special features of ‘Linux’ ? and w3 are such that w1 is twice as likely to occur
as w2 which is twice as likely to occur asw3. Find

the probability of occurrence of each of the three average number of units of work completed per
outcomes. 8 minute ? 2
15. (a) What are the problems that a statistician
encounters in the process of construction of index ESSAY (Compulsory) - 2003
number ? 2 Write an essay on any one of the following subjects
(b) Suppose that the regression line of two random 1. The Masks of New Imperialism.
variables y and x is given by y = 26.38 - 1.35x and 2. How far has democracy in India delivered the
that of x and y is given by x = 16.38 - 0.45y. Find the goods?
square of the coefficient of correlation between x 3. How should a civil servant conduct himself ?
and y. 2 4. As civilization advances culture declines.
(c) If the correlation coefficient between two 5. There is nothing either good or bad but thinking
random variables is zero, are the random variables makes it so
independent ? 2 6. Spirituality and Scientific temper.
(d) In a certain factory, a unit of work is completed
byA in 10 minutes, by B in 20 minutes. What is the

(iv) Chamber of Princes

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies (v) Dharma Sabha
Paper-1-2002 (vi) Divide et impera
(vii) Dandi March
(viii) Garry Kasparov
1. Answer any one of the following (about 250
(ix) Keshab Chandra Sen
words) : 30
(x) Nivedita
(a) What was the Butler Committee Report?
(xi) Pele
Discuss the reactions on the Report in India.
(xii) Raidasa
(b) Why did Jinnah reject theC. R. Formula?
(xiii) Satyagraha
(xiv) Steffi Graf
2. Answer any two of the following (about 150
(xv) Theodore Beck
words each): 2 × 15 = 30
(a) Trace the growth of the Indian Home Rule
Movement in Britain.
words each): 2 × 10 = 20
(b) Evaluate the attitudes of different political
(a) Give an account of the tea plantations of Assam
parties towards Quit India Movement.
and West Bengal and state the economic
(c) Review the ‘Dickie Bird Plan’.
significance of these plantations.
(b) Discuss the distribution of winds and rainfall
over India in the summer monsoon season.
words each): 15 × 2 = 30
(c) Define the concept of ‘growth centres’ and
(i) Anandmath
evaluate its relevance in regional planning in India.
(ii) Bismillah Khan
(iii) Chris Evert

5. Write short notes on the following (about 20 9. Answer the following (about 20 words each): 5 ×
words each): 5 × 2 = 10 2 = 10
(i) Name of main petroleum producing areas in (i) What is the importance of the 84th Amendment
India of the Indian Constitution?
(ii) Jhum cultivation - process and consequences (ii) Under what Article of the Constitution can the
(iii) Kaziranga National Park Union Government play its role in settling inter-state
(iv) Census definition of urban places water disputes ?
(v) Khetri Copper Project (iii) What is the role of the protem speaker?
(iv) What is meant by the ‘lame-duck session’ of the
6. Answer any one of the following (about 250 legislature ?
words): 30 (v) What is meant by the ‘fringe areas’ in the sphere
(a) “The issue of a hung Parliament adversely of local government in India?
affects the stability of Indian Government.” Discuss
the statement and point out how far changing over 10. Write on any one of the following (about 250
to the Presidential form of government will be a words): 30
solution to this problem. (a) What is the composition of the Electoral College
(b) Why does the Constitution of India provide for the election of the President of the Indian
different forms of Oaths for the President, the Republic? How is the value of votes cast counted ?
Ministers, the legislators and the members of the (b) “Biotechnology boom may pave a golden path
judiciary ? Discuss their significance. for India.” Discuss.
7. Answer any one of the following (about 250
words): 30 11. Write on any two of the following (about 125
(a) What is the position of the Supreme Court under words each): 2 × 10 = 20
the Constitution of India ? How far does it play its (a) What were the main strategic concerns of the
role as the guardian of the Constitution ? Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri
(b) Howis the Constitution of India amended ? Do during her recent visit to India?
you think that the procedure for amendment makes (b) What is ‘TRIFED’ ? What are its objectives?
the Constitution aplay- thing in the hands of the (c) How has the dwindling of barbed variety of rice
Centre ? affected the Siliguri - Bagdogra belt with respect to
man-animal conflict?
words each): 2 × 15 = 30 12. Write notes on any two of the following (about
(a) Discuss the constitutional provisions relating to 125 words each): 2 × 10 = 20
the nonjusticiable directives binding upon the (a) What is Integrated Wastelands Development
states. Programme?
(b) Describe the methods of delimiting (b) Write briefly about Desert Development
constituencies for parliamentary elections in India. Programme.
(c) Explain the role of the Public Accounts (c) Write briefly about the Programmes for ‘Welfare
Committee. of the Disabled’.

13. Write about the following (about 20 words (c) What has been the impact of Gulf remittances
each): 5 × 2 = 10 on India’s economy ?
(i) Prof. B.P Sinha (d) Name the nodal agency to deal with issues
(ii) Maj. Gen. S. S. Sharma relating to Indians abroad and explain its main task.
(iii) Kondapalli Seetharamaiah (e) What is distinction between ‘Non Resident
(iv) Aung San Suu Kyi Indian’ and ‘People of India origin’?
(v) Thalassery, Kerala
4. Answer any ONE of the following (Answer
should be in about 250 words)
UPSC Mains Exam General Studies (a) Outline the main targets fixed in the National
Paper-2-2002 Population Policy 2000. What have been the follow
up measures to this policy ? 30
(b) The main thrust of Export-Import Policy 2002 -
07 is on creating a framework for enhancing India’s
export capability. In the light of this statement
2 = 30
outline the salient features of EXIM Policy 2002-07.
(a) Discuss the major irritants in Indo-China
30
relations and highlight the latest moves to
overcome these.
(b) How did U.S. respond to the problem of
Cross-border terrorism in the State of Jammu and
2 = 30
Kashmir after the Kaluchak events ?
(a) What are ‘Minimum Support Prices’ in
(c) Account for India’s opposition to
agricultural products ? What are their objectives ?
Comprehensive Test Ban treaty.
(b) Outline the main objectives and achievements
of the policy of disinvestment in India.
2. Answer the following (Answer to each question
(c) With what objectives was ‘Essential
should be in about 20 words): 2 × 5 = 10
Commodities Act 1955’ amended last year
(a) Explain India’s stand on LTTE
(b) What does ‘Gujral doctrine’ stand for ?
(c) How does India benefit from good neighbourly
should be in about 20 words) : 2 × 15 = 30
relations with Bangladesh?
(a) What is peak rate of Custom duty ? What are its
(d) What do you know about ‘Pinaka’ ?
objectives in India ?
(e) Explain India’s ‘No First Use’ policy in context of
(b) Define fiscal deficit.
Nuclear Weapons.
(c) Explain the provision of OGL.
(d) Elucidate ‘Special Economic Zones’.
(e) Highlight salient feature of ‘National Highway
should be in about 20 words) : 2 × 5 = 10
Development Project’.
(a) What are the problems NRIs have to face if they
(f) What is the role of SEBI ?
decide to settle in India ?
(g) Explain RBI’s ‘Automatic route’ in FDIs.
(b) What was India Millennium Deposit Scheme ?

(h) With what objectives was ‘Annapurna’ Scheme 9. Answer the following (Answer to each question
launched ? should be in about 20 words) : 2 × 5 = 10
(i) Elucidate ‘Sampoorna Gramin Rozgar Yojna’. (a) What do the following stand for ?
(j) The Union Budget 2002-03 recommended some (i) UNHCR (ii) UNIDO
services to be taxed. (iii) WTO (iv) MIGA.
Name any 4 of these services. (b) What is meant by AU ?
(k) What is ‘dumping’ ? What is its objective? (c) Explain U.S. stand on the proposal for
(l) What do you understand by ‘Capital Account establishing an International Crime Court.
Convertibility’ of Rupee ? (d) What is the main purpose of G-15 ?
(m) Define Sex ratio in the population of India. What (e) Why is SAFTA being mooted ?
is its present status ?
(n) Distinguish between ad-valorem and specific 10. Answer any ONE of the following (Answer
duties. should be in about 250 words)
(o) Define zero-based budget. (a) Plastic hazards- Discuss.30
(b) Discuss in detail “The Internet Telephony as an
7. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to alternative”. 30
2 = 30 11. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to
(a) Highlight the main points of Nuclear each question should be in about 150 words): 15 ×
Disarmament Treaty signed by U.S. President 2 = 30
George Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin (a) What are the fundamental constants and their
in May 2002. use in the measurement system ?
(b) Outline the features of latest Saudi Peace Plan (b) Discuss about ‘Environment’, its components
for West Asia Crisis and assess its importance. and its awareness.
(c) “NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) is relevant in (c) What is Human Cloning ? Is it dangerous or
Unipolar World as well.” Comment. beneficial? Discuss.
8. Answer the following (Answer to each question 12. Answer the following (Answer to each question
should be in about 20 words) : 2 × 5 = 10 should be in about 20 words): 2 × 5 = 10
(a) What do the following stand for ? (a) What is a digital camera’?
(i) WCAR (b) What is firewall in Computer Language?
(ii) SPDC (c) What is multimedia ?
(iii) INTERPOL (d) What do the following stand for ?
(iv) WIPO. (i) HTML
(b) Why was Bander Seri Begawan in news recently (ii) FTP
? (iii) MELOPS
(c) Who is Xanana Gusmao ? (iv) PLANIT.
(d) What do you mean by Uni-Polar World? (e) What is Piracy ?
(e) What do you know about North-South dialogue ?
13. Answer the following :

(a) The figures below give the revenue expenditure (ii) Which model shows more uniformity? 2 + 6 = 8
in U.P. on education in crore of rupees for the last (b) The following table shows the distribution of
three years 100 families according to their expenditure per
week. Number of families corresponding to the
Particulars Expenditure (Crore Rs.) expenditure groups Rs. (1020) and Rs. (30-40) are
1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 missing from the table. The median and mode for
Primary Education 68.00 78.00 118.00 the distribution are Rs. 25.00 and Rs. 24.00
Secondary Education 40.00 45.00 74.00 respectively. Calculate the missing frequencies :
Special Education 30.00 35.00 45.00
University and 50.00 52.00 56.00 Expenditure (Rs.) No. of families
Higher Education 0-10 14
Technical Education 35.00 38.00 42.00 10-20 —
Sports and Youth Welfare 20.00 22.00 30.00 20-30 27
30-40 —
Represent the above information by suitable 40-50 15 8
diagram. 8
(b) Represent the following data by frequency 15. Answer the following : 2 × 4 = 8
polygon: (a) The average rainfall of a certain place for
Monday to Saturday is 15 inches. Due to heavy
Weekly Wages (Rs.) No. of Workers rainfall on Sunday, the average rainfall of the week
0-10 10 rose to 25 inches. How much rainfall was there on
10-20 15 Sunday?
20-40 18 (b) The following are the information pertaining to
40-70 60 employees of a factory
70-100 45 Total number of employees 100
100-120 40 Average salary of all employees Rs. 5000.00
120-150 30 8 Average salary of male employees Rs. 5200.00
Average salary of female employees Rs. 42.00.00
14. Answer the following : What is the number of male and female
(a) The life of two models A and B of refrigerators employees?
in a recent surrey is tabulated as follows: (c) If each value in a sample of size 15 is multiplied
Life (No. of years) Model A Model B by 10, then whether the mean will be changed,
0-2 5 2 justify your answer. What will happen to the mean if
2-4 16 7 12 is subtracted from each value ?
4-6 13 12 (d) A person owns two Companies A and B. He
6-8 7 19 invested Rs. 10 lakh to establish Company A and
8-10 5 9 Rs. 10 crore to establish Company B. The average
10-12 4 1 profits earned from both the companies are the
(i) What is the average life of each model of these same. Which of the two companies is better from
refrigerators ? profit earning point of view ? Justify your answer.

Write an essay on any one of the following subjects

1. Modern Technological Education and human
values.
2. Search for Truth can only be a spiritual problem.
3. If youth knew, if age could.
4. The paths of glory lead but to the grave.
5. Privatisation of Higher Education in India.
6. Responsibility of media in a democracy.

(c) Why did Gandhi launch the Salt Satyagraha in

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies 1930 and with what results ?
Paper-1-2001
1. Answer any one of the following (about 250 3. Write about the following (About 20 words
words) : 30 each) 15 × 2 = 30
(a) Discuss the main objectives of the Indian (i) Aryabhatta
national movement up to 1905. What were its (ii) D. K. Karve
basic weaknesses during this period ?
(iii) J. Krishnamurti
(b) What administrative changes were introduced
in India after 1858 ? (iv) Prarthana Samaj
What were the objectives of these changes ? (v) Ghadar Party
2. Answer any two of the following (About 150 (vi) Satyashodhak Samaj
words each) : 2 × 15 = 30 (vii) Jamnalal Bajaj
(a) How did the movement for the liberation of (viii) Banabhatta
women receive a great stimulus from the rise and (ix) Gopi Kishna
growth of the nationalist movement in India ?
(x) Pupul Jayakar
(b) Discuss the aims and objects of the Khilafat
Movement. To what extent was it successful? (xi) Mohammad Iqbal

(xii) Jay deva (b) What are the main differences between the
(xiii) T. Prakasam passage of a Constitution Amendment Bill and
other Legislative Bills?
(xiv) Champaran Satyagraha
(xv) Ali Brothers
8. Answer any two of the following (About 150
words each): 2 × 15 = 30
4. Answer any two of the following (About 125 (a) Comment on the nature of Ordinance making
words each) 2 × 10 = 20 power of the President of India.
(a) What are mangroves and in what way are they What safeguards are there against possible
useful to us ? misuse ?
(b) Explain the causes of the Indian Monsoon. (b) Distinguish between Cabinet Secretariat and
(c) Had there been no Himalayas, what Prime Minister’s Secretariat. Which of these is
more important ?
would have been the winter climate in north India?
(c) Discuss the constitutional provisions
5. Write short notes on the following (About 20
regarding the rights of children.
words each): 5 × 2 = 10
9. Answer the following (About 20 words each): 5
(ii) Hirakud Project
× 2 = 10
(iii) Glacier
(a) Explain the Local Area Development Scheme
(iv) Two prominent left bank tributaries of river of the Members of Parliament.
Ganges
(b) What is Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha?
(v) Equinox
(c) Why is it said that the centre has absolute veto
6. Answer any one of the following (About 250 over State Legislature ?
words): 30
(d) What is Call Attention Motion ?
(a) Discuss the administrative relations between
(e) When is the device of joint sitting of both the
the centre and the states in the light of recent
Houses of Parliament not available ?
controversies.
10. Write any one of the following (About 250
(b) Bring out the aberrations of the parliamentary
words) : 30
system of government in India.
(a) Review the population policy of the Govt. of
7. Answer any one of the following (About 250
India giving the distinguishing features.
words) : 30
(b) Discuss the significance of GSLV in space
(a) What is the constitutional position of Directive
research.
Principles of State Policy ? How has it been
interpreted by the judiciary after the emergency in 11. Write on any two of the following (About 125
1975-77 ? words each) 2 × 10 = 20

(a) Determine the utility of Direct To Home in 2. Answer the following (Answer to each
broadcasting system. question should be in about 20 words) : 2 × 5 =
(b) What are the UNDP indicators with reference 10
to the planning process ? (a) What is India’s ‘Look East Policy’?
(b) What do you understand by ‘G15’ ?
(c) What are the Human Rights issues involved in (c) Explain the problem of infiltration in eastern
relation to the arrest of M. Karunanidhi in Tamil parts of India.
nadu in July 2001? (d) Why does India object to Kashmir being
12. Write notes on any two of the following treated as a disputed territory’ ?
(About 125 words each): 2 × 10 = 20 (e) What is the significance of Pyrdiwah and
Boraibari in Indo Bangladesh relations ?
(a) Swarn Jayanti Gram Swaraj Yojana
(b) Law Commission of India 3. Answer the following (Answer to each
(c) Lalit Kala Akademi question should be in about 20 words) : 2 × 5 =10
(a) In what field shave N.R.I.’s excelled in the
13. Write about the following (About 20 words
developed countries ?
each): 5 × 2 = 10
(b) In which specialties Indians are most wanted
(a) Pullela Gopichand abroad?
(b) E-commerce (c) What efforts are being made by Indian
Government to look after N.R.L’s ?
(c) ICCR
(d) What is the contribution of the N.R.I.’s to
(d) Sports Authority of India India’s development ?
(e) NCERT (e) Why do N.R.I.’s retain their emotional
attachment to India ?
4. Answer any ONE of the following (Answer
Paper-2-2001
should be in about 250 words)
(a) What is the incidence of poverty in India? How
1. Answer any two of the following (Answer to
should poverty alleviation programmes be
each question should be in about 150 words): 15
constructed ?
× 2 = 30
(b) Indian economy presents a paradox of high
(a) Discuss the global response to President
savings rate with low-income and high savings
George Bush ‘National Missile Defence Plan’
rate with low growth rate. Analyse. 30
(NMD).
(b) What were the major recommendations of the
group of ministers’ on Indian National Security
each question should be in about 150 words): 15
System ?
× 2 = 30
(c) Examine the latest phase of Indo-Iran
(a) Liberalisation of the Indian economy since
Relations.
1991 has led to excessive consumerism and
over-production of ‘white goods’. Elucidate.

(b) What are the hurdles faced by the Finance (b) Evaluate the performance of Summit meeting
Ministers of India in keeping the fiscal deficit of the Arab League held in March 2001 ?
below 3-4 percent of the GDP ? (c) Outline the salient features of India’s nuclear
Suggest steps to lower the fiscal deficit. policy and explain the reasons for India’s refusal
(c) Discuss the nature and causes of the UTI to sign the C.T.B.T.
Crisis with particular reference to US-64. How
does this UTI fiasco affect the investment climate 8. Answer the following (Answer to each
in India ? question should be in about 20 words) : 2 × 5 =
10
6. Answer the following (Answer to each (a) What do the following stand for ?
question should be in about 20 words): 2 × 15 = (i) UNCIP
30 (ii) KLA.
(a) What is ‘CRISIL’ ? What does it do ? (b) Why has Slobodan Milosevic been in news in
(b) What do you understand by “Current Account the recent past ?
Convertibility of Rupee” ? (c) Who is Gao Zhan ?
(c) What do you mean by providing industry (d) Who is Megawati Sukarnoputri ?
status to agriculture in India ? (e) Which is the latest right confirmed by the 57th
(d) Elucidate “Operation Flood”. session of the United Nations?
(e) Expand the term “nasdaq”.
(f) Differentiate between “galloping inflation” and 9. Answer the following (Answer to each
“runaway inflation”. question should be about 20 words): 2 × 5 = 10
(g) What is meant by “couple protection ratio”? (a) What is GCC ?
(h) Distinguish between “human development (b) Why was Macau in the news recently?
index” and “gender-related development index”. (c) What is G8 ?
(i) What is green GNP ? (d) What is European Union ?
(j) Distinguish between a “hard” currency and a (e) Explain the position of US vis a vis the League
“soft” currency. of Nations.
(k) Explain “rolling plan”.
(l) Illustrate Lorenz curve. 10. Answer any ONE of the following
(m) What is meant by “trickle-down” theory of (Answer should be in about 250 words)
development.
(n) What is “misery index” ? (a) What is a cryogenic engine? Discuss its
(o) What is meant by “Most Favoured Nation” significance in India’s space programme.
policy ? (b) What are stem cells ? Why have they been in
the news recently ? Discuss. 30
7. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to 11. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to
each question should be in about 150 words): 15 each question should be in about 150 words): 15
× 2 = 30 × 2 = 30
(a) Discuss the significance of Kyoto Protocol. (a) What is fibre optics ? What advantages does it
Why is U.S.A. not signing it ? offer in telecommunications ? Elaborate.

(b) What is vermi composing ? Discuss its B. Clothing 48 75

importance in the Indian context. C. Education 32 40
(c) What does the Montreal Protocol deal with ? D. House Rent 40 75
Discuss its role in protecting Earth’s Environment. E. Miscellaneous 80 110
Total 400 600
12. Answer the following (Answer to each
question should be in about 20 words) : 2 × 5 = 14. Answer the following : 4 + 2 + 2 = 8
10 (a) Representing the following data by suitable
(a) What is “handshake” in computer language? graphs, determine there from the number of
(b) What is “ethernet” and what is it used for? children having I.Q. (i) below 105 (ii) above 124 :
(c) What is “digital signature” and what is it used I.Q. Number of Children
for ? 75-84 8
(d) What do the following stand for ? 85-94 20
(i) DRAM (ii) JPEG 95-104 45
(iii) ASCII (iv) IMAP 105-114 54
(e) What is a WAP-enabled phone ? 115-124 28
125-134 16
13. Answer the following 135-144 7
(a) A sample survey based on 280 postgraduate 145-154 3
students was undertaken to study student (b) The following table shows certain data
attitude towards a proposed change in the collected for the three regions of a country:
dormitory regulations. Each student was to Region No. of % of Average
respond as’ yes’ or ‘no’ or ‘indifferent’ in regard to annual
the issue, The results are tabulated below : Inhabitants literates income per
(millions) person (Rs.)
Response Percentage of students A 10 52 8000
yes 54 B 5 68 5800
no 28% C 20 41 7500
indifferent 18% Obtain the overall figures for the three regions
taken together. 4 × 2 = 8
Use a pie chart to represent the above
information, and obtain the number of students 15. Answer the following : 2 × 4 = 8
saying ‘no’ to the proposed Change. (a) A man goes by car from town ‘A’ to town ‘B’. A
large part of the distance is uphill and he gets a
(b) Represent the following data by percentage mileage of 10 kms per litre of fuel. On his way
subdivided bar diagrams: 8 back, he makes 15
Item of Expenditure kms, per litre of fuel. The distance between the
(Rs.) two towns is 60 kms. What is the average mileage
Expenditure Family X Family Y per litre of fuel ?
A. Food 200 300

(b) In a school, there are 15 teachers. One of them

drawing a monthly salary of Rs. 7,800 retires and
a fresh appointment is made for a monthly salary
of Rs. 6,300. By what amount is the average
monthly salary of teachers changed ?
(c) The geometric rate of growth of sales for a
company for the first three years was 25% and for
the next three years was 40%. Is the claim of
average growth being 65% valid ? Give analytic
reason in support of your answer.
(d) A trains runs non-stop from New Delhi to
Kanpur at a speed of 75 kmph and returns the
same way at a speed of 60 kmph. Can you
conclude that the average speed for the up and
down journey is 67.5 kmph ? Justify your answer
analytically.
Write an essay on any one of the following

subjects.
1. What have we gained from our democratic
set-up ?
2. My vision of an ideal world order.
3. The march of science and the erosion of
human values.
4. Irrelevance of the classroom.
5. The pursuit of excellence.
6. Empowerment along cannot help our women.

UPSC Mains General Studies SYLLABUS
Syllabus - UPSC Mains : General Studies Paper-1

“Indian Heritage and Culture, History and
Geography of the World and Society”
● Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient
to modern times.
● Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present-
significant events, personalities, issues
● The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from
different parts of the country.
● Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
● History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world
wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like
communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.
● Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
● Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and
developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
● Effects of globalization on Indian society
● Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
● Salient features of world’s physical geography.

● Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian
subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector
industries in various parts of the world (including India)
● Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,
geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including
waterbodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

“Governance, Constitution, Polity,
Social Justice and International relations”
● Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant
provisions and basic structure.
● Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to
the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
● Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
● Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
● Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers &
privileges and issues arising out of these.
● Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and
Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role
in the Polity.

● Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

● Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various
Constitutional Bodies.
● Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
● Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out
of their design and implementation.
● Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups
and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
● Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the
performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the
protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
● Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,
Education, Human Resources.
● Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
● Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications,
models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and
institutional and other measures.
● Role of civil services in a democracy.
● India and its neighborhood- relations.
● Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s
interests
● Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian
diaspora.
● Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate

“Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity,
Environment, Security and Disaster Management”
● Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development
and employment.
● Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
● Government Budgeting.

● Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and
irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and
related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers
● Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public
Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and
food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
● Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and
downstream requirements, supply chain management.
● Land reforms in India.
● Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on
industrial growth.
● Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
● Investment models.
● Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
● Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing
new technology.
● Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and
issues relating to intellectual property rights.
● Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
● Disaster and disaster management.
● Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
● Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
● Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social
networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and
its prevention
● Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with
terrorism
● Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

“Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude”
This paper will include questions to test the candidates' attitude and approach to issues relating to
integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by

him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects.
The following broad areas will be covered.
● Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human
actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons
from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society
and educational institutions in inculcating values.
● Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral
and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
● Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship,
objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker
sections.
● Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and
governance.
● Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
● Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical
concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and
conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening
of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding;
corporate governance.
● Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity;
Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics,
Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public
funds,challenges of corruption.
● Case Studies on above issues

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UPSC Mains Exam

General Studies Paper (1-4)

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Paper-4 2017 54

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UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Question Paper 2007 116

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UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Question Paper 2022

Meteorological Department. (Answer in 150

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Q.13 Discuss the significance of the lion and bull

Q14. What are the forces that influence ocean

Q15. Describe the distribution of rubber producing

Q16. Mention the significance of straits and

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Marks) Q.16) What is the basic principle behind vaccine

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SECTION A 3.(b) “If a country is to be corruption free and

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UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Question Paper 2021

percentage. Discuss.(Answer in 150 words) 10

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Q12. Bring out the constructive programmes of

Q.13 There arose a serious challenge to the

Q14. Briefly mention the alignment of major

Q15. How do the melting of the Arctic ice and

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Q.14) What are the present challenges before crop

Q.15) What are the research and developmental

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(b) What approach Pawan should adopt for

(c) As an outsider, what are your Suggestions for

(d) In the above scenario, what type of training

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UPSC Mains Exam General Studies Question Paper 2020

UPSC Mains Exam General Studies

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Q12. Persian literary sources of medieval India

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Q.9) Discuss different types of Cybercrimes and

Q.4) What are the challenges and opportunities in

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Q.18) Discuss the recent measures initiated in the

Q.20) Analyze internal security threats and

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