GS Paper 3 UPSC 2021 (Mains) questions were a mix of conceptual and analytical questions – covering both static areas and current affairs. Please find the questions in the General Studies Paper 3 (GS3) of UPSC 2021 Civil Services Mains Examination (written).
UPSC conducted the General Studies Paper 3, as part of the Civil Services Main Exam 2021 on 09-01-20221.
There were 20 questions. 10 questions were of 10 marks each, while the remaining 10 questions were of 15 marks each.
GS Paper 3 UPSC 2021: Instructions
- Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
- There are 20 questions printed both in ENGLISH and HINDI.
- All questions are compulsory.
- The number of marks carried by a question/part is printed against it.
- Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
- No marks will be given for answers written in the medium other than the authorized one.
- Answers to questions no. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to questions no. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words.
- Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.
- Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.
- The content of the answer is more important than its length.
General Studies Paper 3 Question Paper – UPSC Civil Services Main Exam (Written) 2021
Qn1. Explain the difference between the computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. (Answer in 150 words)
Qn2. Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets. (Answer in 150 words)
Qn3. How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers? (Answer in 150 words)
Qn4. How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis? (Answer in 150 words)
Qn5. How is the S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (Answer in 150 words)
Qn6. Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (Answer in 150 words)
Qn7. Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards? (Answer in 150 words)
Qn8. Discuss the vulnerability of India to earthquake-related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. (Answer in 150 words)
Qn9. Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (Answer in 150 words)
Qn10. Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also, discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. (Answer in 150 words)
Qn11. Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V- shapes recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)
Qn12. “Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.” Discuss in the light of India’s experience. (Answer in 250 words)
Qn13. What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India? (Answer in 250 words)
Qn14. What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (Answer in 250 words)
Qn15. What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society? (Answer in 250 words)
Qn16. The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in the 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings? (Answer in 250 words)
Qn17. Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India at this conference? (Answer in 250 words)
Qn18. Describe the various causes and effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (Answer in 250 words)
Qn19. Analyse the multidimensıonal challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also, discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (Answer in 250 words)
Qn20. Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also, suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (Answer in 250 words)
GS3 Question Paper Analysis
A perfect mix of conceptual and analytical questions – that was General Studies Paper 3 all about in Mains 2021.
The question paper started with concept-related questions like that of GDP, Budget, and Land Reforms.
However, the remaining share of questions mainly focused on the analysis aspect.
This paper had a tilt towards recent events of national and international importance (in the last 10 years) – however, there was no focus on trivial or factual current affairs.
Two questions were connected with the 26th session of COP – which was held in November 2021. This shows how recently UPSC set the question paper.
However, UPSC also gave a shock to candidates by asking about the invention of Blue LEDs which got The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014! This reinforces our theory that the scope of current affairs should not be limited to the last 1 year – but it should span the contemporary events of at least the last 10 years.
The questions on V-shaped recovery, Food Security Bill of 2013, National Infrastructure Pipeline, Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) etc were also connected with contemporary affairs.
Overall, the paper can be rated as of moderate difficulty.
Important Take-Aways from the GS Paper 3 UPSC 2021 (Mains) – Question Paper
This paper stressed the importance of conceptual understanding in certain crucial areas like the Indian Economy.
In the perspective of the UPSC syllabus, all major national and global initiatives which arouse interest in a well-educated youth should be given stress.
There are no major surprises this year for those candidates who had carefully analysed the previous year UPSC question papers. This year paper followed more or less the previous year trends.
The paper also points to the importance of wide reading and expert training to score high – including the right kind of practice and time managment.
What do you think of this year’s General Studies Paper 3 questions? What are your comments about this paper?
Dhrubajit patgiri says
It was oky. But in previous year GS3 got most important on agriculture but in this year it’s ask maximum three questions on agriculture. But security gets most important. But paper was essy.
Sanjeev Kumar says
I passed my 12 th in medical science stream .I studied Hindi, English ,physics , chemistry and biology in 12th .then can I choose mathematics as optional subject in UPSC CSE
K says
Yes