Free for every aspirant · Part of the UPSC Gurus Open Library

UPSC Mains 2023 General Studies Paper III

Explore the complete UPSC Mains GS Paper III question paper from 2023, with every question clearly presented alongside its marks and word limit. Read online or download either PDF edition free.

The official PDF is UPSC’s own bilingual file. The UPSC Gurus edition is a clean English version formatted for easy reading and printing.

Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2023Time Allowed: Three HoursMaximum Marks: 250

Practise Under the Exam Clock

Set aside three hours, start the clock and write your answers on paper, just as you would in the examination. Nothing needs to be uploaded.

Question Paper Specific Instructions

  • There are TWENTY questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
  • All questions are compulsory.
  • The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
  • Answers to Question Nos. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words each, whereas answers to Question Nos. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words each.
  • Word limit in questions should be adhered to.
  • 1

    Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 2

    What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 3

    How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 4

    State the objectives and measures of land reforms in India. Discuss how land ceiling policy on landholding can be considered as an effective reform under economic criteria.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 5

    Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 6

    Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 7

    Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give two examples of large dam failures.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 8

    What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 9

    Winning of 'Hearts and Minds' in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 10

    The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 11

    Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 12

    Distinguish between 'care economy' and 'monetized economy'. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment?

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 13

    Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 14

    What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 15

    The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles?

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 16

    What is the main task of India's third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the 'Virtual Launch Control Centre' at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 17

    Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few India's wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 18

    The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region?

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 19

    What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 20

    Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and the efforts being made to curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the 'No Money for Terror (NMFT)' Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • Get Your Answers Personally Evaluated

    Finished practising? You can choose a written evaluation and personal feedback session through Mains Mastery: ₹1,499 per paper, including GST, with your evaluation emailed within five working days.

    Get This Paper Evaluated

    Typed by UPSC Gurus from the official UPSC question paper. Spotted an error? Tell us on WhatsApp at 81220 02172.