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UPSC Mains 2020 General Studies Paper III

Explore the complete UPSC Mains GS Paper III question paper from 2020, 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, 2020Time 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, whereas answers to Question Nos. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words.
  • Word limit in questions should be adhered to.
  • 1

    Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 2

    Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 3

    What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 4

    What are the challenges and opportunities of food processing sector in the country? How can income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 5

    What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 6

    How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 7

    How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 8

    What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security?

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 9

    Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 10

    For effective border area Management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals.

    Answer in about 150 words
    10marks
  • 11

    Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to be considered while designing a concession agreement between a public entity and a private entity.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 12

    Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions?

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 13

    What are the major factors responsible for making rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success how has this system become bane in India?

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 14

    Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenario.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 15

    COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 16

    Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose?

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 17

    What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India?

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 18

    Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 19

    What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
  • 20

    Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard.

    Answer in about 250 words
    15marks
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