UPSC CSE Mains 2025 GS 3 Paper Question (General Studies 3) – Download PDF

Download the UPSC CSE Mains 2025 GS 3 (General Studies 3) Question Paper PDF. Essential for practice, answer writing, and UPSC CSE 2026 preparation.

Introduction

The UPSC CSE Mains GS 3 paper stands as one of the most dynamic and challenging components of the Civil Services examination. Officially titled 'Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management', this paper serves as a comprehensive assessment of a candidate's analytical prowess and policy-oriented thinking.

GS 3 Paper covers six core pillars that form the backbone of modern governance:

• Indian Economy and Economic Development
• Agriculture and Food Management
• Science & Technology
• Environment & Biodiversity
• Internal Security
• Disaster Management

Unlike traditional academic tests, GS 3 paper evaluates your ability to synthesize information across disciplines and propose practical solutions to India's pressing contemporary challenges. The paper demands more than theoretical recall—it requires deep, applied understanding of how these domains intersect in real-world governance scenarios.

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UPSC Mains GS 3 Question Paper 2025

Q1. Distinguish between the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) with special reference to India. Why is the IHDI considered a better indicator of inclusive growth? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q2. What are the challenges before the Indian economy when the world is moving away from free trade and multilateralism to protectionism and bilateralism? How can these challenges be met? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q3. Explain the factors influencing the decision of the farmers on the selection of high value crops in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q4. Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q5. The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India’s contributions to the international fusion energy project – International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q6. How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q7. What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q8. Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q9. Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State? Explain. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q10. The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q11. Explain how the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) can be used as a tool for assessing the fiscal performance of states in India. In what way would it encourage the states to adopt prudent and sustainable fiscal policies? (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q12. Discuss the rationale of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. What are its achievements? In what way can the functioning and outcomes of the scheme be improved? (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q13. Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater?(Answer in 250 words) 15

Q14. Examine the scope of the food processing industries in India. Elaborate the measures taken by the government in the food processing industries for generating employment opportunities. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q15. How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers? (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q16. India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q17. Mineral resources are fundamental to the country’s economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q18. Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended by India been updated in 2022? (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q19. What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q20. Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward. (Answer in 250 words) 15

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Overview of UPSC GS 3 – 2025

Examination Schedule and Structure

The UPSC CSE Mains 2025 examination follows a structured five-day schedule. GS Paper 3 is scheduled for August 24th, 2025 (Sunday) in the forenoon session from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.

Key Paper Details:

• Total Marks: 250
• Duration: 3 Hours (180 minutes)
• Total Questions: 20 (Descriptive Type)
• Question Division: 10 Questions of 10 marks each; 10 Questions of 15 marks each
• Word Limits: 150 words for 10-markers; 250 words for 15-markers
• Negative Marking: None for Mains examination

Relevance for Governance and Administration

The subjects in GS 3 paper directly align with core governmental functions. Understanding "Government Budgeting" is fundamental for resource allocation, while knowledge of "Agriculture" remains crucial in a country where significant population depends on this sector. Topics like "Internal Security" and "Disaster Management" are non-negotiable for maintaining law and order and ensuring citizen safety.

This paper essentially simulates real-world policy challenges, evaluating your capacity to think like a pragmatic administrator and connect theoretical frameworks to ground realities.

To whom this paper have value ?

• UPSC CSE 2025 Aspirants: Self-assessment and understanding contemporary examination focus
• UPSC CSE 2026 Aspirants: Foundational guide for decoding evolving patterns and aligning preparation strategies

Section-wise Key Themes & Topics in GS3 2025

1. Economy and Development

• Q1 (HDI vs IHDI), Q2 (Protectionism), Q11 (Fiscal Health Index), Q12 (PLI Scheme) reflect UPSC’s consistent focus on inclusive growth, trade shifts, fiscal prudence, and industrial policy.
• Trend: Movement from broad concepts (growth, poverty, trade) towards data-driven indices and government schemes. The focus is on analytical comparison (HDI vs IHDI, FHI, PLI evaluation).
• Implication: Candidates must integrate reports (UNDP HDR, NITI Aayog, RBI studies, Economic Survey).

2. Agriculture and Rural Economy

• Q3 (crop choice factors), Q4 (supply chain), Q13 (groundwater depletion), Q14 (food processing), Q15 (nanotechnology in farming).
• Trend: Agriculture is framed not just as food security but as an economic and technological challenge. Emphasis on value addition, sustainability, and innovation.
• Implication: Prepare with current government interventions (PMKSY, PMFME, MSP reforms, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture).

3. Science, Technology and Energy

• Q5 (Fusion/ITER), Q6 (energy independence 2047), Q7 (CCUS), Q15 (nanotechnology in agriculture), Q16 (semiconductors).
• Trend: Strong push towards strategic technology & clean energy. Questions blend domestic programs with global initiatives.
• Implication: Link Indian efforts with global collaborations (ITER, COP commitments, India Semiconductor Mission). Expect future focus on AI, space, and biotech applications.

4. Environment and Climate Change

• Q7 (CCUS), Q8 (seawater intrusion), Q13 (groundwater), Q17 (mining hazards), Q18 (Paris Agreement & COP26).
• Trend: UPSC links environment with climate governance, natural resources, and technology. Practical environmental issues (water, mining, coastal zones) dominate alongside global climate diplomacy.
• Implication: Balance static ecology basics with dynamic policy updates (National Water Mission, COP28 outcomes, LiFE initiative).

5. Internal Security

• Q9 (terrorism), Q10 (Left Wing Extremism), Q19 (North-East peace), Q20 (maritime security).
• Trend: UPSC has expanded security coverage from traditional terrorism to regional challenges and geo-strategic concerns. Maritime security reflects India’s Indo-Pacific role.
• Implication: Prepare internal security with current examples (Manipur unrest, LWE decline, insurgency peace accords, piracy, China factor in Indo-Pacific).

Key Observations

1. Continuity: Agriculture, environment, internal security remain core areas.
2. Newness: Indices (IHDI, FHI), semiconductor mission, fusion energy. This indicates UPSC’s alignment with Economic Survey and India’s industrial-technology priorities.
3. Integration of Static + Current: Almost every question requires both foundational knowledge and contemporary data/policy.
4. Shift towards Evaluation: Instead of just describing, questions ask to assess, compare, or suggest improvements (PLI, IHDI, FHI).

Strategic Takeaway

• Economic Survey, Budget, UN Reports, NITI Aayog publications are crucial.
• Agriculture-tech-environment nexus is gaining importance.
• Security section now demands contemporary geopolitical awareness.
• Practice concise, evaluative writing (150/250 words) with facts, examples, and schemes.

How to Practice with GS3 Papers

Simulating Exam Conditions

Attempt the entire paper in a single three-hour sitting to:

• Build mental and physical stamina for continuous writing
• Develop effective time management (7-8 minutes for 10-markers, 11-12 minutes for 15-markers)
• Practice prioritization and quick thinking under pressure

Content Depth vs. Precision

Master the art of providing analytical, in-depth answers within strict word limits. Focus on:

• Concise expression using keywords and technical terms
• Maximum relevant information in minimum words
• Structured points for clarity and impact

The Feedback Loop

Self-Evaluation:

• Compare answers with model answers from VisionIAS
• Identify content gaps and structural deficiencies

Peer Review:

• Engage study groups for constructive criticism
• Gain fresh perspectives on writing style and argumentation

Topper Analysis:

• Study previous years' toppers' answer sheets
• Understand effective structuring, diagram usage, and value addition techniques

Download Previous Year Paper (PYQ) for UPSC Mains GS 3

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High-Yield Recurring Topics

Analysis of previous year questions reveals consistent themes:

• Economy: Inclusive growth, government budgeting, infrastructure, manufacturing and services sectors
• Agriculture: PDS, MSP, farm subsidies, food processing
• Science & Tech: Space technology, biotechnology, IT developments
• Internal Security: Cybersecurity, border management, terrorism linkages

Mapping Thematic Shifts

While core topics remain consistent, focus areas evolve reflecting contemporary priorities:

• Environment: Shift from basic conservation to climate finance and carbon markets
• Internal Security: Expansion from traditional threats to hybrid warfare and information warfare
• Technology: Increased emphasis on AI regulation and emerging tech governance

Optional Classroom Program 2026

Insights & Analysis for UPSC CSE 2026

Difficulty Level Assessment

The GS Paper 3 2025 maintains a 'Moderate to Difficult' level, with complexity arising from analytical and interdisciplinary nature rather than obscure facts. The paper continues integrating static concepts with dynamic current affairs, demanding application-based knowledge.

Emerging Focus Areas for 2026 Aspirants

The Green Economy:

• Renewable energy transition
• Electric vehicles and circular economy models
• Climate finance mechanisms
• Net-zero emissions pathway

The Care Economy:

• Distinction from monetized economy
• Women's empowerment linkages
• Policy implications for inclusive growth

Technology Regulation:

• AI governance frameworks
• Biotechnology ethical implications
• Data protection and privacy laws

New Security Dimensions:

• Critical information infrastructure security
• Hybrid warfare challenges
• Weaponization of social media platforms

Strategic Preparation Recommendations

Adopt a "Newspaper-to-Syllabus" mapping strategy:

1. Active Reading: Transform daily newspaper consumption into continuous syllabus coverage
2. Mapping Technique: Link every significant news item to relevant GS3 topics
3. Structured Notes: Create brief, exam-oriented notes under syllabus headings
4. Dynamic Knowledge Base: Build continuously updated, exam-aligned preparation material

This integrated approach replaces the traditional model of static syllabus completion followed by current affairs supplementation, ensuring better alignment with paper demands.

Conclusion

The General Studies Paper 3 represents one of the most rewarding yet challenging components of the UPSC Mains examination. Success requires a multi-pronged strategy balancing conceptual clarity, current affairs integration, and consistent answer writing practice.

Key Success Factors:

• Interdisciplinary Approach: Move beyond siloed preparation
• Evidence-based Arguments: Substantiate with credible data and examples
• Structured Practice: Regular timed answer writing with feedback
• Dynamic Preparation: Continuous integration of current developments

The UPSC CSE Mains 2025 GS Paper 3 question paper serves as both an assessment tool and learning resource, offering the most current snapshot of commission expectations. Use it as a diagnostic tool to identify strengths, weaknesses, and fine-tune your preparation strategy.

Download the GS Paper 3 2025 PDF now and sharpen your answer writing for your upcoming UPSC attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is asked in GS Paper 3 of UPSC?

GS Paper 3 covers 'Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management'. Key topics include Indian economy (planning, growth, employment, budgeting), agriculture (cropping patterns, MSP, PDS, food security), infrastructure, Science & Technology (IT, space, biotech, AI developments), environmental conservation and pollution, internal security challenges (terrorism, cybersecurity, border management), and disaster management frameworks.

Q. How many marks is GS3 worth?

The General Studies Paper 3 carries 250 marks total. These marks count toward the final merit list, making it a crucial component of the written examination stage.

Q. Which subjects form the core of GS Paper 3?

The core subjects constituting GS Paper 3 syllabus are:

• Indian Economy and Economic Development
• Agriculture
• Science and Technology
• Environment and Biodiversity
• Internal Security
• Disaster Management

These subjects are interconnected, with questions often requiring interdisciplinary understanding across multiple domains.