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UPSC PYQ — Mains

GS I-IV and Essay previous year questions with model answers

Mains PYQs reveal UPSC's depth of expectations. Practicing PYQs builds pattern recognition and helps you understand the exact style and content UPSC expects.

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GS Paper I — Important PYQs

  • 12024: Assess the importance of the 'Pala Empire' as a significant political and cultural force in ancient India.
  • 22023: Examine the socio-cultural impact of the Bhakti movement on medieval Indian society.
  • 32022: Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period to the scientific and artistic heritage of India.
  • 42024: Examine the role of geographical factors in influencing the agricultural productivity in India.
  • 52023: Discuss the factors for the recent rapid expansion of very severe cyclonic storms in the Arabian Sea.

GS Paper II — Important PYQs

  • 12024: Discuss the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India as the guardian of public finances.
  • 22023: Examine the significance of the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act with respect to co-operative societies.
  • 32022: Discuss the role of presiding officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality.
  • 42024: How have digital initiatives transformed India's approach to social welfare delivery?
  • 52023: Analyze the role of India in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) for regional stability.

GS Paper III — Important PYQs

  • 12024: Explain the importance of India's food processing sector and the government initiatives to promote it.
  • 22023: Explain the concept of carbon credits and discuss India's position in the global carbon credit market.
  • 32022: What is digital economy? What are the opportunities it presents and challenges it faces?
  • 42024: How does cybercrime threaten India's internal security? Examine the measures taken to combat it.
  • 52023: Analyze the role of ISRO in enhancing India's space capabilities and its strategic importance.

GS Paper IV — Important PYQs

  • 12024: 'Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless; knowledge without integrity is dangerous.' Comment.
  • 22023: Elaborate the philosophy of Karma Yoga and how it can be applied by a civil servant.
  • 32022: 'The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.' Evaluate this statement in the context of public service ethics.
  • 4Case Study 2024: A junior officer discovers that his senior is falsifying records to divert funds. What should he do?

Essay Paper — Important PYQs

  • 12024: India's G20 Presidency — A New Dawn for Multilateralism
  • 22023: The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
  • 32022: The process of desecularization of the State signals the beginning of authoritarianism.
  • 42021: Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.
  • 52020: Wisdom finds Truth.

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