UPSC Questions and Answers for Prelims and Mains

13-10-2025

04:31 AM

UPSC questions are renowned for their diversity and depth. They encompass a wide array of subjects ranging from history, geography, and economics to current affairs, governance, and ethics. This multifaceted approach ensures that candidates possess a well-rounded understanding of various domains essential for administrative roles.

Understanding the nature of UPSC questions is crucial for aspirants to navigate through the complexities of the examination process effectively. In this article, one can find UPSC questions with answers from the previous year papers of Prelims and Mains, and MCQs for practice.

UPSC Questions and Answers PDF

The UPSC Questions and Answers PDF serves as a valuable resource for aspirants preparing for the CSE 2024 exam. The Prelims Reflections PDF contains the questions asked in Prelims 2023 exam from Vajiram and Ravi Test Series. And, Mains Model Answers PDF contain the sample answers for the Mains 2023 questions.

Prelims Reflections	GS Paper 1 Model Answers PDF
GS Paper 2 Model Answers PDF	GS Paper 3 Model Answers PDF
GS Paper 4 Model Answers PDF	UPSC Previous Year Question Paper

UPSC Practice Questions

UPSC practice questions play a pivotal role in the preparation journey of aspirants aiming for the Civil Services Examination. These questions serve as a diagnostic tool, allowing aspirants to gauge their strengths and weaknesses across various subjects and topics. By identifying areas of improvement, candidates can tailor their study plans to focus on areas that require additional attention, thereby maximising their preparation efficiency.

Subject Wise UPSC Questions

By tackling subject-wise questions, candidates can identify their strengths and weaknesses in each domain, allowing for targeted revision and improvement. This approach ensures comprehensive preparation across all subjects, equipping aspirants with the knowledge and proficiency necessary to excel in the UPSC CSE Exam and pursue their aspirations in the Civil Services.

UPSC Prelims Questions

UPSC Prelims questions serve as the initial screening phase for aspirants seeking entry into civil services. These multiple-choice questions cover a vast array of subjects, including history, geography, economics, current affairs, and more. The primary objective of IAS Prelims Questions is to assess candidates' breadth of knowledge and ability to comprehend diverse topics. Below are the UPSC Prelims questions of the last two years with answers and explanations.

UPSC Prelims 2023 Questions and Answers

UPSC Prelims Questions (2022)

UPSC Mains Questions and Answers

UPSC Mains questions are the crux of the civil services examination, demanding comprehensive understanding and critical analysis of diverse subjects. These questions delve deep into core concepts across various disciplines, requiring candidates to articulate coherent arguments and solutions. They assess candidates' ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, analyze complex issues, and propose pragmatic solutions.

Candidates can check the model answers for UPSC Mains Questions for GS Papers I to IV for the year 2023 below.

UPSC Questions - Mains 2023 GS I

Q.No.	Questions	Q.No.	Questions
1	Explain the role of Geographical Factors towards the development of Ancient India	11	What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society?
2	What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?	12	What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society?
3	Bring about the Socio-Economic Effects of the Introduction of Railways in Different Countries of the World.	13	How did colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to colonial oppression?
4	Discuss the Consequences of Climate Change on the Food Security in Tropical Countries.	14	Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.
5	Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources?	15	Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of Natural Vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rainforest regions of India.
6	How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?	16	Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India?
7	Refer to the PDF above	17	From being net food importer in the 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons.
8	Do you think marriage as a sacrament is losing its value in modern India?	18	Does urbanisation lead to more segregation and/or marginalisation of the poor in Indian metropolises?
9	Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society.	19	Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static?
10	Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialisation of children.	20	Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism.

UPSC Questions 2023 - Mains GS II

Q.No.	UPSC Questions	Q.No.	UPSC Questions
1	"Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy”. Comment	11	“The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society.” Illustrate.
2	Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India.	12	Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws.
3	“The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment.	13	Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.
4	Compare and Contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary Sovereignty.	14	Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India.
5	Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices.	15	Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism?
6	The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this adequacy.	16	Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of the Indian Parliament?
7	Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multinational Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions.	17	“Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.
8	e-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features?	18	Skill development programs have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement, analyze the linkages between education, skill and employment.
9	Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO.' In the light of the above statement, point out the role of India in mitigating the problems.	19	‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well in India.’ What is your opinion about this statement?
10	Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.	20	Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos’. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting the environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.

IAS Mains Questions - GS III

Q.No.	IAS Question
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.
2	What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements.
3	How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it.
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.
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 the healthcare?
6	Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage.
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
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?
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.
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.
11	Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements.
12	Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized economy’. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment?
13	Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions.
14	What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to the farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization(WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies.
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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
20	Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and 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.

UPSC Questions - Mains 2023 GS IV

Q.No.	UPSC Question
Mains GS 4 Q1 (a)	What do you understand by ‘moral integrity’ and ‘professional efficiency’ in the context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples.
Mains GS 4 Q1 (b)	International aid' is an accepted form of helping resource-challenged' nations, Comment on ethics in contemporary international aid. Support your answer with suitable examples
Mains GS 4 Q2 (a)	“Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.” In your opinion what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society?
Mains GS 4 Q2 (b)	In the context of the work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion’ and ‘undue influence’ with suitable examples.
Mains GS 4 Q3 (a)	“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Mains GS 4 Q3 (b)	“To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.” – Jawahar Lal Nehru
Mains GS 4 Q3 (c)	Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle. – Swami Vivekananda
Mains GS 4 Q4 (b)	Differentiate ‘moral intuition’ from ‘moral reasoning with suitable examples.
Mains GS 4 Q5 (a)	Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss.
Mains GS 4 Q5 (b)	‘Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.’ Discuss.
Mains GS 4 Q6 (a)	What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.
Mains GS 4 Q6 (b)	Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance?