The UPSC Civil Services Mains General Studies Paper 3 (GS-3) 2025 was conducted as part of the Civil Services Examination. This paper is one of the most dynamic, covering topics related to Economy, Science & Technology, Environment, Internal Security, and Disaster Management.
The GS-3 Paper carries 250 marks and requires aspirants to demonstrate both conceptual clarity and applied knowledge of current developments.
The paper covers the following areas:
Indian Economy – Planning, mobilization of resources, inclusive growth, agriculture, infrastructure, investment models.
Science & Technology – Developments and applications, indigenization of technology, achievements in IT, space, and biotechnology.
Environment & Ecology – Conservation, environmental pollution, climate change, sustainable development, and EIA.
Internal Security – Challenges to internal security, role of media & social networking, cyber security, terrorism, border management.
Disaster Management – Preparedness, mitigation, and institutional frameworks.
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
Candidates can download the official UPSC GS Paper 3 (2025) Question Paper PDF here:
👉 [Download UPSC Mains 2025 GS Paper 3 PDF]
This will help aspirants review the exact questions asked and practice for upcoming attempts.
Economy answers → Quote latest data (Economic Survey, Budget, NITI Aayog, RBI reports).
Science & Tech → Mention indigenous initiatives like ISRO, DRDO, Digital India, Startup India.
Environment → Link with current affairs (COP summits, IPCC reports, Indian policies).
Security & Disaster Management → Use case studies (NDMA guidelines, cyberattacks, insurgency issues).
Answer structure → Start with context/data → analyze issues multi-dimensionally → conclude with reforms/way forward.
Practice diagrams & flowcharts → Especially for economy, agriculture, and disaster management.
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Q1. When was the UPSC Mains 2025 GS Paper 3 conducted?
A. The UPSC Mains 2025 GS Paper 3 was conducted on 24th August 2025 during the Civil Services Mains Examination.
Q2. What are the main subjects covered in GS Paper 3?
A. GS Paper 3 covers Indian Economy, Agriculture, Science & Technology, Environment & Ecology, Internal Security, and Disaster Management.
Q3. How many questions are asked in GS Paper 3?
A. The paper has 20 compulsory descriptive questions, to be completed in 3 hours.
Q4. What is the mark weightage of GS Paper 3 in UPSC Mains?
A. GS Paper 3 carries 250 marks, making it a high-scoring paper for well-prepared candidates.
Q5. What type of questions are asked in GS Paper 3?
A. Questions test the aspirant’s ability to apply economic, technological, and environmental concepts to real-world scenarios, often linked with government schemes, reports, and current issues
