UPSC Mains 2026 GS Paper 3
Question Paper

UPSC Mains 2026 GS Paper 3 Questions

All twenty questions as they appeared in the paper. Questions 1–10 carry 10 marks each and are to be answered in 150 words; questions 11–20 carry 15 marks each in 250 words. All questions are compulsory.

1. Q1What do you mean by Digital Rupee ? In this context, explain the working and progress of India's Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).Answer in 150 words · 10 marks
2. Q2Examine the view that financial inclusion is an integral part of social and economic inclusion in a country like India. Also throw light on the usefulness of the R.B.I.'s Financial Inclusion Index.Answer in 150 words · 10 marks
3. Q3Describe the various Technology Missions initiated in Indian agriculture and examine their role in food security.Answer in 150 words · 10 marks
4. Q4Explain the factors responsible for inefficiency of agri-produce marketing. How e-commerce helps to reduce inefficiency of agri-produce marketing ? Explain.Answer in 150 words · 10 marks
5. Q5Explain by giving two examples, how biotechnology has helped the Indian farmers in processing their perishable crops.Answer in 150 words · 10 marks
6. Q6Distinguish between a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) and a thermal nuclear reactor. In the context of first indigenously developed prototype FBR at Kalpakkam, explain the term 'criticality'. What are its implications for clean energy future of our country ?Answer in 150 words · 10 marks
7. Q7Discuss how the contradiction between 'rapid infrastructure development' and 'disaster-risk reduction' in ecologically-sensitive areas of India can be managed, with suitable examples.Answer in 150 words · 10 marks
8. Q8Discuss the aim and goals of Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework. Mention India's commitments and initiatives to achieve the goals and targets of this framework giving suitable examples.Answer in 150 words · 10 marks
9. Q9Explain how fake news and disinformation pose threat to Internal Security and Public Order in Indian context ? In this regard, discuss salient features of amendments in respect of Information Technology (Intermediatory Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.Answer in 150 words · 10 marks
10. Q10Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of constitution for Ladakh.Answer in 150 words · 10 marks

1. Q11Explain the key challenges for India's energy security. What measures do you suggest for ensuring energy security along with economic growth and sustainability ?Answer in 250 words · 15 marks
2. Q12How are startups in India promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and employment ? Discuss the global and domestic challenges in their working and suggest suitable measures to overcome these challenges.Answer in 250 words · 15 marks
3. Q13How Indian agriculture has been transformed from food scarcity to food surplus level ? Explain the various government policies implemented for diversification of Indian agriculture.Answer in 250 words · 15 marks
4. Q14Discuss the different types of subsidies and supports provided by the Government of India to agricultural sector. Examine the related issues pertaining to Agreement on Agriculture of World Trade Organisation (WTO).Answer in 250 words · 15 marks
5. Q15Mention salient features of 'Mission Drishti'. Discuss the imaging techniques used in the satellite launched on 3rd May 2026. Why it is being considered world's first satellite of its kind ?Answer in 250 words · 15 marks
6. Q16What is agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) ? Explain its working. Describe its applications with suitable examples. Discuss the advantages, risks and challenges associated with agentic AI systems.Answer in 250 words · 15 marks
7. Q17What are the challenges to solid waste management in India ? Discuss the governmental policy framework on solid waste management. Discuss the success/failure cases of Delhi and Indore cities highlighting the salient feature of their solid waste management initiatives.Answer in 250 words · 15 marks
8. Q18"Community participation is the cornerstone of effective disaster management". Analyse this statement with suitable examples from India. Also discuss the challenges to community participation and measures to strengthen it.Answer in 250 words · 15 marks
9. Q19Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir (J & K). Bring out actions taken by the Government to bring J & K into national mainstream. Discuss pre and post abrogation status of Articles 370 and 35A. Also bring out positive impacts of abrogation of both articles in mainstreaming the state.Answer in 250 words · 15 marks
10. Q20Discuss counterfeit currency and money laundering as major sources of terror funding in India. State the actions being taken at International level to check these menaces. Highlight the role of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and methods of compliance by its member states in preventing terror funding.Answer in 250 words · 15 marks

GS Paper 3 — Official Syllabus

Reproduced as notified by the Union Public Service Commission for General Studies Paper III.

How to Approach GS Paper 3

The widest of the four papers in subject range, and the one most tied to the last twelve months of news.

1. Answer the directive, not the topic. "Examine", "critically analyse" and "comment" ask for different things. A well-informed paragraph that ignores the directive loses marks a weaker but obedient answer keeps.
2. Carry data, but sparingly. One current figure from the Economic Survey, Budget or a recent report is worth more than a paragraph of adjectives — and more than five figures crammed together.
3. Give every answer a clear, visible structure: begin with a one-line introduction, organise the body under concise headings, and end with a short, forward-looking conclusion. The examiner reads quickly; a well-structured answer is easier to follow, evaluate and remember.

UPSC Mains 2026 Question Papers

Each paper is added here on the day it is written.

Practise with the 2025 Papers

Until the 2026 paper is out, last year's set is the closest thing to it.