UPSC Mains General Studies 3 2025 (General Studies 3)

The UPSC Mains General Studies 3 2025 was conducted on 24th August 2025, from 09.00 am to 12.00 noon.

As the exam is now over, we are releasing the UPSC Mains 2025 General Studies Paper 3 Question paper, along with the complete list of questions in written format.

The UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 3 Question Paper 2025 focuses on topics related to economy, agriculture, science and tech, environment and Internal Security. It is a descriptive paper carrying 250 marks, where candidates are expected to combine theoretical knowledge with current affairs in their answers.

Candidates who appeared in the exam have already attempted these topics, but this question paper will also be very useful for:

• Aspirants preparing for future UPSC attempts
• Candidates who have skipped this attempt but want to familiarize themselves with the pattern and nature of essay topics.

You can either download the UPSC Mains 2025 General Studies Paper 3 PDF from the link given below or simply go through the questions provided in text format here.

UPSC Mains 2025 General Studies Paper 3 Questions

1. Distinguish between the Human Development Index (HDI) and 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) 10M

2. 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) 10M

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

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

5. 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) 10M

6. 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) 10M

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

8. 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) 10M

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

10. 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) 10M

11. 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) 15M

12. 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) 15M

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

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

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

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

17. 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) 15M

18. 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) 15M

19. 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) 15M

20. 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) 15M

Detailed Overview of the UPSC Mains 2025 General Studies Paper 2

Duration- 3 hours
Total Marks- 250
Number of Questions- 10 Qs of 10 Marks (150 words), 10 Qs of 15 Marks (250 Words)
Nature: Descriptive (essay type)
Medium: Available in both Hindi and English
Negative Marking: None

The paper maintained UPSC’s pattern while incorporating themes and depth that reflects the commission’s evaluation methodology.