UPSC IAS MAINS 2023 GENERAL STUDIES (PAPER – 1)

1. Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient

India. (Answer in 150 words) 10
2. What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore
in their approach towards education and nationalism? (Answer in 150 words)
10
3. Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different
countries of the world. (Answer in 150 words) 10
4. Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical
countries. (Answer in 150 words) 10
5. Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to
freshwater resources? (Answer in 150 words) 10
6. How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most
picturesque areas of the world? (Answer in 150 words) 10
7. Why is the South-West monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region?
How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of
the region? (Answer in 150 words) 10
8. Do you think marriage as a sacrament in loosing its value in Modern India?
(Answer in 150 words) 10
9. Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian Society.
(Answer in 150 words) 10
10. Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on
the socialization of children. (Answer in 150 words) 10
11. What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of
the features are still prevailing in Indian society? (Answer in 250 words) 15
12. What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate
period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian
society?(Answer in 250 words) 15
13. How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal
response to the colonial oppression?(Answer in 250 words) 15
14. Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight
the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.(Answer in 250
words) 15
15. Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation
in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forests regions
of India.(Answer in 250 words) 15
16. Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in
India? (Answer in 250 words) 15
17. From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food
exporter to the world. Provide reasons. (Answer in 250 words) 15
18. Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor
in Indian metropolises? (Answer in 250 words) 15
19. Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static? (Answer in 250 words) 15
20. Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and
communalism. (Answer in 250 words) 15
UPSC IAS MAINS 2023 GENERAL STUDIES (PAPER – 2)

1. “Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of

democracy”. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10
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. (Answer in 150
words) 10
3. “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both
functionally as well as financially.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10
4. Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary
sovereignty. (Answer in 150 words) 10
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. (Answer in 150 words) 10
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. (Answer in 150 words) 10
7. Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the
abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer
to the recent decisions. (Answer in 150 words) 10
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? (Answer in 150 words) 10
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 problems. (Answer in
150 words) 10
10. Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and
political benefits for India. (Answer in 150 words) 10
11. ” The Construction of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous
dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society”. Illustrate with
special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal
liberty. (Answer in 250 words) 15
12. Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of
relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws. (Answer in 250 words) 15
13. Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced
frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.
(Answer in 250 words) 15
14. Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and
meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India.
(Answer in 250 words) 15
15. Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what
extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism. (Answer in 250
words) 15
16. Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the
financial committees helped in the institutionalization of Indian Parliament.
(Answer in 250 words) 15
17. “Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are
discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.
(Answer in 250 words) 15
18. Skill development programs have succeed in increasing human resources
supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyze the linkages
between education, skill and employment. (Answer in 250 words) 15
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?
Give reasons and examples to support your answer. (Answer in 250 words) 15
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 environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (Answer
in 250 words) 15
UPSC IAS MAINS 2023 GENERAL STUDIES (PAPER – 3)

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. (Answer in 150 words) 10
2. What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the
problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements. (Answer in 150
words) 10
3. How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of
agricultural produce? Explain it. (Answer in 150 words) 10
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. (Answer in 150 words) 10
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? (Answer in 150 words) 10
6. Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current
fuel shortage. (Answer in 150 words) 10
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. (Answer in 150 words)
10
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? (Answer in 150
words) 10
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. (Answer in 150 words) 10
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.
(Answer in 150 words) 10
11. Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the
methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest
improvements. (Answer in 250 words) 15
12. Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized economy’. How can care
economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment?
(Answer in 250 words) 15
13. Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in
consumption pattern and marketing conditions. (Answer in 250 words) 15
14. What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India?
Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization(WTP) in relation to
agricultural subsidies. (Answer in 250 words) 15
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? (Answer in 250
words) 15
16. What is the main task of India’s third mood 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. (Answer in 250 words)
15
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. (Answer in 250 words) 15
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? (Answer in 250 words) 15
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. (Answer in 250 words) 15
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. (Answer in 250 words) 15
UPSC IAS MAINS 2023 GENERAL STUDIES (PAPER – 4)

SECTION A

Q1.

(a) What do you understand by ‘moral integrity’ and ‘professional efficiency in the
context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer
in 150 words)10

(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. (Answer in 150 words)10

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?
(Answer in 150 words)10

(b) In the context of work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion’ and ‘undue
influence’ with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)10

Q3. Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these
quotations convey to you in the present context?

(a) “The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousandheads
bowing in prayer.” – Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)10

(b) “To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Ones she is on
the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.” – Jawaharlal Nehru
(Answer in 150 words)10

(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 Vivekanand. (Answer in 150 words)10
Q4.

(a) What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements
is a definite set of emotional skills – your EQ- not just purely cognitive abilities that are
measured by conventional IQ tests.” Do you agree with this view ? Give reasons in
support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)10

(b) Differentiate ‘moral intuition from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitableexamples.

(Answer in 150 words)10

Q5.

(a) Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations
in the context of ethical decision making ? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)10

(b) ‘Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic

development.’ Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)10

Q6.

(a) What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the
contemporary world.(Answer in 150 words)10

(b) Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance?(Answer in
150 words)10

SECTION B

Q7. You are working as an executive in a nationalized bank for several years. One day
one of your close colleagues tells you that her father is suffering from heart disease
and needs surgery immediately to survive. She also tells you that she has no insurance
and the operation will cost about Rs. 10 lakh. You are also aware of the fact that her
husband is no more and that she is from a lower middle class family. You are
empathetic about her situation. However, apart from expressing your sympathy, you
do not have the resources to fund her.

A few weeks later, you ask her about the well-being of her father and she informs you
about his successful surgery and that he is recovering. She then confides in you that
the bank manager was kind enough to facilitate the release of Rs. 10 lakh from a
dormant recount of someone to pay for the operation with a promise that it should be
confidential and be repaid at the earliest. She has already started paying it back and
will continue to do no until it is all returned.

(a) What are the ethical issues involved ?

(b) Evaluate the behavior or the bank manager from an ethical point of view.

(c) How would you react to the situation ?

(Answer in 250 words)20

Q8. A landslide occurred in the middle of the night on 20th July, 2023 in a remote
mountain hamlet, approximately 60kilometers from Uttarkashi. The landslide was
caused by torrential rains and has resulted in large-scale destruction of property and
life. You, as district magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a team of
doctors, NGOs, media and police along with numerous support staff to oversee the
rescue operations.

A man came running to you with a request for urgent medical help for his pregnant
wife who is in labor and is losing blood. You directed your medical team to examine
his wife. They return and convey to you that this woman needs blood transfusion
immediately. Upon enquiry, you come know that a few blood collection bags and blood
group test kits are available in the ambulance accompanying your team. Few people
of your team have already volunteered to donate blood.

Being a physician who has graduated for AIIMS, you know that blood for transfusion
needs to be procured only through a recognized blood bank.

Your team members are divided on this issue; some favor transfusion while some
others oppose it. The doctors in the team are ready to facilitate the delivery provided
they are not penalized for transfusion. Now you are in a dilemma. Your professional
training emphasizes on prioritizing service to humanity and saving lives of individuals.

(a)What are the ethical issues involved in this case?

(b) Evaluate the options available to you, being District Magistrate of the area.

(Answer in 250 words)20

Q9. At 9 pm on Saturday evening, Rashika, a Joint Secretary, was still engrossed in her
work in her office. Her husband, Vikram, is an executive in an MNC and frequently out
of town in connection with his work. Their two children aged 5 and 3 are looked after
by their domestic helper. At 9:30 pm her superior, Mr. Suresh calls her and asks her to
prepare a detailed note on an important matter to be discussed in a meeting in the
Ministry. She realises, that she will have to work on Sunday to finish the additional task
given by her superior.

She reflects on how she had looked forward to this posting and had worked long hours
for months to achieve it. She had kept the welfare of people uppermost in discharging
her duties. She feels that she has not done enough justice to her family and she has
not fulfilled her duties in discharging essential social obligations. Even as recently as
last month she had to leave her sick child in the nanny’s care as she had to work in the
office. Now, she feels that she must draw a line, beyond which her personal life should
take precedence over her professional responsibilities. She thinks that there should
be reasonable limits to the work ethics such as punctuality, hard work, dedication to
duty and selfless service.

(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.

(b) Briefly describe at least four laws that have been enacted by the Government with
respect to providing a healthy, safe and equitable working environment for women.

(c) Imagine you are in a similar situation. What suggestions would you make to
mitigate such working conditions?

(Answer in 250 words)20

Q10. Vinod is an honest and sincere IAS officer. Recently, he has taken over as
Managing Director of the State Road Transport Corporation, his sixth transfer in the
past three years. His peers acknowledge his vast knowledge, affability and
uprightness.

The Chairman of the State Road Transport Corporation is a powerful politician and is
very close to the Chief Minister. Vinod comes to know about many alleged
irregularities of the Corporation and the high-handedness of the Chairman in financial
matters.
A Board Member of the Corporation belonging to the Opposition Party meets Vinod
and hands over a few documents along with a video recording in which the Chairman
appears to be demanding bribe for placing a huge order for the supply of QMR tyres.
Vinod recollects the Chairman expediting clearing of pending bills of QMR tyres.

Vinod confronts the Board Member as to why he is shying away from exposing the
Chairman with the so-called solid proof he has with him. The member informs him
that the Chairman refuses to yield to his threats. He adds that Vinod may earn
recognition and public support if he himself exposes he Chairman. Further, he tells
Vinod that once his party comes to power, Vinod’s professional growth would be
assured.

Vinod is aware that he may be penalized if he exposes the Chairman and may further
be transferred to a distant place. He knows that the Opposition Party stands a better
chance of coming to power in the forthcoming elections.

However, he also realizes that the Board Member is trying to use him for his own
political gains.

(a) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Vinod.

(b) In the light of the above case, comment upon the ethical issues that may arise due
to the politicization of bureaucracy.

(Answer in 250 words)20

Q11. You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public
Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months,
is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of
which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect,
Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in
your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions
which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time.
This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the
credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour
towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the
Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in
front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous
harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self-esteem. She felt perpetually
tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a
long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work.

You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her
previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in
compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may
adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her
peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation.

(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?

(b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to
retain Seema in the organization?

(c) What would be your response to Seema’s predicament? What measures would you
institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization ?

(Answer in 250 words)20

Q12. You hold a responsible position in a ministry in the government. One day in the
morning you received a call from the school of your 11-year-old son that you are
required to come and meet the Principal. You proceed to the school and find your son
in the Principal’s office. The Principal informs you that your son had been found
wandering aimlessly in the grounds during the time classes were in progress. The
class teacher further informs you that your son has lately become a loner and did not
respond to questions in the class, he had also been unable to perform well in the
football trials held recently. You bring your son back from the school and in the
evening, you along with your wife try to find out the reasons for your son’s changed
behaviour. After repeated cajoling, your son shares that some children had been
making fun of him in the class as well as in the WhatsApp group of the students by
calling him stunted, duh and a frog. He tells you the names of a few children who are
the main culprits but pleads with you to let the matter rest.

After a few days, during a sporting event, where you and your wife have gone to watch
your son play, one of your colleague’s son shows you a video in which students have
caricatured your son. Further, he also points out to the perpetrators who were sitting
in the stands. You purposefully walk past them with your son and go home. Next day,
you find on social media, a video denigrating you, your son and even your wife, stating
that you engaged in physical bullying of children on the sports field. The video became
viral on social media. Your friends and colleagues began calling you to find out the
details. One of your juniors advised you to make a counter video giving the background
and explaining that nothing had happened on the field. You, in turn posted a video
which you have captured during the sporting event, identifying the likely perpetrators
who were responsible for your son’s predicament. You have also narrated what has
actually happened in the field and made attempts to bring out the adverse effects of
the misuse of social media.

(a)Based on the above case study, discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of
social media.

(b)Discuss the pros and cons of using social media by you to put across the facts to
counter the fake propaganda against your family.

(Answer in 250 words)20

UPSC IAS MAINS 2023: ESSAY PAPER

Section A

1. Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.
2. Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.
3. Not all who wander are lost.
4. Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the
mundane.
Section B

5. Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful
disciplines.
6. Mathematics is the music of reason.
7. A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.
8. Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in
school.