The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administered the CSE Mains 2025 General Studies Paper-III (GS-III) on August 24, 2025. This paper assesses candidates on Economic Development, Agriculture, Environment, Science and Technology, and Internal Security. Understanding the areas and the level of questions asked in GS-III is a crucial factor for aspirants. Those who are preparing for the UPSC CSE should keep themselves updated on the topics which UPSC predominantly emphasizes in this paper.
UPSC Mains GS Paper-3 2025: Key Highlights
| UPSC Mains GS-III Exam Date | August 24th, 2025 |
| Total Marks | 250 Marks |
| Duration | 3 Hours (9 AM to 12 PM – Morning Session) |
| Number of Questions | 20 Questions (All Questions are Compulsory) |
UPSC Mains 2025 GS-III Question Paper
1. 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
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) 10
3. Explain the factors influencing the decision of the farmers on the selection of high value crops in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10
4. Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10
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) 10
6. How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology can play a crucial role in this endeavour? (Answer in 150 words) 10
7. What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change? (Answer in 150 words) 10
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) 10
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? Explain. (Answer in 150 words) 10
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) 10
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) 15
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) 15
13. 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
14. 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
15. 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
16. 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
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) 15
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) 15
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) 15
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) 15
Topic-Wise Question Division for UPSC Mains 2025 GS-III Paper
| Indian Economy | 08 |
| Science and Technology | 04 |
| Environment and Ecology | 03 |
| Disaster Management | 01 |
| Internal Security | 04 |
| Total Questions | 20 Questions |
UPSC Mains 2025 Question Paper GS-3 PDF
The UPSC Civil Services Mains 2025 General Studies Paper-III (GS-III) has been conducted, and the question paper is now available. This question paper is a compilation of questions and an excellent resource for aspirants to understand the examination’s requirements. Aspirants can go through the GS-III question paper to get an idea of the type of topics asked and the difficulties involved. The link to download the PDF of the UPSC Mains 2025 GS-III question paper is given below for easy access.
| Also Check: |
| UPSC Mains 2025 Essay Paper PDF |
| UPSC Mains 2025 GS-I Paper PDF |
| UPSC Mains 2025 GS-II Paper PDF |
How to Download the UPSC Mains 2025 Question Paper GS-3 PDF?
The GS-III paper PDF can be downloaded through the following steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website, which provides downloadable resources for UPSC.
- Navigate to the “Examination” section and select the relevant year (2025).
- Locate the “General Studies Paper-III (GS-III)” and click the download link.
- Save the PDF to your device for further study and analysis.
Analysis of Topics Covered in UPSC Mains GS Paper-3 2025
- Economic Development & Policies:
- Concepts like the Human Development Index (HDI) vs. Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI) with focus on inclusive growth.
- Challenges to the Indian economy amid rising protectionism and bilateralism, away from free trade and multilateralism.
- High-value crop selection factors and supply chain management in agriculture.
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for industrial growth and associated improvements.
- Scope of food processing industries and employment generation.
- India’s semiconductor manufacturing and related challenges.
- Role and impact of nanotechnology and biotechnology in agriculture and economy.
- Fiscal Health Index (FHI) as a tool for fiscal performance assessment in states.
- Depleting groundwater issues and measures to address them.
- Mineral resources and mining environmental hazards with remedial strategies.
- India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and subsequent updates.
- Science and Technology:
- Fusion energy program: India’s contribution to the ITER project and implications for future energy.
- Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and its role in tackling climate change.
- Advancements via nanotechnology in agriculture.
- Role of biotechnology in achieving energy independence by 2047.
- Environment and Ecology:
- Seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers: causes and remedial measures.
- Challenges related to renewable and clean energy.
- Policies related to climate change mitigation.
- Internal Security and Governance:
- Terrorism: manifestation in India, contemporary examples, and state countermeasures.
- Left Wing Extremism (LWE): impact, government measures, and targets for elimination.
- Challenges to peace and internal security in the North-Eastern states, including peace accords and agreements.
- Maritime security: importance for sea trade, challenges, and solutions.
- Disaster Management & Infrastructure:
- Supply chain significance for agricultural commodities reflecting infrastructural aspects.
The paper integrates multidisciplinary issues with a heavy focus on sustainable economic growth, technology and innovation in agriculture and energy, environmental challenges, and internal security concerns. It tests candidates’ ability to connect policy frameworks with ground realities, technological developments, and evolving security scenarios. Strong emphasis is placed on contemporary challenges like climate change, food processing, clean energy, and socio-economic development with inclusiveness.
This paper demands a comprehensive understanding of core developmental, scientific, security, and governance issues for India’s progress by 2047, aligning with the vision of a developed, secure, and sustainable India.
