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Essay Paper UPSC 2021 (Mains): Question Paper and Analysis

Last updated on January 8, 2022 by Alex Andrews George

UPSC conducted the  Essay Paper , as part of the Civil Services Main Exam 2021 on 07-01-2022.

There were 8 Essay topics, out of which candidates were asked to write on two topics in 3 hours.

Candidates were supposed to answer about 1000 words for each essay (about 10-12 pages).

Table of Contents

Essay Paper UPSC 2021 Instructions

• Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
• The essay must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
• No marks will be given for answers written in the medium other than the authorized one.
• Word limit, as specified, should be adhered to.
• Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.

Essay Question Paper – UPSC Civil Services Main Exam (Written) 2021

Write  two  essays, choosing  one  topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each:

1. The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.

2. Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

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3. Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

4. The real is rational and the rational is real.

5. Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

6. What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

7. History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

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8. There are better practices to “best practices”.

Most of the essays topics this year were philosophical and open to the interpretation of the candidates. However, considering the philosophical base of the questions, most candidates found the questions tricky. It was not easy to write 1000 words on each topic within the time constraints.

UPSC has ensured that the essay topics were much different from the GS questions.

A philosophical theme is clearly evident in most of the essay topics in Section A as well as Section B. This was the case in 2020 as well. However, this year it became much more prominent. It is a clue about what UPSC expects from the essay paper.

Rather than asking candidates to write on topics most aspirants are familiar or trained with, UPSC is now evaluating the essay writing skills of aspirants by providing them with abstract or philosophical topics.

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The reason for such a shift in the pattern should be the change in the focus of the Commission.

All the 8 topics presented this year will test spontaneous thinking, comprehension, writing skills, and time-management of aspirants.

Repeated questions from previous years

The importance of the previous year UPSC questions cannot be stressed more.

Just like prelims, in mains too many questions came directly repeated from previous year question papers. Also, there were themes you often see in many essay books.

One such question was Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

Thinkers, Philosophers, and their Quotes

Let’s analyse the source of some of the question topics.

Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

This essay topic was a quote going rounds on the internet. The quote is attributed to “Coach Bobbi” [Bobbi Chegwyn] on Facebook.

Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

This essay topic was connected with J.K. Mehta’s Theory of Wantlessness!

This has also connections with Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy.

The real is rational and the rational is real.

This is a quote by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel .

As per Hegel, something can be real, yet it may not exist. Also, something may not be real, it may still exist. For Hegel, reality does not mean existence.

Among philosophers, Hegel is one whose thought is extremely difficult to understand. Often to understand Hegel’s thoughts, we need to grasp his ideas, not in isolation but together with his dialogue with other philosophers, in particular, Aristotle and Kant.

The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

“The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Is the Hand That Rules the World” is a poem by William Ross Wallace that praises motherhood as the preeminent force for change in the world. The poem was first published in 1865 under the title “ What Rules the World “.

What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

This is a quote by Will Harvey . Will Harvey (born 1967) is an American software developer and Silicon Valley entrepreneur.

History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

It was Karl Marx who said that history repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as farce.

First, it’s a tragedy because it shouldn’t have happened. Then it’s a farce (joke) because we didn’t learn from our mistakes the first time around. This is Marx’s version of dark humour.

What should aspirants preparing for next year do for an essay paper?

First of all, you should take the essay paper seriously.

Unless properly trained, it is not easy to write 10-12 pages on an abstract or philosophical topic.

You need to polish your comprehension and analytical skills.

Read different kinds of essays – particularly philosophical essays.

Give stress to the thoughts of philosophers like Immanuel Kant, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Friedrich Niche, Karl Marx etc. Start writing essays on famous quotes.

Also, be prepared to write essays touching other areas like society, polity, economy, or technology. UPSC is known for surprises.

Remember that there is nothing like a constant trend with respect to UPSC questions.

What you get by analysing the previous year question papers are clues. And only those are what you need from UPSC questions!

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About Alex Andrews George

Alex Andrews George is a mentor, author, and social entrepreneur. Alex is the founder of ClearIAS and one of the expert Civil Service Exam Trainers in India.

He is the author of many best-seller books like 'Important Judgments that transformed India' and 'Important Acts that transformed India'.

A trusted mentor and pioneer in online training , Alex's guidance, strategies, study-materials, and mock-exams have helped many aspirants to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.

Reader Interactions

January 8, 2022 at 11:36 am

Upsc has chosen right path to evaluate person.one person read, listen ,rember and write in exam.He qualify exam.He is just like computer.worthy less people selected by upsc every year.They are not thinker.so our country is intellectually insolvent.civil services requires thinker to. progess country and welfare of common man.These types of question evaluate intellectual for the welfare of human being.

January 9, 2022 at 1:44 pm

You are putting the quality of a leader and a literate society in such a person who just has to follow his supremes.He/She must be a good analyst. That’s it!!!

June 13, 2022 at 12:41 pm

in the bureaucracy – there is no space for logical thinking.

once you clear the exams and get appointed – you have to follow the “protocol’ or “procedures” – its difficult to be analytical and innovative – bcos the system demands obedience and adherence to the protocol. If you follow the protocol – and even if lot of people are severely affected – you wont be taken to task. But if you are innovative – and even if ONE person gets affected – you will be punished.

January 8, 2022 at 4:02 pm

Yeah!I’ve passed upsc .

January 25, 2022 at 2:21 pm

I have written Essay on three topics..how may I share?

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UPSC 2021 Mains Essay Question Paper

• January 7, 2022
• Mains , Questions , UPSC

UPSC 2021 Mains Essay Question

Essay writing is a crucial topic, from an exam point of view. While you can read and learn about the various disciplines and topics, it is hard to develop a good style of writing merely by reading books. Thus, writing practice has its own importance, that flows through each and every paper, that needs descriptive answers.

Write TWO Essays, choosing ONE from each of the Sections A and B, in about   1000-1200 words each. (125×2-250)

• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
• Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
• Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.
• The real is rational and the rational is real.
• Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
• History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.
• There are better practices to “best practices”.

Download PDF  UPSC CSE 2021 Mains Essay Question Paper

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UPSC CSE MAINS 2021 ESSAY QUESTION PAPER | LEGACY IAS

Home » UPSC CSE MAINS 2021 ESSAY QUESTION PAPER | LEGACY IAS

• January 7, 2022
• UPSC CSE MAINS 2021

UPSC CSE MAINS 2021 ESSAY QUESTION PAPER | UPSC Civil Services  IAS Mains 2021

UPSC CSE MAINS 2021 ESSAY QUESTION PAPER – SECTION A

1) The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.

2)  Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

3) Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

4)  The real is rational and the rational is real

UPSC CSE MAINS 2021 ESSAY QUESTION PAPER – SECTION B

1) Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world

2)  What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

3) History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

4)  There are better practices to ‘best practices’.

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Dear Friends,

UPSC Mains 2021 has been commenced today and the essay paper has been completed. You can view the UPSC IAS Mains 2021 Essay Question Paper in the text format and in the picture given below that.

UPSC Mains 2021 Essay Question Paper – Download pdf

The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.

Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

The real is rational and the rational is real.

Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

There are better practices to “best practices”.

UPSC IAS Mains 2021 Essay Question Paper 

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UPSC Previous Year Papers: 2021

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Significance of UPSC Previous Year Paper

Understanding exam pattern : By going through the previous year's papers, aspirants can understand the exam pattern, question format, and the distribution of marks for different topics. This knowledge helps them tailor their preparation strategy accordingly.

Identifying important topics : Analyzing previous year papers helps candidates identify the recurring themes and important topics that have been frequently asked in the exam. It allows them to prioritize their study areas and focus on high-yield topics.

Practicing time management : Solving previous year papers under timed conditions simulates the actual exam environment and helps aspirants practice time management. This is crucial as the UPSC CSE is known for its lengthy papers and requires candidates to answer a large number of questions in a limited time.

Assessing readiness and performance : Attempting previous year papers allows candidates to assess their preparation level and performance. It helps them identify their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to work on areas that need improvement.

Enhancing problem-solving skills : The UPSC questions often require critical thinking and analytical skills to answer. Regular practice with previous year papers hones the problem-solving abilities of aspirants and prepares them for the challenging questions in the actual exam.

Gaining familiarity with question types : Going through past papers exposes candidates to a variety of question types, including objective, subjective, and case-study based questions. This familiarity can boost their confidence and reduce anxiety during the actual exam.

Learning from mistakes : Attempting previous year papers allows candidates to learn from their mistakes and avoid repeating them in the actual exam. It is an essential part of the learning process and helps in continuous improvement.

Staying updated with current trends : By analyzing recent UPSC papers, candidates can stay updated with the current trends in the examination, such as the focus on specific topics, changing question patterns, and evolving demands of the syllabus.

Revision and reinforcement : Revisiting previous year papers aids in reinforcing the concepts and information studied during preparation. It helps candidates consolidate their learning and retain the knowledge better.

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UPSC CSE Mains 2021 Essay Question Paper

• January 7, 2022
• Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
• Category: Mains

UPSC CSE Mains 2021 Essay Question Paper 

Write Two Essays, choosing ONE from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each.

SECTION ‘A’

• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
• Your Perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
• Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.
• The real is rational and the rational is real.

SECTION ‘B’

• Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
• History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.
• There are better practices to “best practices”.

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UPSC CSE MAINS 2021: ESSAY PAPER FOR UPSC- IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS

The Essay Writing Paper for UPSC CSE 2021  is indicative of the fact that the exam is not merely about factual knowledge, but much beyond it. This year’s paper seems to analyze the box and critical thinking  of the aspirants.

Essay writing papers for Upsc Cse mains 2021 took especially those  aspirants by surprise  who went in with a preconceived notion of the traditional paper. This was where aspirants could use their usual ammunition where they were taught how to feed data points in different ways.

As a lot of our students aptly summed up  the analysis of the essay paper  in the comment sections of the  discussion video (link here)  there is only one word needed to describe the nature of this paper ‘philosophical’. However, the key thing required for writing on these topics was generic/real-life treatment and not core philosophical interpretations.

Table of Contents

Essay Writing Paper, UPSC CSE 2021

Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each:

• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
• Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
• The philosophy of witlessness is utopian, while materialism is a chimera.
• The real is rational and the rational is real.
• The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge?
• History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.
• There are better practices to best practices.

Essay Writing Paper UPSC 2021 Detailed Analysis

Here is a list of our humble observations in an attempt to understand the nature of the paper.

• All the 8 questions were abstract topics.
• It was a logical culmination of the process that UPSC has lately followed for deep interpretation and introspection.
• Now the essay paper is no longer an extension of GS. It must be prepared differently.
• Essays are now a reflection of one’s personality as the topics demand one to think critically.
• It is quality over quantity that matters now. In simple words, 800-900 words are more than enough if the dimensions are well thought out and are substantiated with good case studies.

Scale of Difficulty

Moving forward, below is a deconstruction of the Essay Paper section wise and topic-wise:

Essay Paper UPSC 2021: Section Wise Analysis:

Clear thematic categorization of sections A and B

The two sections of the paper were categorized to cover two aspects of philosophical discourses –

• Section A  listed a set of topics with  the theme of self-reflective tone , where the subject ponders upon the impact of technology on one’s consciousness, the process of constructed realities of the mind, a critique of both asceticism and hedonism and the relationship of ideas with the reality of the world.
• Section B turned the subject of philosophical thinking from the human to the society, as if the society is reflecting upon itself – the topics covered the themes of the role of the mother in determining human destiny, the playfulness and creativity of research and knowledge, the famous quotation by Hegel and Marx about history repeating itself and a gentle mention of better practices and best practices.

Essay Paper UPSC 2021: Topic Wise Analysis:

Topics were borrowed from standard academic references.  They were drafted by people with a sincere command over the subject of philosophy, as they were not merely quotations, but sentences with layers of complexity which even students of philosophy optional may have found hard to unpack without effort.

Meaning and Approach to ESSAY Paper TOPICS 2021:

Topic 1: the process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced..

• Difficult topic because a particular/specific interpretation was required.
• Not a general moral critique of technology. Seems a general critique of our process of self-discovery.
• Examples/case studies are important for this kind of essay where the use of technology solves our problems but takes us away from self-realization.
• To put it in simple terms, sometimes the problems that we face as humans are not supposed to be immediately solved as we usually do by employing technology.
• The role of AI and Artificial Intelligence, Tech-based consultants, Thought processes, and Biotech  could be discussed as part of current affairs and GS reading for this topic.

Topic 2: Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is awareness of me

• This is perhaps the trickiest topic in the whole paper as two different dimensions of epistemology (subjective and objective) were fused into one essay.
• Most topics in section A talk about self-knowledge but this one is not about achieving self-knowledge but elaborating upon an already achieved self-knowledge.
• The fundamental value that can be discussed in this essay is humility, the need to introspect about one’s self, and the merits of exercising restraint .

Topic 3: The philosophy of witlessness is utopian, while materialism is a chimera

• In this topic, there are two propositions-  asceticism and hedonism  and both open themselves for a critical analysis.
• This is one topic that has an underlying critical tone.
• The topic is more about sustainable development, a balance between growth and development  which requires proper GS and current affairs base to add illustrations.

Topic 4: The real is rational and rational is real

• This is a quotation by Hegel, who was a philosopher in the tradition of German idealism. German idealism insisted on the proposition that the material world is the reflection of the world of ideas. It implies that if you can think of something as true it probably must exist in reality.
• The main thrust of this essay is to emphasize  intuition, theoretical powers of the mind, the power of big ideas, and the ability to think big, even if “big ideas” might look “unreasonable and unrealistic”
• Word of caution:  The term rational should not lead a student to interpret it as an essay in which scientific thinking has to be promoted and religious/spiritual thinking has to be criticized.
• The point that Hegel was trying to make was that even the idea of God/spirituality also comes from rational thinking.

Topic 5: The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world .

• This one is the easiest of all the topics this year.
• It hints at the power of the role of a mother/caregiver to shape society.
• This is one of the least abstract and more sociological topics of the exam and therefore the data on women’s rights, and women’s empowerment can be made relevant in this essay.

Topic 6: What is research, but a blind date with knowledge?

• The clear interpretation of the essay is that there is always  an element of risk, adventure, imagination, and open-mindedness in research.
• In simple words, research must be taken for the pleasure of discovering truth and any form of knowledge that follows from research must be appreciated.
• This topic also encourages an open and rational mindset in any research and study with the ability not to be influenced by biases and prejudice.
• Data points like nations with the best research institutes and Universities eventually are also more prosperous and just.

Topic 7: History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

• It is a famous Marxist quotation brought into current relevance by some contemporary events like  the impact of the pandemic, conflicts, and environmental problems on the economy and society.
• The key interpretation of the topic is that if something unjust, wrong, or indemnifying happens to us once, then we can interpret it as a tragedy, where no one can be blamed for a tragedy. However, if it happens repeatedly then an evil motivation must be involved.
• Repeated mismanagement during successive COVID waves is a classic example of this.
• Care should be taken by those candidates who identified it correctly as a quote by Marx as that does not mean that the essay is about Marx or Communism vs. Capitalism or a history-based topic alone.
• Climate change, Afghan crises, the Middle East, Mismanagement during the pandemic, and Religious conflicts and riots  can be directly mentioned as illustrations based on current affairs and GS readings.

Topic 8: There are better practices to best practices.

• The clear-cut interpretation of this topic is that we cannot be convinced of having achieved the best practices ever and we always can improve ourselves endlessly .
• This also implies that we must follow an action-oriented philosophy and not wait for perfection to arrive at our ideas.
• Examples from cultural practices, social practices, political practices, and economic practices can be cited from a wide range, which is one essay where examples can be thought of easily if the interpretation is correct.
• The  core value  of this essay can be summed up as  the pursuit of excellence and not of perfection.

Implications- Essay For UPSC:

Many aspirants appearing in mains do not practice Essay writing as much as they should.  One must avoid such a blunder.  Being a paper largely dominated by abstract topics, it is indicative of the fact that it is one of the critical ways of checking the interpersonal skills  of the candidates and how they can present case studies and interpret them in the examination.

Therefore, the following  parameters should be kept in mind  while preparing for Essays:

• Comprehension of the topics: There should be a clear understanding of the essay topics asked in previous years. Next comes the segregation of topics into abstract and topical essays.
• Creative writing skills
• Coherent and cohesive ideas
• Time management
• Current affairs should be read diligently as these help in generating good illustrations.
• Certain themes around women, education, morality, technology, etc., should be well prepared
• The regular practice of writing 10-12 pages should be the norm.
• The target should be to score above 140 marks.

The Road Ahead- Essay Writing For UPSC:

• This year the UPSC has gone all out to emphasize that the routine delivery of facts learned from studying General Studies cannot be mindlessly reproduced in the essay paper.
• The students must develop an ability to appreciate the abstraction of thought and use the data points carefully to suit the given context.
• The UPSC has indicated with this paper that an inability to comprehend or express complex thoughts in simple terms cannot be an excuse for not being comfortable with the Essay paper, where ALL the topics are of such a nature there is no alternative to learning to cultivate some reading and writing skills.
• The interesting part is that developing these basic skills is not difficult at all and we are sometimes just late in overcoming such fears due to a lack of proper guidance .
• Further, there has to be a different approach while attempting such a paper as these topics are beyond general studies and require  an awakened mind to deconstruct such topics.
• One must understand that UPSC always surprises everyone with the kind of questions they ask.

How Edukemy’s Essay Writing Program Can Help?

• Edukemy’s Essay Program  includes sessions where we pay special attention to  the techniques of interpreting the topics  of the essay correctly and expressing our thoughts clearly and simply with appropriate vocabulary.
• Abstract essays form an essential part of Edukemy’s module course  on Essay writing which focuses on cultivating the habit of thinking in abstraction and multi-layered approaches of using facts and data points to suit the philosophical themes.
• Edukemy stands out in curating a list of reading material (Famous Book Summaries/Excerpts and Philosophies of Famous Personalities) which we publish and regularly update along with our essay programs. There is additional material where quotes, examples, and case studies are provided for important essay themes.
• Edukemy’s Essay Test Series can help you develop a regular practice routine and improve your writing style through detailed and personalized feedback.

1. What is the format of the UPSC CSE Mains 2021 Essay Paper?

A: The UPSC CSE Mains 2021 Essay Paper consists of two sections, each containing four essay topics. Candidates are required to write two essays, one from each section. The word limit for each essay is 1,000-1,200 words. The topics cover a wide range of issues, and candidates are expected to critically analyze and present their thoughts on the given subjects.

2. How should I approach essay writing in UPSC CSE Mains 2021?

A: Approaching the essay paper requires a strategic mindset. Begin by understanding the demands of the topic, brainstorming ideas, and structuring your essay coherently. Emphasize a balanced and analytical approach, supported by facts, examples, and relevant quotations. Make sure to showcase a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Time management is crucial, so allocate time wisely between the two essays.

3. What is the role of current affairs in the Essay Paper for UPSC CSE Mains 2021?

A: While the essay topics may not explicitly mention current events, candidates are expected to integrate contemporary issues into their essays. This showcases an awareness of the world around them and the ability to connect theoretical knowledge with practical situations. Including relevant examples and case studies from recent events can significantly enhance the quality of the essay.

4. How are essays evaluated in UPSC CSE Mains 2021?

A: Essays are evaluated based on several criteria, including clarity of expression, coherence, relevance of content, originality of thought, and the ability to present a well-structured argument. Examiners look for a candidate’s ability to critically analyze issues, provide a balanced perspective, and communicate ideas effectively. Clear and concise writing with proper grammar and language usage is also crucial.

5. Can I use bullet points or diagrams in my essays for UPSC CSE Mains 2021?

A: The UPSC recommends a traditional essay format, and the use of bullet points or diagrams is generally discouraged. However, if it aids in clarity and better presentation of your ideas, candidates can use them sparingly. It’s essential to prioritize a coherent narrative and ensure that the essay meets the specified word limit. Excessive use of bullet points or diagrams may lead to a loss of depth in the analysis.

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UPSC Mains 2021 Question Papers

The UPSC Mains Examination has been scheduled to be conducted from 7th January 2022 to 16th January 2022. The candidates who have cleared the Preliminary exam 2021 which was held on October 10, 2021, would appear in the next level of the recruitment process, that is, Civil Services (Main) Examination. 

It is to be noted that the marks obtained in the IAS Exam Prelims by the candidates will not be counted for determining their final order of merit. 

The Civil Services (Main) Written Examination will consist of 9 papers of conventional essay type in the subjects out of which two papers will be of qualifying in nature. The marks obtained for all the compulsory papers (Paper-I to Paper-VII) and Marks obtained in the Interview/Personality Test will be counted for ranking.

The aspirants can download the UPSC IAS 2021 Mains question papers PDF from this page. 

Note – The exams are yet to take place. The PDFs will be available shortly.

Meanwhile, to download the 2020, 2019 UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers , visit the linked article.  

Download UPSC CSE 2021 Mains GS Question Papers PDF

The candidates can download the IAS Mains 2021 GS papers from the following links. The link will be activated once the question papers are officially released by the commission on the official website. 

Download UPSC Mains 2021 Essay Paper PDF

The candidates would be required to write essays on multiple topics. The candidates are expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely. The essay paper is not just qualifying in nature but will be counted for the merit ranking. 

Therefore, the aspirants can download the Essay Paper and Compulsory English Language Paper from below:

• UPSC Mains 2021 Essay Paper PDF

Download UPSC Mains 2021 Language Papers

• UPSC Mains 2021 Compulsory English Paper

The aspirants can download the compulsory Indian language papers from the links below:

For more information, check out UPSC Mains 2021 Indian Language Papers from the linked article. 

Download UPSC 2021 Mains Optional Papers PDF

The candidates have to choose any one of the optional subjects from amongst the list of subjects prescribed by the commission. 

The candidates can also choose Literature of any one of the following languages as their optional subject. 

Also, check out UPSC Mains 2021 Optional Paper from the linked article.

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Home > Blog

Blog / 12 Feb 2024

UPSC Prelims (General Studies - I) Exam Question Paper - 2021

Name of Exam: UPPSC Preliminary Exam

Exam Date: 10th October 2020

Subject: General Studies – I

Duration: 2 hours

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• The forward move for unit 3, 4 at Kudan-Kulam nuclear power project started.
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UPSC MAINS GENERAL STUDIES PAPER – 3 MAINS 2021

GENERAL STUDIES

Q1. Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. (Answer in 150 words)

Q2. Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets. (Answer in 150 words)

Q3. How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers ? (Answer in 150 words)

Q4. How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis ? (Answer in 150 words)

Q5. How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (Answer in 150 words)

Q6. Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) ? (Answer in 150 words)

Q7. Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards ? (Answer in 150 words)

Q8. Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. (Answer in 150 words)

Q9. Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (Answer in 150 words)

Q10 . Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. (Answer in 150 words)

Q11. Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V- shapes recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)

Q12. “Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth. ”Discuss in the light of India’s experience. (Answer in 250 words)

Q13. What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013 ? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India?(Answer in 250 words)

Q14. What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (Answer in 250 words)

Q15. What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology/? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? (Answer in 250 words)

Q16. The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings ? (Answer in 250 words)

Q17. Describe the major outcomes of the 26 th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (Answer in 250 words)

Q18. Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (Answer in 250 words)

Q19. Analyse the multidimensıonal challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (Answer in 250 words)

Q20. Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (Answer in 250 words)

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