What is UPSC Mains GS 3 analysis?

Table of Contents. Mains General Studies Paper 3 is one of the most crucial papers in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Unlike other papers, the third paper specifically focuses on multiple essential areas, such as economy, technology, environment, biodiversity, security, disaster management, and so on.

How to approach GS Paper 3?

Make short notes on all the micro topics mentioned in the GS 3 syllabus. After making the notes, go through them regularly.

Which GS paper is most scoring?

General Studies Paper 2 : Polity + Social Sectors + International Relations. This is one paper in which even the top rankers struggle to score in three figures

Who got 1st rank in UPSC 2023?

The UPSC 2023 topper is Ishita Kishore. She secured the first position in the UPSC CSE 2023 exam results. Following her, Garima Lohia and Uma Harathi N secured second and third positions in the UPSC 2023 topper list.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Exam Analysis 2023, Asked Questions

Table of Contents

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Analysis

One of the most important questions in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 3. The third article, in contrast to the other two, focuses especially on a number of crucial topics, including the economics, technology, environment, biodiversity, security, disaster management, and so forth. To help you better plan your preparation, we have done a trend analysis of UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 and noted patterns and changes in the curriculum over time.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2023 PDF

The UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2023 PDF has been made available for the candidates. The exam be administered by UPSC on September 17, 2023, between 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM. The UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 is of 250 Marks. There are 20 questions total of 250 marks in this paper. The exam lasts for 3 hours. Candidates can check the UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2023 PDF Link below.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2023 PDF
General Studies Paper	Download Link
UPSC Mains GS Paper 3	PDF Download Link

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2023 Detailed Discussion Question-wise

Candidates who are taking the UPSC Mains Exam 2023 can check the Question-Wise detailed discussion on UPSC Mains Paper 3 2023 below when the questions are available.

Que. No	Question Link	Section/Subject	Marks
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.	Economy	10
2	What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements.	Economy	10
3	How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it.	Agriculture	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.	Agriculture	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 Al in healthcare?	Science & Tech	10
6	Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage.	Science & Tech	10
7	Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyse the various causes of dam failures. Give two examples of large dam failures.	Environment & DM	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?-	Environment & DM	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.	Internal Security	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.	Internal Security	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.	Economy	15
12	Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized economy’. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment?	Economy	15
13	Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions.	Agriculture	15
14	What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies.	Agriculture	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?	Environment & DM	15
16	What is the main task of India’s third moon 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.	Science & Tech	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.	Environment & DM	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?	Environment & DM	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.	Internal Security	15
20	Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and the efforts being made to curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the No Money for Terror (NMPT Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022.	Internal Security	15

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Trends Analysis

For students doing the Mains GS Paper 3, understanding trend analysis is essential from the perspective of the UPSC Exam.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Trend Analysis: Previous Year’s Marks Analysis

Topics	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
Economy	70	87.5	62.5	75	75	50	50	50
Agriculture/Food industry	40	25	50	50	50	60	55	50
Science/Tech/ Environment/Disaster	85	75	75	75	75	100	100	100
Security	55	62.5	62.5	50	50	40	45	50
Total	250	250	250	250	250	250	250	250

UPSC Mains Exam 2023 Analysis
UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 Analysis	UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 Analysis
UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Analysis	UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 Analysis
UPSC Mains Essay Paper Analysis	UPSC Mains Question Paper 2023

UPSC GS 3 Mains Questions Subject Wise Trend Analysis

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Trend Analysis: Economics

Economics is one of the most challenging subject in UPSC Mains GS Paper 3. Below given is complete trend analysis of questions that have asked in economy subject since last 10 years.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Analysis: Economics
Year	Number of Questions
2013	8
2014	7
2015	6
2016	6
2017	6
2018	5
2019	4
2020	4
2021	5
2022
2023

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Trend Analysis: Agriculture

Below given is the trend analysis of agriculture subject of UPSC Mains GS Paper 3. This subject has its own importance and questions of the subject can’t be predicted but yet gives lot of weighted in scoring marks.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Analysis: Agriculture
Year	Number of Questions
2013	4
2014	2
2015	2
2016	3
2017	4
2018	4
2019	4
2020	4
2021	4
2022
2023

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Trend Analysis: Science and Technology

Science and Technology is one of most scoring subject in GS paper 3 of the UPSC. Below given is the complete trend analysis of Science and Technology.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Analysis: Science and Technology
Year	Number of Questions
2013	5
2014	3
2015	6
2016	3
2017	2
2018	3
2019	4
2020	4
2021	3
2022
2023

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Trend Analysis: Environment and Ecology

Environment and Ecology is the subject from where not much questions has been asked yet has very important role in scoring marks in few marks.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Analysis: Environment and Ecology
Year	Number of Questions
2013	2
2014	2
2015	1
2016	3
2017	2
2018	4
2019	2
2020	3
2021	3
2022
2023

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Trend Analysis: Security

Below given is the trend analysis of Security Subject. Students can see the change in the frequency of question in last ten years in security subject of UPSC GS Paper 3.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Analysis: Security
Year	Number of Questions
2013	5
2014	3
2015	6
2016	3
2017	2
2018	3
2019	4
2020	4
2021	3
2022
2023

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Trend Analysis: Disaster Management

Below given is the trend analysis of Disaster Management Subject. Students can see the change in the frequency of question in last ten years in Disaster Management subject of UPSC GS Paper 3

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Analysis: Disaster Management
Year	Number of Questions
2013	2
2014	1
2015	1
2016	1
2017	1
2018	1
2019	2
2020	1
2021	2
2022
2023

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Analysis & Instructions for UPSC GS Paper 3

250 total points; 3 hours; 250 total points.
All inquiries must be made.
The format of the responses must be the same as that permitted by the admission certificate.
The word counts for the answers must be followed.
Pages that are blank must be clearly struck out.
Quality material is prioritized over length.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Analysis 2021 vs. UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 3 Topics comparison

In this table we will see the comparison of topic analysis of UPSC Mains GS Paper of two consecutive years:

Section	2021 Mains Question Topic	2022 Mains Question Topic
Disaster Management	Landslide Earthquake	Cloud burst
Economy	India- GDP Land reforms- Marginal farmers Capital Budget v/s Revenue Budget Micro-irrigation Investment in Infrastructure National Food security act 2013 V- Shaped economic recovery Crop diversification	PPP in the railway station Integrated farming systems Inclusive growth & Market Economy Challenges of PDS Challenges leading to increased Life Expectancy Food Processing Industry Renewable energy Labour productivity Marketing of agricultural products
Environment	Green Grid Initiative COP – 26th Global Air Quality Guidelines	Cellulose- decomposition Global warming and Global Climate Photochemical Fog- Gothenburg protocol Coastal erosion
Internal Security	Money Laundering Challenges by external state and non-state actors Cross Boarder Cyber Attack Terrorism	Types of organised crimes Cyber Security Maritime Security challenges Naxalism
Science and Technology	S-400 Air Defence System Nobel Prize in Physics -2014 Biotechnology	Vaccine development James Webb Space Telescope

For many candidates, the trend analysis of Mains GS Paper 3 from the previous year was eye-opening.
The paper’s main issues were security and disaster management, environmental ecology and biodiversity, and economic and social growth.
However, conventional areas like agriculture, industry, and services continued to be important. There was a dramatic shift in the weighting of topics, with more emphasis on modern challenges like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, space technology, and cyber terrorism.
A thorough evaluation of the candidate’s understanding was ensured by the multidimensional method utilised in question framing.
The purpose of the article was to evaluate how well various topics could be integrated and used in practical contexts.
A candidate with the ability to critically and from multiple angles examine existing situations and offer workable solutions will do well.
In general, the trend analysis demonstrated the significance of having a thorough comprehension of the connections between distinct topics.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Analysis Key Takeaways

It’s critical to comprehend important topics like the Indian economy.
The report emphasised the significance of being aware of significant domestic and international activities.
Candidates who examined question papers from prior years discovered no significant surprises in this year’s paper.
The article incorporated yearly trends.
Emphasis was placed on the value of extensive reading, professional instruction, the proper kind of practise, and time management.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Analysis Key Themes and Topics Covered

The main ideas and subjects of this paper are intended to assess the candidate’s understanding of the Indian economy, technology, security, disaster management, and international relations. The GS Paper 3 Syllabus is extensive, and applicants must thoroughly read and comprehend many topics.

A few of the major themes and subjects addressed in Mains GS Paper 3 are India’s economic policy, national income accounting, banking and investment, public finance, agriculture, science and technology, environmental ecology, and biodiversity.

Topics including disaster management, security, cyber security, money laundering, and societal issues are also covered in the article. As the questions are meant to evaluate candidates’ ability to analyse and comprehend information, it is essential to stay up to date on current events when studying for this subject. In recent years, it has become clear that the majority of queries are concerned with current events and controversies. A candidate must therefore stay current on events in both India and the rest of the world.

Aspirants who want to do well on this paper should research current events, editorials, op-eds, and opinion pieces from respectable publications and periodicals, as well as the news and debates to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the subject. They can develop a plan to attempt the exam with accuracy and precision and gain a deeper comprehension of the subjects.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Analysis Evolution of Trends

The trends in Mains GS Paper 3 have developed during the past few years. Although the paper has always covered a wide range of subjects, including governance, science, and social and economic difficulties, the emphasis now is on using these ideas to address issues in the real world. Questions that demand critical thinking and knowledge of current events have replaced questions that were only theoretical in nature in the paper. The daily has focused more on India’s internal and international policy, global economic concerns, and sustainability in recent years.

Another noticeable development is a greater focus on technology, especially in light of India’s rapidly expanding digital economy. In recent years, inquiries about technological innovation, e-governance, and cyber security have increased. It’s critical to remember that these trends are fluid and could alter at any time. In order to stay current and properly prepare for the Mains GS Paper 3, it is important for candidates to keep up with current events and trends.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Analysis Factors Driving Trends

The introduction of innovative and disruptive technology into the global market is one of the major reasons influencing trends in UPSC Mains GS Paper 3. It is now more crucial than ever for candidates to keep up with the most recent technical developments and their ramifications since industries continue to change quickly as a result of technology. As a result, Paper 3 of the Mains test increasingly frequently includes questions about cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and data analytics.

The evolving nature of the global economy has an impact on the patterns in Mains GS Paper 3. The interdependence of nations is growing as globalisation picks up speed, and the economic policies of one nation can have a big impact on others. As a result, considerations about international financial institutions, economic reforms, and regional integration are now a significant component of Paper 3.

Finally, the trends in Mains GS Paper 3 are also being influenced by environmental concerns. The growing threat of climate change has made Paper 3’s emphasis area questions of sustainable development, conservation, and preservation of natural resources. Candidates are expected to have a thorough awareness of environmental laws, treaties, and other problems the globe is currently facing in terms of the environment.