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All 87 questions set in the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2026 examination, across the Essay paper and General Studies Papers I to IV, reproduced word for word. Compiled 23 August 2026. To see the past UPSC questions each one echoes, open the paper page linked under each section.
8 questions · 1000 marks offered (write two, for 250) · see where each question came from
QA1 Oxymorons reflect the ironies of life.
125 marks
QA2 A grateful mind is very beautiful.
125 marks
QA3 A thorn is a changed bud.
125 marks
QA4 When two elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled.
125 marks
QB5 Nature is the symbol of the spirit.
125 marks
QB6 A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers.
125 marks
QB7 Shelving hard decisions is the least ethical course.
125 marks
QB8 A good leader is one who follows the followers.
125 marks
20 questions · 250 marks · see where each question came from
Q1 Analyze the importance of Ashokan inscriptions for reconstructing Mauryan history.
10 marks
Q2 Discuss the impact of Macaulay's Minute on colonial administration and education in India.
10 marks
Q3 “The significance of the Gandhian movements lay in the masses they mobilized.” Elucidate.
10 marks
Q4 What is the Fujiwhara effect? Explain its impact on the movement and intensity of tropical cyclones.
10 marks
Q5 “Tundra regions are ecologically fragile but economically important.” Examine this statement critically.
10 marks
Q6 Discuss the role of aeolian processes in desertification and land degradation.
10 marks
Q7 “Water resources are both an asset and a source of conflict in South Asia.” Examine this statement giving examples.
10 marks
Q8 Unity in diversity remains the defining feature of Indian society despite the challenges from communalism and regionalism. Comment.
10 marks
Q9 How do you understand disability? Substantiate the need for inclusive policy framework in India in this regard.
10 marks
Q10 Do you think digital technology promotes social empowerment? Explain with examples.
10 marks
Q11 Vijayanagara architecture exemplifies the amalgamation of past traditions with contemporary practices. Elucidate with examples.
15 marks
Q12 Linguistic reorganization of Indian States was driven by popular pressure from below. Comment.
15 marks
Q13 The model of planned economy was adopted in India to address the regional imbalances left behind by colonial rule. Comment.
15 marks
Q14 Compare the Loo, Chinook and Foehn winds with respect to their regions of prevalence, their nature and climatic impacts.
15 marks
Q15 Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India.
15 marks
Q16 “The centre of global trade is gradually shifting from the Atlantic region to the Indo-Pacific region.” Examine this statement.
15 marks
Q17 Analyze the major drivers of human-induced land-use changes in India and their geographical consequences.
15 marks
Q18 Is caste disappearing in urban India? Illustrate your answer with examples.
15 marks
Q19 Critically examine the challenges of demographic transition in contemporary India.
15 marks
Q20 Evaluate the impact of globalization on Indian youths with reference to social, political, economic and cultural spheres.
15 marks
20 questions · 250 marks · see where each question came from
Q1 Right to privacy relating to self-identity is very dear to every human being and well protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. In this context, examine the effect of the amendment in 2026, to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
10 marks
Q2 “Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class.” In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women's reservation from local bodies to Parliament.
10 marks
Q3 Examine whether the constitutional office of the Lok Sabha Speaker has become vulnerable to partisan politics under the current anti-defection regime. What institutional changes are required to ensure the neutrality of the Lok Sabha Speaker in managing a polarised House?
10 marks
Q4 Is the right to vote a fundamental right? Discuss the position of the Election Commission of India while undertaking the revision of electoral rolls. Can it also examine the question of citizenship of voters?
10 marks
Q5 Do constitutional bodies like the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) possess adequate enforcement powers to secure substantive social equality? Suggest measures to enhance their institutional effectiveness.
10 marks
Q6 Does India's tribal development policy reflect the aspirations for a socially grounded and equity-based governance? Justify your answer.
10 marks
Q7 Malnutrition in India is not merely a public health concern; it is also a challenge of social equity, human development and effective welfare governance. Discuss.
10 marks
Q8 Analyse the advantages and limitations of the generalist structure of the Indian Civil Services in contemporary governance.
10 marks
Q9 “IPMDA (Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness) bridges the gap between India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and the Quad's collective Indo-Pacific strategy.” Make a critical assessment of the statement focusing on IPMDA.
10 marks
Q10 “BRICS acts as a powerful counterweight in global governance, actively amplifying the voice and influence of the Global South.” Explain the role of BRICS in projecting itself as an alternative to other groupings.
10 marks
Q11 Discuss the position of the Governor in the federal polity of India. What is the nature of his power while giving assent to a bill passed by the State Legislature? Is he bound by the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers in all his functions?
15 marks
Q12 What is meant by judicial legislation? In this context, discuss the verdicts of the apex court allowing “passive euthanasia” and a “living will”.
15 marks
Q13 How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective.
15 marks
Q14 Examine how the separation of powers is practised in India compared to the rigid presidential model of the United States of America. In this context, compare the actual authority of the Indian Prime Minister with that of the President of the USA.
15 marks
Q15 To what extent do pressure groups, social movements and corporate lobbies deepen pluralistic democracy in India by representing excluded interests? Analyse whether the growing convergence of corporate wealth and political power poses a threat to the autonomy of formal democratic institutions.
15 marks
Q16 “Transparency and accountability in governance are not about controlling corruption but about creating the trust of stakeholders in the policy process by following the Rule of Law and Participatory Governance.” Comment.
15 marks
Q17 Can the constitutional mandate of rights-based welfare be effectively realised in the context of non-integrated governance and minimal public investment? Examine.
15 marks
Q18 Should education be treated primarily as a welfare obligation of the state or as a strategic investment for building a globally competitive, knowledge-driven nation? Critically evaluate.
15 marks
Q19 “India's global diaspora acts as a living bridge, as a critical economic factor and knowledge network in transforming cultural heritage into geopolitical influence and strategic leverage worldwide.” Critically examine this statement.
15 marks
Q20 “China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed South Asia from a regional space into a theatre of great power competition.” Analyse the strategic implications of the BRI for India's security and regional influence in South Asia.
15 marks
20 questions · 250 marks · see where each question came from
Q1 What do you mean by Digital Rupee? In this context, explain the working and progress of India's Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
10 marks
Q2 Examine the view that financial inclusion is an integral part of social and economic inclusion in a country like India. Also throw light on the usefulness of the R.B.I.'s Financial Inclusion Index.
10 marks
Q3 Describe the various Technology Missions initiated in Indian agriculture and examine their role in food security.
10 marks
Q4 Explain the factors responsible for inefficiency of agri-produce marketing. How e- commerce helps to reduce inefficiency of agri-produce marketing? Explain.
10 marks
Q5 Explain by giving two examples, how biotechnology has helped the Indian farmers in processing their perishable crops.
10 marks
Q6 Distinguish between a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) and a thermal nuclear reactor. In the context of first indigenously developed prototype FBR at Kalpakkam, explain the term 'criticality'. What are its implications for clean energy future of our country?
10 marks
Q7 Discuss how the contradiction between 'rapid infrastructure development' and 'disaster- risk reduction' in ecologically-sensitive areas of India can be managed, with suitable examples.
10 marks
Q8 Discuss the aim and goals of Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework. Mention India's commitments and initiatives to achieve the goals and targets of this framework giving suitable examples.
10 marks
Q9 Explain how fake news and disinformation pose threat to Internal Security and Public Order in Indian context? In this regard, discuss salient features of amendments in respect of Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.
10 marks
Q10 Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of constitution for Ladakh.
10 marks
Q11 Explain the key challenges for India's energy security. What measures do you suggest for ensuring energy security along with economic growth and sustainability?
15 marks
Q12 How are startups in India promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and employment? Discuss the global and domestic challenges in their working and suggest suitable measures to overcome these challenges.
15 marks
Q13 How Indian agriculture has been transformed from food scarcity to food surplus level? Explain the various government policies implemented for diversification of Indian agriculture.
15 marks
Q14 Discuss the different types of subsidies and supports provided by the Government of India to agricultural sector. Examine the related issues pertaining to Agreement on Agriculture of World Trade Organisation (WTO).
15 marks
Q15 Mention salient features of 'Mission Drishti'. Discuss the imaging techniques used in the satellite launched on 3rd May 2026. Why it is being considered world's first satellite of its kind?
15 marks
Q16 What is agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Explain its working. Describe its applications with suitable examples. Discuss the advantages, risks and challenges associated with agentic AI systems.
15 marks
Q17 What are the challenges to solid waste management in India? Discuss the governmental policy framework on solid waste management. Discuss the success/failure cases of Delhi and Indore cities highlighting the salient feature of their solid waste management initiatives.
15 marks
Q18 “Community participation is the cornerstone of effective disaster management”. Analyse this statement with suitable examples from India. Also discuss the challenges to community participation and measures to strengthen it.
15 marks
Q19 Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir (J & K). Bring out actions taken by the Government to bring J & K into national mainstream. Discuss pre and post abrogation status of Articles 370 and 35A. Also bring out positive impacts of abrogation of both articles in mainstreaming the state.
15 marks
Q20 Discuss counterfeit currency and money laundering as major sources of terror funding in India. State the actions being taken at International level to check these menaces. Highlight the role of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and methods of compliance by its member states in preventing terror funding.
15 marks
19 questions · 250 marks · see where each question came from
Q1(A) Owing to paucity of time, a university professor generates a Ph.D. evaluation report using Artificial Intelligence and submits it with some modifications. Discuss this from the perspective of accountability and integrity.
10 marks
Q1(B) A business house is working on a project that could displace a forest community from their habitat. As the administrative officer of that district, what ethical challenges are you likely to face?
10 marks
Q2(A) An endangered tribe has developed a severe skeletal deformity. A university research has identified a mineral supplement as a possible remedy, though clinical trials are yet to be conducted. Should the District Magistrate (DM) use this research on the tribe? Discuss from the perspective of medical and administrative ethics.
10 marks
Q2(B) Discuss how national security can be balanced with concerns of human rights.
10 marks
Q3(A) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had cautioned that employing civil disobedience within a constitutional democracy equates to endorsing 'anarchy'. How should modern democracies navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by civil disobedience movements that aim to promote social justice against policies that may raise genuine concerns?
10 marks
Q3(B) In what ways can an Indian Administrative Officer apply Gandhi's notion of 'trusteeship' to ensure fairness in governance?
10 marks
Q3(C) Shakespeare in Henry IV says, "The arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just". What ethical implications does this have in governance?
10 marks
Q4(A) Citing the serious adverse effects of long-term medication, a doctor convinces the family of a female patient for surgery. This led the patient to reluctantly consent for the surgery, though her original choice was to opt for medication. Explain the concepts of paternalism and beneficence by analysing the doctor's action.
10 marks
Q4(B) Efficiency is doing things right, while effectiveness is doing the right thing. How do you strike a balance between the two to enhance productivity?
10 marks
Q5(A) Usually schools, working in remote areas, do not fully comply with government regulations. However, if the rules are enforced strictly, it would lead to most schools closing down. How should an administrator strike a balance between enforcement of rules and educational rights of children?
10 marks
Q5(B) In international relations, ethical considerations are often subjugated to the strategic interests of nation-states. Discuss this from an ethical perspective.
10 marks
Q6(A) On the request of his Personal Assistant (PA), the District Magistrate (DM) stops the transfer of a schoolteacher who takes private tuition for his daughter diagnosed with learning disability. In this context, discuss the aspects of empathy versus compliance with rules.
10 marks
Q6(B) Some moral philosophers argue that spending some of your resources, without significantly affecting your financial stability, to help other people who badly suffer is our moral duty and not merely a matter of charity. Justify this claim by explaining the distinction between duty and charity.
10 marks
Q7 Lata, a mother of two, was admitted for acute abdominal pain. During a laparoscopy under general anesthesia, Dr. Mansi's team found a possibly malignant tumor in her uterus. Instead of a biopsy, Dr. Mansi removed the uterus with the written consent of Lata's sister-in-law Sujatha. Lata, informed the next day, felt betrayed and went to court. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved. (b) Discuss the moral conduct of the doctor.
20 marks
Q8 Ravi, an SP, installed AI-enabled predictive policing that captures biometric data from crowds. It flagged an immigrant, low-income neighbourhood; policing improved, but community leaders allege the system is biased, built on faulty historical data, and that surveillance without residents' knowledge has bred tension. (a) What are the ethical issues, including biases, in AI and data-driven policing? (b) In Ravi's role, discuss the alternatives and justify the action that best combines ethics and compliance.
20 marks
Q9 Seema, an honest senior bureaucrat, is DC of Surinder Nagar, where a tout network working through subordinate officials is selectively clearing land-use applications for bribes. Employees are scared, the backlog grows, the public suffers. She must break the network without halting daily administration. (a) What are the ethical issues? (b) Discuss her options, identify the recommended option and justify it.
20 marks
Q10 Vikas, DC of remote Nainipura, runs the PDS for the poorest. Biometric checks meant to stop leakages keep failing for growing children, manual labourers and senior citizens, worse when WiFi is slow; distributors then decide by personal discretion. Strict rules ensure fiscal probity but hurt the poorest and may touch their Article 21 rights. (a) What options does Vikas have, and how should he balance fiscal probity with empathy? (b) Discuss the ethics of using technology as a gatekeeper for welfare schemes.
20 marks
Q11 Rajan is the new DM of Rajapuram, a border district where ethnic conflict between the Jhara and Biru communities has killed many. The rivalry has seeped into the local administration and police; both communities distrust the government. A neighbouring country could exploit the unrest. Rajan favours a controlled approach: reopen the highway for food and medicines, consider CRPF support. (a) Discuss the ethical issues. (b) What are his options, and which protects his non-partisan image without compromising ethics?
20 marks
Q12 Ajit heads Weapon Sales in the Ministry of Defence Production. Production limits mean he can sell to only one of two developing countries: A, outside all alliances, needing arms against a troublesome neighbour, seeking a long-term loan; or B, alliance-backed, military-first at its people's cost, not an NPT signatory, supporter of guerrilla forces abroad, ready with advance payment. (a) Discuss his options and which he should choose and why. (b) How can he balance the nation's economic and strategic interests with ethical considerations?
20 marks