UPSC Mains Paper 2025 for GS 3 was conducted on 24th August, 2025 between 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Candidates can download the PDF to get an understanding of the UPSC Exam 2025 and practice these questions for future upcoming exams. The UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2025 was conducted on 22nd August 2025 in the first shift from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and its PDF is also available below. The UPSC Mains Question Paper 2025 for GS 4 will be made available as soon as the exam is conducted which is scheduled to be conducted on 24th August, 2025 between 2:30 pm to 5:30 PM.

The UPSC Mains Exam 2025 is scheduled to be held from 22nd August to 31st August 2025. This stage is the second and most crucial part of the UPSC Exam 2025. Only candidates who qualify the UPSC Prelims 2025 are eligible to appear for the Main Examination.

150-Word Questions (10 Marks Each)

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?
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?
3. Explain the factors influencing the decision of farmers on the selection of high-value crops in India.
4. Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India.
5. 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?
6. How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour?
7. What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change?
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?
9. Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the countermeasures adopted by the State?
10. What do you understand by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE?

250-Word Questions (15 Marks Each)

1. 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?
2. 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?
3. Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion?
4. 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.
5. How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers?
6. India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the features of the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission.
7. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining.
8. Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). How has the first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) been updated in 2022?
9. What are the major challenges to internal security and the peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade.
10. Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.