Mains Test

GENERAL STUDIES ROUND 3

PAPER 1
Time Allowed : Three Hours

Maximum Marks : 250

QUESTION PAPER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

(Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions)

There are TWENTY questions in total.

All questions are compulsory.

Questions 1-10 are to be answered in 150 words each and carry 10 marks each.

Questions 11-20 are to be answered in 250 words each and carry 20 marks each.

Answers 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 medium other than the authorized one.

Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.

Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly
struck off.
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Section : A

Q.1. Beginning with small means, then suddenly astonishing the world by its dazzling promise, the venture of the French
in India was destined to end thus early in humiliation and failure. Discuss (10)

Q.2. Kabir was one of the chief exponents of the Bhakti movement in the medieval period. Discuss the Relevance of
teachings of Kabir in Contemporary India? (10)

Q.3. By offering an ideological critique of the western civilization in its modern phase, Gandhiji was effectively contesting
the moral legitimacy of the Raj that rested on a stated assumption of the superiority of the west. Comment (10 marks)

Q.4. The male reformers of 19th century treated women as subjects of their modernizing project and could not imagine
them to be their conscious equals claiming agency for their own emancipation. Discuss (10 marks)

Q.5. Discuss the Key features of the Mughal Paintings? How did it reflect the contemporary socio-cultural and political
realities? (10 marks)

Q.6. Many foreign scholars opined that Indians had no sense of history writing and whatever was written in the name of
history is nothing more than a story without any sense.Do you agree with this view. Critically discuss? (10 marks)

Q.7. Highlighting the water-stressed regions of India, discuss how reforming agriculture will go a long way in ensuring
water security in India. 250,( 10 marks)

Q.8. What is the Indian Ocean Dipole? Explain its connection with the Indian monsoons. 150, (10 marks)

Q.9. Till age old stigma exists within the majority sections of the Indian society, where women are treated with the
patriarchal mindset, Crime against women will continue in India. Comment in the light of the recently released survey of
Thomson Reuters Foundation that concluded that India is the world’s most dangerous country for women? ( 10 marks)

Q.10. According to many sociologist, in contemporary India, traditional joint families are being replaced by functional
joint families. What do you understand by functional joint families? Why it is increasing in recent years. ( 10 marks)

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Section : B

Q.11. What do you understand by ‘convective storms’? Why are they climatically atypical? (15 marks)

Q.12. Any single idea of the country is neither necessary nor sufficient for maintaining the unity of India. Comment. (15
marks)

Q.13. The Permanent Settlement somewhat secured the interests of the Zamindars, post-ponded those of the tenants
and permanently sacrificed those of the state. Examine (15 marks)

Q.14. Discuss the problems that impeded the integration of the princely states into the Indian Union. How were these
problems tackled? (15 marks)

Q.15. India is a sun-blessed tropical country. Considering this, the country has embarked upon an ambitious solar energy
capacity addition project. Highlight the successes and challenges experienced in this quest. 250 words, (15 marks).

Q.16. What are polymetallic nodules? What is their significance and distribution? Critically analyse India’s efforts to
extract these. 250, (15 Marks)

Q.17. The fourth industrial revolution will be based on artificial intelligence which in turn depends on ‘data’. What are the
factors affecting the location of AI industry globally? Where does India stand in this context? 250, (15 Marks)

Q.18. Why did the February Revolution in 1917 ultimately fail? What were the consequences for Russia of the failure of
Kerensky’s Provisional Government? (15 marks)

Q.19. While Globalization has destroyed many traditional practices and Industries in India it has also given new lease of
life to some of them who were on the ventilator. Examine. (15 marks)

Q.20. What are landslides and how do they occur? What are the causes of more frequent occurrence of landslides in
Himalayas than in the Western Ghats? (15 marks)

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Mains Test
GENERAL STUDIES ROUND 3
PAPER 2
Time Allowed : Three Hours

Maximum Marks : 250

QUESTION PAPER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

(Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions)

There are TWENTY questions in total.

All questions are compulsory.

Questions 1-10 are to be answered in 150 words each and carry 10 marks each.

Questions 11-20 are to be answered in 250 words each and carry 20 marks each.

Answers 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 medium other than the authorized one.

Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.

Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly
struck off.
 Civilsdaily.com

Section: A

Q.1) New anti-trafficking bill recently passed in Lok Sabha will actually harm those it wants to protect? Critically examine
(10 marks)

Q.2) Article 35 A is against the “very spirit of oneness of India” as it creates a “class within a class of Indian citizens.
Critically comment (10 marks)

Q.3) Article 239-AA provides for incomplete and unworkable division of powers and responsibilities that gives Delhi a lot
of government, but little governance. Examine (10 marks)

Q.4) In view of the fact that India doesn’t provide option of proxy voting to its domestic people who migrate to other
states, is it fair to give such an option to NRIs who live far off. Give arguments in support of your answer. (10 marks)

Q.5) Today secularism remains in the Preamble and as an official principle, but has lost the force it had during the post-
independence period. Discuss. (10 marks)

Q.6) The health-environment-education-tolerance axis needs to click for India to reap the benefits of globalisation.
Discuss. (10 marks)

Q.7) The Indian constitution mentions different types of ‘majorities’. Describe all of them. Also highlight the cases when
each of these types are used. (10 Marks)

Q.8) Will granting constitutional status to NCBC have significant impact on the socio-economic conditions of the OBC’s.
Critically examine (10 marks)

Q.9) Over 1,37,000 people were killed in road accidents in India 2013 alone, that is more than the number of people
killed in all our wars put together, Will Motor Vehicles (Amendment bill) 2017 be able to improve the situation? Examine
(10 marks)

Q.10) In last 10 years, BRICS hasn't been an effective force in reforming global
economic governance, It is commented that Brics needs to reinvent itself in order to stay relevant. What reform roadmap
would you prescribe for the BRICS? (10 marks)

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Section: B

Q.11) The issue of sharing of river water has affected South Asian solidarity. Examine. (15 marks)

Q.12) With regards to citizen-centric administration, it is said that ‘It is impossible to run a 21st century economy with a
20th century bureaucracy using 19th century rules.’ Examine. (15 marks)

Q.13) Rather than addressing the core issues that affect the quality of education in the country, the entire focus in recent
times seems to be shifting to bring back the pass/fail model. Critically comment in the context of recent scrapping of No
Detention Policy by the Parliament? (15 marks)

Q.14) It is commented by experts that The UGC failed to maintain the standards of higher education in India because its
entire function was geared towards the disbursal of grants rather than regulation. Will replacing UGC with Higher
Education Commission of India act as panacea for higher education? Critically examine (15 marks)

Q.15) With the latest elections in Pakistan, hope for better relations have revived. Is it a utopia to think of convergence
of interests of India, Pakistan and China? Discuss. (15 marks)

Q.16) The 15th Finance Commission May Split Open Demographic Fault Lines Between South and North India? Discuss.
What alternative criteria would you suggest for fair sharing of central resources between North and South Indian states?(
15 marks)

Q.17) India, despite being the largest democracy in the world, has not been able to evolve a transparent political funding
system in the last 70 years. Will electoral bond scheme be able to cleanse the political funding system in India. Critically
examine? (15 marks)

Q.18) Do you think the Indo-US nuclear deal has become obsolete and needs to be revisited to reflect the present
realities? (15 marks)

Q.19) What is the mandate and structure of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) of the UN? How has the
nature of UN peacekeeping operations changed over the years? How can the operations be made more effective? (15
marks)

Q.20) Updating of the National Register of Citizens in Assam and the Citizenship Amendment Bill could lead to a
redrawing of the demographic map of South Asia and give new life to the discredited two-nation theory. Critically Discuss
(15 marks)

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Mains Test
GENERAL STUDIES ROUND 3
PAPER 3
Time Allowed : Three Hours

Maximum Marks : 250

QUESTION PAPER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

(Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions)

There are TWENTY questions in total.

All questions are compulsory.

Questions 1-10 are to be answered in 150 words each and carry 10 marks each.

Questions 11-20 are to be answered in 250 words each and carry 20 marks each.

Answers 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 medium other than the authorized one.

Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.

Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly
struck off.
 Civilsdaily.com

Section: A

Q1. Terrorists, especially in J&K, have increasingly targeted military installations and cantonments in recent times.
Analyse the ramifications on and suggest changes to India’s counter-terror policy in response to this tactic. (10 Marks)

Q2. As the Arctic has continued to warm and the temperature difference relative to the equator has reduced, many
strange climate anomalies have been witnessed around the world. Examine. (10 Marks)

Q3.) While the ongoing trade war between the US and China has sent alarm bells ringing, India can end up as a major
beneficiary if it plays its cards right. Examine? (10 Marks)

Q4.) The GST anti-profiteering provisions are a double-edged sword and should be used judiciously and exceptionally,
rather than as a rule. Discuss? (10 Marks)

Q5.) What do you understand by blockchain technology? Discuss How Blockchain technology can be the next big thing in
Indian healthcare? (10 Marks)

Q6.) As climate is changing, creating resilient food systems has become the need of the hour. How can Zero budget
natural farming help in this regard? (10 Marks)

Q7.) It is commented by economists that India’s rising inequality is taking the shine off its growth story. In the light of
the above statement, examine the causes and consequences of rising income inequality in India? (10 Marks)

Q8.) MSME sector is considered as a backbone of India’s Manufacturing sector, However it has failed to achieve its
potential. Discuss the factors which are impeding the growth of MSME sector and steps required to improve the situation?
(10 Marks)

Q9.) Many experts comment that instead of bullet train, we need better trains. Do you agree with this viewpoint.
Critically comment? (10 Marks)

Q10. Despite modest resources, India has produced some of the finest scientists in the world. Without their contributions,
the country would not have achieved the glory it enjoys today. Discuss. (10 Marks)

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Section: B

Q11. Assess the intensity and spread of terrorism in the world. Highlighting the challenges India faces, discuss India’s
counter-terror strategy. (15 Marks)

Q12.) Expediting the migration to electric mobility(E-vehicles) will not just benefit India environmentally but also
economically and socially? Discuss (15 Marks)

Q13. On Dec 2004, tsunami brought havoc on 14 countries including India. Discuss the factors responsible for occurrence
of tsunami and its effects on life and economy. In the light of the guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms
for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (15 Marks)

Q14.) What do you understand by Cloud seeding? Is Cloud Seeding the Answer to Drought and Pollution problem in
India? Critically examine (15 Marks)

Q15.) What is the Twin Balance Sheet Problem of India? Will this lead to an economic crisis? What is the solution to avoid
a crisis? (15 Marks)

Q16.) What will be the scientific, economic and societal benefit of the manned space mission for India? What are the
hurdles that India will face in fulfilling its aspiration for a manned mission to space. Discuss. (15 Marks)

Q17.) What is P-notes? What are the concerns associated with P-notes? Discuss the steps taken by the government and
SEBI in recent years to reduce its attractiveness? (15 Marks)

Q18.) What is Li-Fi. Discuss its advantages over Wi-Fi and its potential in India? (15 Marks)

Q19.) How is organised crime in India reinforcing terrorism? What are the linkages especially with regard to terror
funding? (15 Marks)

Q.20) The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process was brought with an ideal intention but it has lost its
importance and practical utility. Critically examine. (15 Marks)

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Mains Test
GENERAL STUDIES ROUND 3
PAPER 4
Time Allowed : Three Hours

Maximum Marks : 250

QUESTION PAPER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

(Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions)

There are TWENTY questions in total.

All questions are compulsory.

Questions 1-9 are to be answered in 150 words each and carry 10 marks each.

Questions 10-15 are to be answered in 250 words each and carry 20 marks each.

Answers 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 medium other than the authorized one.

Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.

Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly
struck off.
 Civilsdaily.com

Section: A

Q.1) Answer the following in 150 words each:

A. Accountability is the need of the hour for Civil Servants. Analyse. (10 marks)

B. Mention 3 values that you consider core Indian values and explain how they have come under threat from the forces
of globalization and westernization. (10 marks)

Q.2) Answer the following in 150 words each:

A. What do you understand by dissent and why is it important for a democracy. With examples explain why dissent needs
more focus in India? (10 Marks)

B. It is not the nature of work but the manner in which it is performed that is important. Elucidate. (10 Marks)

Q3. Ans the following in 150 words each:

A. What do you understand by ‘Rule of law’? How satisfied are you with the situation in India?(10 marks)
B. Is it right for political parties to pursue their ideology by respecting only the letter of the constitution and not its
spirit? (10 marks)

Q4. Answers the following in 150 words each:

a. Human beings inherently good. Discuss. (10 marks)

b. Assess the morality of economic sanctions. (10 marks)

Q5. In the 21st century, should traditional modes of education (e.g. Madrasas, gurukuls) be allowed to function? Identify
the ethical issues and suggest a way forward. (10 Marks)

Q6. The rape of small girls on the scale at which it is currently taking place, especially in the north, signifies a breakdown
of the ethical order of common living. Do you agree? Suggest solutions. (10 Marks)

Q7. The climate change raises some serious ethical issues on the part of all stakeholder, the individuals, the nation, the
next generation and the nature. Most arguments against climate change policies are short-term economic arguments of
various types that almost always raise serious ethical problems. Elaborate. (10 marks)

Q8. On what ethical grounds do countries justify possession of nuclear weapons? What is your stand on the issue? (10
marks)

Q.9) India is notorious for high levels of corruption. Assess the nature of the problem of corruption in India. Suggest
reforms. (10 marks)

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Section: B

Q.10) You are living with one of your friend who is known to you since childhood. Your friend is actively involved in
political debates, while you don’t have that much interest in politics. One day, he starts discussing with you on some topic
but you continue to do your work without taking any interest in the discussion. He gets angry and starts telling you that
youth being silent on important issues is the biggest worry for nation. He accuses you of being unpatriotic and anti-
national.What is your opinion on your friend’s view? Critically comment. Do you think nationalism should be judged on
objective factors like taking part in debates and speaking for national issues? (20 Marks)

Q.11) Your family wants you to get married. The girl is your family friend since long time. Everything is almost settled
between the two families. When you go to meet the girl, you came to know that you both have a different political
ideology. Your political thinking doesn’t match. You are a politically active person. When you tell this thing to your family,
your family asks you to ignore this as there are no other issues apart from this. They convince you that she is a suitable
match for you. You are confused what to do. What will you do in such a situation? Will you go ahead with the marriage
or not? How can they keep their ideology and personal choices separate in case they get married? (20 Marks)

Q.12) You are posted as a police officer. You get a call reporting a road accident where two persons are severely injured.
When you reach the accident place, the persons are lying unconscious. You instantly arrange an ambulance for them.
However, while lodging the FIR when you ask people present at the site of accident to be witness, nobody comes
forward. Do you think state has failed to provide protection to such witnesses? What actions do you suggest are needed
to protect the interests of good Samaritans in case of road accidents? (20 Marks)

Q.13) You are posted as SDM in a tehsil. Your husband is also a civil Servant and remains busy throughout the day
because of the work pressure. You have a small child aged 2 years. You are finding it difficult to manage your job with
the child as your job sometimes requires you to work in odd hours. One day when you discuss the matter with your
husband, instead of finding a solution or cooperating you, he abruptly asks you to leave the job and look after the child
as he earns well. You have no financial burdens as such and quitting the job would also give you sufficient time to spend
with your child who is too young. Given below are some options. Discuss them with their merits and demerits. Also
suggest which course of action would you take and why?

(i) Resign from the job and look after your child.

(ii) Continue your job and call your mother in law to look after the child or appoint a caretaker for the child.

(iii) Have an argument with your husband that why only you should compromise with your job.

(iv) Getting your child admitted in a crèche near your office. (20 Marks)

Q.14) You are posted as a senior officer in forest department. Your office deals with granting clearances to new projects.
Your son has recently started a new project where he wants to set up a new factory in a forest area. This would involve
clearing some area of district through which forest passes. The government has presently been not giving clearances to
such projects as it has been emphasizing on forest conservation. Your son asks you to get the clearances done from your
department. You have always been an upright officer and have not taken any benefit of the post held by you. However,
this project is important for your son as you want him to get settled. Will you use your authority to get the project
cleared? What are the ethical conflicts that arise in the case? What are the options that are available to you? Discuss
them with their merits and demerits. (20 Marks)

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Q.15) You are posted as DM in a remote area in a state. There has been death of around 20 children in a hospital in your
area due to shortage of oxygen supply. The agency supplying the gas had warned the hospital administration several
times but the hospital did not take it seriously. The government in power does not want the issue to come to light. The
hospital had informed the health department about the issue but no timely action was taken. There is outrage and anger
among the people. The people have blocked the road and are lying with the dead bodies of their children. If timely action
is not taken, there may be a law and order disturbance in the area. Given below are some of the options. Discuss them
with merits and demerits suggesting what course of action would you take? Your course of action could be different than
the options given below.

(i) Suspending doctors from the hospital who were on duty that night.

(ii) Setting up a committee to enquire into the matter.

(iii) Go on leave till the matter is solved so that you are not questioned for all this.

(iv) Cancelling the licence of the gas agency so that a strong message is sent among people.

(v) Talking to the parents and assuring them a timely action would be taken. (20 Marks)

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