UPSC CSE Mains Guess Questions [For Upcoming Exam] (100 Questions)

Here is the list of 100 UPSC CSE Mains Guess Questions for Upcoming Civil Services Exam

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GS Paper 1 – Indian Heritage & Culture, History, and Geography (20 Qs)

1. Discuss the significance of the Bhakti movement in medieval India’s socio-religious landscape.
2. How did the Gupta period contribute to the growth of art, literature, and science in India?
3. Critically analyse the role of women in the nationalist movement before independence.
4. Evaluate the architectural features of the Vijayanagara Empire with examples.
5. “The Revolt of 1857 was not just a mutiny but the first war of independence.” Examine.
6. How did the Non-Cooperation Movement alter the nature of Indian nationalism?
7. Examine the factors leading to the Partition of India in 1947.
8. Discuss the challenges and achievements of the Indian Constituent Assembly.
9. Examine the role of maritime trade in the economic prosperity of ancient India.
10. Discuss the impact of Persian and Greek influences on Indian art and culture.
11. Explain the geographical factors responsible for uneven population distribution in India.
12. Discuss the role of monsoon in shaping India’s agriculture and economy.
13. How do Himalayan ecosystems differ from Peninsular ecosystems? Analyse.
14. Discuss the causes and impacts of river flooding in India with suitable examples.
15. Evaluate the implications of rapid urbanisation in India.
16. How do volcanic and seismic activities influence the geography of South Asia?
17. Examine the significance of natural vegetation in maintaining ecological balance.
18. Discuss the role of coal and petroleum reserves in India’s economic development.
19. How has climate change altered rainfall patterns in India? Substantiate with data.
20. Explain the significance of India’s coastal ecosystems for sustainable development.

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GS Paper 2 – Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & IR (20 Qs)

21. Discuss the doctrine of separation of powers in the Indian context.
22. Analyse the importance of judicial independence in a democracy.
23. Evaluate the impact of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment on rural governance.
24. Discuss the significance of Fundamental Duties in strengthening democracy.
25. Critically assess the role of the Election Commission of India in ensuring free and fair elections.
26. Analyse the challenges in implementing the Right to Education Act.
27. Discuss the role of the Governor in the Indian federal structure.
28. Examine the need for police reforms in India.
29. Discuss the scope and limitations of Parliamentary privileges.
30. Critically examine the role of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India’s judicial system.
31. Evaluate the significance of India’s Act East Policy in strengthening regional cooperation.
32. Analyse the importance of BRICS for India’s foreign policy objectives.
33. Discuss the role of the United Nations in peacekeeping and India’s contribution.
34. How does India’s neighbourhood policy balance security concerns with regional diplomacy?
35. Examine the significance of India’s participation in QUAD.
36. Discuss the challenges and opportunities of India–Africa relations.
37. Analyse the role of diaspora in promoting India’s soft power.
38. Evaluate the implications of cross-border terrorism on India’s foreign relations.
39. How has the Indo-US strategic partnership evolved in the last decade?
40. Discuss India’s role in global climate change negotiations.

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GS Paper 3 – Economy, Science & Tech, Environment, Security & Disaster Management (20 Qs)

41. Critically assess the impact of GST on India’s economy.
42. Discuss the role of the informal sector in India’s economic growth.
43. Analyse the challenges of achieving a $5 trillion economy for India.
44. Discuss the significance of MSMEs in India’s employment generation.
45. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
46. How does India’s demographic dividend present opportunities and challenges for economic growth?
47. Analyse the role of digital payment systems in financial inclusion.
48. Discuss the importance of agricultural reforms in ensuring food security.
49. Examine the implications of climate change on India’s agriculture.
50. Discuss the need for sustainable mining practices in India.
51. Evaluate the impact of Artificial Intelligence on employment in India.
52. Analyse the role of biotechnology in improving healthcare in India.
53. Discuss the challenges in implementing India’s space programme.
54. How can renewable energy help India meet its climate commitments?
55. Examine the role of the National Green Tribunal in environmental protection.
56. Discuss the challenges of conserving India’s biodiversity hotspots.
57. Analyse India’s disaster preparedness in the context of increasing cyclones.
58. Examine the role of coastal security in India’s maritime strategy.
59. How does cyber security impact India’s national security?
60. Discuss the significance of water management for sustainable development.

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GS Paper 4 – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude (20 Qs)

61. Define integrity and explain its importance in public service.
62. Discuss how empathy can improve decision-making in governance.
63. “Probity in public life is essential for democracy.” Analyse.
64. Explain the role of ethical reasoning in resolving conflicts of interest.
65. Discuss the relevance of the Gandhian principles in modern administration.
66. Analyse how transparency can reduce corruption in governance.
67. Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by civil servants in disaster relief operations.
68. Examine the importance of whistleblower protection in a democracy.
69. How does accountability strengthen public institutions?
70. Discuss the relevance of emotional intelligence for public administrators.
71. Explain the concept of moral courage with suitable examples.
72. Discuss the role of ethical leadership in policy implementation.
73. How can training in ethics improve bureaucratic efficiency?
74. Evaluate the ethical implications of using Artificial Intelligence in public decision-making.
75. Discuss the role of impartiality in ensuring justice.
76. Explain the importance of compassion in delivering public services.
77. Discuss the ethical challenges in balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
78. Analyse the role of codes of conduct in promoting good governance.
79. Discuss the impact of nepotism on public trust.
80. How can ethical values be inculcated among youth for nation-building?

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Essay Paper – Broad Topics (10 Qs)

81. The paradox of technology: progress and alienation.
82. Democracy at crossroads: challenges and opportunities in the 21st century.
83. Climate change is the defining crisis of our time.
84. The changing role of women in modern India.
85. Education as a tool for social transformation.
86. Is freedom of expression under threat in the digital age?
87. Development without sustainability is meaningless.
88. The ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence.
89. Poverty and inequality in an era of globalisation.
90. Balancing national security with individual freedoms.

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Mixed / Optional-type Analytical Questions (10 Qs)

91. Discuss the relevance of Marxist theory in contemporary world politics.
92. Analyse the rise of regional political parties in India since the 1980s.
93. Examine the challenges of implementing the Uniform Civil Code in India.
94. Discuss the role of agriculture in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
95. Evaluate the impact of globalisation on India’s cultural identity.
96. Discuss the historical and political significance of the Non-Aligned Movement for India.
97. Examine the challenges of urban water management in Indian cities.
98. Discuss the linkages between internal security and economic development.
99. Analyse the role of India’s civil society in promoting human rights.
100. Evaluate the influence of media on shaping public opinion in India.

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