UPSC Mains 2025 GS Paper 3 Analysis : Economy took centre stage, security turned to Northeast, and science focused on Govt’s efforts. How this paper turned news headlines to exam lines?

While disaster management was notably missing — despite being expected, given the times we live in — UPSC ensured aspirants addressed burning issues like terrorism and security concerns in Northeast India. The exam also tested whether candidates were well aware of successful government initiatives across various sectors.

Here’s a brief review of GS Paper 3: 

#1 Security Issues : UPSC asked what you already knew — but wanted to see how well you connected the dots.

Questions on security issues are a fine example of how the most general topics, even those on expected lines, need a pinch of current affairs information in your answers. Here’s how:

India’s large volume of trade traverses maritime routes and faces challenges from China, along with the need for a regional security mechanism in the Indian Ocean Region.

Question: Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward. (15 marks)

These issues have been in the news constantly, especially due to changing geopolitical dynamics. From Houthi attacks in the Red Sea to concerns over the Strait of Malacca — everything affects India’s maritime security. Hence, UPSC asked a question on this. Aspirants could have easily recalled maritime cooperation via ASEAN, several joint drills, strategic initiatives like SAGAR or MAHASAGAR, and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative to add value to their answers.

Also, recent news of India’s expanding engagement with Mauritius — aimed at strengthening New Delhi’s role as a resident maritime power, balancing China’s expanding reach, and consolidating partnerships in the Indo-Pacific — or the QUAD nations launching the first-ever ‘At Sea Observer Mission’ to boost maritime safety, might have been a good addition to connect international relations with security issues.

Though not directly hinted, a question on internal security in the Northeast will definitely remind you of the Manipur violence. But the question is not limited to that.

Question: What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade. (15 marks)

UPSC asked it expecting you to know the government’s efforts in the form of peace accords: Bodo, Bru, Karbi, NLFT, NSCN framework, etc. It is expected that you don’t miss out on the China factor, the Act East Policy, etc., to build your content. In such an expected topic, connecting the dots with current developments is key.

Another highly expected question was from the topic of Left-Wing Extremism. The question itself indicates why it was asked.

Question: The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE? (10 marks)

This is a simple textbook question that needs to be combined with your current affairs update. At the very least, the SAMADHAN Strategy, Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy, and development programmes should have definitely clicked. A 10-marker should have been an easy catch for you.

Who would not have expected a question on terrorism?

Question: Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State? Explain. (10 marks)

Without mentioning India-Pakistan’s recent conflicts, terror attacks, or Operation Sindoor, UPSC clubbed a very general theme with an expectation that aspirants would mention current affairs information — from legal to intelligence to operational counter-terrorism mechanisms.

So, UPSC didn’t surprise with questions on security issues — but it checked if you were paying attention to the news.

#2 Science & Technology : If it made headlines, it made the question paper — simple

Current Affairs, General Awareness and Governmnet initiatives formed the core of the questions, keeping the section easy and less confusing. Test youself: 

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to France to attend an AI summit, also toured the ambitious International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in Cadarache, accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron. So once again, current affairs formed the basis of a UPSC question in the Science section.

Question: The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. 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? (10 marks)

ITER is an international collaborative project aimed at building the world’s largest magnetic fusion device, designed to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale and carbon-free source of energy. India is one of the seven members contributing to the ITER project over the last two decades. Approximately 200 Indian scientists, associates, and prominent industry players such as L\&T, Inox India, TCS, TCE, and HCL Technologies are involved in the ITER project. A mention of Aditya and Aditya-U would have been expected by the examiner. This 10-marker didn’t expect much from you — just how much you read the newspaper.

Something that captured news headlines the most was UPSC’s next ask, again picked from current affairs.

Question: India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission. (15 marks)

On September 9 last year, the US announced a “new partnership” with India to explore opportunities in the semiconductor supply chain. This announcement came after India signed a semiconductor ecosystem partnership with Singapore. Additionally, “SEMICON INDIA 2024” took place in Greater Noida from September 11 to 13, 2024.

The ‘chip war’ between the world’s two biggest economies — the US and China — has also impacted global geopolitics. Given that semiconductors are emerging as the “new oil,” used in almost all electronic devices, and that countries are racing each other for a share in the manufacturing and supply network, it is essential to know about semiconductors and the status of the semiconductor industry in India.

The India Semiconductor Mission was launched in 2021. It is a strategic initiative undertaken by the Government of India to promote the domestic semiconductor industry. Its goal is to improve semiconductor design and manufacturing capabilities domestically, while encouraging innovation, employment, and economic growth. The India Semiconductor Mission operates under the guidance of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and other relevant government bodies.

This was definitely a cakewalk question for those who followed the news religiously.

Nanotechnology, too, found space in the question paper.

Question: How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers? (15 marks) 

So, how was it connected to agriculture? Any guesses why? Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, presenting the Interim Budget in 2024, announced the expansion of the application of  Nano DAP on various crops in all agro-climatic zones. Also in the news was liquid nano urea — essentially urea in the form of a nanoparticle. Urea is a chemical nitrogen fertiliser, white in colour, that artificially provides nitrogen — a major nutrient required by plants.

The product has been developed at IFFCO’s Nano Biotechnology Research Centre (NBRC) in Kalol. Apart from reducing the country’s subsidy bill, it is aimed at addressing the unbalanced and indiscriminate use of conventional urea, improving crop productivity, and reducing soil, water, and air pollution. Even if you weren’t aware of these developments through newspapers, your textbooks would have definitely provided the content — unless you skipped this topic. After all, something about everything should be known to you.

Back in 2023, a report attracted everyone’s attention. India can achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047, a report by a top research institute stated, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push — spanning from massive renewable capacity addition to electric mobility, potentially saving billions of dollars in imports. The study, titled “Pathways to Atmanirbhar Bharat,” also noted that India’s energy infrastructure would require an investment of USD 3 trillion in the coming decades. Declines in clean energy costs provide India with an opportunity to reduce energy imports through investments in renewable energy, battery storage, EVs, and green hydrogen, the report said. Hence, UPSC framed a question this year.

Question: How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour? (10 marks)

To fulfill the quota of biotechnology, the second part was added. But that didn’t make the question difficult — the buzzwords like biofuel and green hydrogen appear every now and then in the media.

So, turns out, reading the newspaper was a must for your science section. 

#3 Environment : A mix bag of knowledge + awareness

On a slightly difficult side, UPSC definitely didn’t want to test your basic knowledge in the environment section. While a few questions checked your memory of contemporary issues, government’s efforts others tested if you are solution oriented in approach. Take a look: 

Question: Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended by India been updated in 2022? (15 marks)

An immediate connection with Panchamrit and the LiFE philosophy would have helped you build respectable content. But this was, again, a very expected theme — the least you could have anticipated from the environment section.

Facts like India’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce the emission intensity of GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 levels, is a basic fact you have likely mentioned several times while giving your mock tests. Isn’t it? You might have loved this question — but the following one could have caused you stress.

A question on mining and environmental impact could have been difficult if you hadn’t recalled the many current affairs issues linked to it.

Question: Mineral resources are fundamental to the country’s economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining. (15 marks)

It needed some general inputs from you while addressing the causes: pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, habitat loss, land degradation, etc. The measures to reduce it would have tested your depth of understanding.  EIA, technological innovation, and scientific mining practices could have served as textbook content to support your answer. An examiner would be happy if you concluded by stating that mining must shift from being extractive to regenerative — emphasising that ecological and human well-being, along with mineral output, is equally important.

The issue of groundwater was again on expected lines. India’s water crisis is a clarion call for systemic change, and UPSC expected you to answer this one well.

Question: Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater? (15 marks)

India uses about 230 cubic kilometres of groundwater annually, accounting for more than 25% of global usage, making it the world’s largest user of groundwater. Around 90% of groundwater extracted is used for irrigating over 60% of cultivated land, supported by 20 million tubewells.

NITI Aayog predicts that 21 cities, affecting 100 million people, could run out of groundwater by 2030. The 2024 Annual Groundwater Quality Report revealed that 70% of India’s water sources are contaminated, posing serious health and livelihood risks.

After highlighting these problems, you were expected to discuss government solutions. Atal Bhujal Yojana and Jal Shakti Abhiyan, to name a few, should have immediately come to mind. This was an easy question — but only if you were updated with editorials and reports in newspapers.

Water seemed to be a favourite topic, as another question popped up on seawater intrusion.

Question: 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? (10 marks)

This could have been on the difficult side if you weren’t aware of the term. You must know that rising sea levels and excessive groundwater withdrawal cause saltwater to seep into freshwater sources, contaminating land, agriculture, and drinking water. The causes and consequences could only be answered correctly if you understood the concept — though you could have at least guessed. You can thank UPSC for keeping this to just 10 marks.

As India remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, nuclear energy, along with emerging technologies like Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), are becoming key components of its decarbonisation strategy. CCUS technology has been around since the 1970s, but it has gained mainstream attention only in recent years. Hence, UPSC picked it up.

Question: What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change? (10 marks)

CCUS refers to a range of technologies designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from large point sources such as thermal power plants, oil refineries, and steel and cement industries. The captured CO₂ is either stored underground or reused in industrial processes. The main objective is to prevent CO₂ from being released into the atmosphere, thereby breaking the carbon cycle that contributes to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

Congratulations! If you remembered Panchamrit, knew your groundwater stats, guessed seawater intrusion without panicking, and had CCUS tucked somewhere between your test series and sleep cycle — you were almost ready for environment section of UPSC Mains 2025. But in reality, UPSC didn’t just test your knowledge with the environment questions— it tested your brain’s loading speed under stress.

#4  Economic Development : UPSC played the usuals — Schemes, indicies and agriculture, with a bit of wit.

While the core themes remained the same, it can’t be said that economy questions were on easier side. Let’s see why:

Indices and reports have always been important with reference to the UPSC exam. But this one was slightly different.

Question: 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? (10 marks)

UNDP mentions that the “IHDI accounts for inequalities in HDI dimensions by ‘discounting’ each dimension’s average value according to its level of inequality. The IHDI value equals the HDI value when there is no inequality across people but falls below the HDI value as inequality rises. In this sense, the IHDI measures the level of human development when inequality is accounted for.”

This 10-marker could have been difficult for those whose concepts aren’t clear. For others, it was more of a medium-level question.

Another index which UPSC picked up was FPI.

Question: 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? (15 marks)

The Fiscal Health Index (FHI) initiative, which ranks states by their finances, can act as a “policy nudge” and play a key role in encouraging states to lower their debt-to-Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) ratios, according to Rao Inderjit Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and Ministry of Planning.

Check this out:

“Yes, the FHI rankings can play a critical role in encouraging states to lower their debt-to-GSDP ratios, especially in light of the central government’s target of reducing overall government debt starting 2026–27 to a level of 50 per cent from the existing 57.1 per cent.

The FHI assesses the fiscal performance of Indian states and is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and prudent fiscal management. It evaluates states across four core pillars: revenue mobilisation, quality of expenditure, fiscal prudence, and debt index and sustainability, along with several sub-indicators, to present a holistic picture of fiscal health.

Beyond being a comparative scorecard, the FHI provides state-specific insights, identifying areas of strength and concern, and offers a foundation for tailored policy recommendations. It encourages data-driven governance and decision-making, supports targeted fiscal reforms, and underscores the importance of long-term financial sustainability.

Crucially, fiscal prudence at the state level contributes to the overall debt sustainability of the country. Since states form a substantial part of the overall government’s fiscal position, their collective discipline plays a vital role in maintaining macroeconomic stability and managing debt risks at the central level as well.

International investors and credit rating agencies view India’s fiscal health holistically—they do not distinguish much between Centre and states. Therefore, any fiscal slippage by states can undermine India’s sovereign risk profile. Rankings like the FHI offer a credible benchmark to show fiscal discipline at the sub-national level, which can boost confidence among investors and agencies. With India shifting to a debt-to-GDP anchor post 2025–26 and inclusion in the JPMorgan Emerging Market Debt Index drawing $8 billion in inflows, transparent metrics like the FHI can boost investor confidence and align with global fiscal standards.

Public rankings push weaker states to improve and emulate top performers. FHI rankings act as a policy nudge, a reputational signal, and a planning tool for states. If leveraged well, they could contribute meaningfully to India’s broader macroeconomic stability and fiscal consolidation goals.”

(In an e-mail interview with Siddharth Upasani of The Indian Express, Rao Inderjit Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and Ministry of Planning, said.)

Do we need more? Just follow the news.

Moving on. Instead of directly asking a question on the most talked abour topic — tariffs, UPSC chose to ask a question on challenges related to protectionism and bilateralism.

Question: 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? (10 marks)

Shouldn’t be difficult for those who followed newspaper editorials and kept track of the US President’s moves and their impact on India.

Agricultural economy was the next area that UPSC quizzed aspirants on.

Question: Explain the factors influencing the decision of the farmers on the selection of high value crops in India. (10 Marks)

It is one of the favourite areas for UPSC, but this one could have been difficult to guess, especially under the pressure of the exam hall. Sustained rise in per capita income, increasing urbanization, and changing lifestyles have favoured high-value crops. Liberalization of the agri-food market and increasing globalization of agri-food markets are also crafting opportunities for exports of high-value food commodities. Heavy? And hence, you may tag it a bit difficult. But at least you could have guessed: why will farmers grow more of one kind of crop? A general answer — increase in consumer demand. Sometimes, play a generalist.

Another question on agricultural economy talked about supply chain management.

Question: Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India. (10 marks)

A basic question from your notes, which should remind you that the agriculture supply chain includes various components: manufacturing, storage and transportation, processing and packing, marketing, selling, and using. Each one has stakeholders that include farmers, processors, transporters, and retailers, facilitating the movement of various agricultural products from production points to consumers.

Can you think of examples in sectors like horticulture, poultry, and dairy? What more for a 10-marker? Don’t over-explore.

Taking the bar a bit higher, UPSC’s next focus was the food processing industry.

Question: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. (15 marks)

In recent years, the food processing industry has emerged as a force for grassroots transformation. In this context, to address the challenges of the sector and to make this sector favourable for employment generation, the Government of India has launched various schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, which provides financial, technical, and business support for setting up/upgrading micro food processing enterprises in the country.

Under the scheme, over 1.41 lakh loans amounting to ₹11,205 crore have been sanctioned to micro-enterprises, and seed capital has been extended to support more than 3.3 lakh members of self-help groups (SHGs).

Additionally, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing Industries is catalysing industrial capacity and formal job creation. The scheme has led to the creation of over 3.3 lakh jobs and added more than 67 lakh metric tonnes of processing capacity.

Talking about PLI, UPSC framed a question here too.

Question: 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? (15 marks)

The interesting part here was how UPSC asked you, the future bureaucrats, about the scope of improvement in this scheme.

So, when you have got FHI, IHDI, PLI, and a UPSC question lurking behind every policy brief, just follow the news… and maybe link it to your static knowledge. 

#5. Overall Review

No question on disasters—despite living in a time when they seem to be happening on a daily basis.

Instead, the economy stole the spotlight with a whopping 7 questions worth 85 marks, making it the heavyweight of the paper. This year’s GS III proved (yet again) that it’s less about memorizing textbooks and more about understanding current affairs and knowing how to link them to static concepts.

If there’s one clear takeaway, it’s this: government schemes and initiatives are your best friends for ever. That’s the level of prep UPSC expects from India’s future babus-in-the-making.

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