UPSC CSE 2020 Mains General Studies Paper Analysis
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) have recently conducted Civil Services (Main) 2020 examination. The following article is the analyse of the same and to provide a brief insights of how the Mains Guidance Programme (MGP) at JVs IAS was helpful for the aspirants in their preparation of General Studies papers I, II and III in Mains examination.
Following is the list of questions that appeared in the CSE 2020 Mains examination from JV’s Mains Guidance Programme, and the trigger factor/source from which they were asked.
Related GS Paper
UPSC CSE Mains 2020 Questions
Associated Topic
MGP 2021 Test questions
Source/Trigger Factor
General Studies Paper-1
COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Pandemic and its impact
MGP Test-2, Q-12
The impact of Covid-19 has once again brought the issue of urban poor to the forefront. Identify the challenges faced by the urban poor in the time of pandemic. Suggest some way forward along with key government initiatives. (15 marks, 250 words)
Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Medieval History
MGP Test-3 Q-2
One of the major achievements of medieval Indian literature was devotional poetry which found its place in all major languages of the country. Elucidate. (10 marks, 150 words)
Old NCERT Medieval India
Chapter-11
The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Geography
MGP Test-5 Q-20
Recently the floods occurred in Assam and Bihar caused a widespread loss to life and property. What are the flood prone regions of our country? What are the guidelines of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in mitigation of floods? Elaborate. (15 marks, 250 words)
Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Geography
MGP Test-5 Q-5
As per the recent report of NITI Aayog, 21 cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, will run out of groundwater by 2020. Analyze the possibility of water harvesting system as a solution to depleting ground water resources and how we can make it useful in urban areas. (10 marks, 150 words)
Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Geography
MGP Test-5 Q-14
Conservation of forest wildlife is a widely debatable topic since the post-independence. In this context examine the efficacy of people's participation in forest conservation. (15 marks, 250 words)
Environment by Shankar IAS chapter 16 Conservation Efforts.
How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Geography
MGP Test-6 Q-18
“India’s contribution to global climate change stands out to be very small yet it is one of
the major countries affected by climate change.” In context of above statement, what are the
major Initiatives by the government of India in combating climate change? (15 marks, 250
words)
11th NCERT “Fundamentals of Physical Geography” Chapter 12
Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Economic Geography
MGP Test-6 Q-5
Discuss about the major Iron ore producing regions of the world. Also identify the
possible factors that influence the location of Iron and Steel Industries across the globe. (10
marks, 150 words)
NCERT class 12th India People and economy, Chapter -7
India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate (Answer in 250 words) 15
Economic Geography
MGP Test-6 Q-14
Define energy security along with its dimensions. With respect to India's present
energy consumption pattern, how do you think the government should develop an efficient
energy mix to ensure a sustainable energy supply to the citizens? Mention the prominent
steps taken by the government in this regard. (15 marks, 250 words)
Newspaper and NCERT class 12th India People and economy, Chapter -7
How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Geography
MGP Test-2 Q-6+5
Analyse how artificial intelligence can improve the effectiveness of e-Governance in India. (10 marks, 150 words)
It has often been argued that the digital divide is the major bottleneck in the e-Governance initiative of the government. Discuss how these issues can be addressed. (10 marks, 150 words)
“There is a need for simplification of Procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act”. Comment (Answer in 150 words)
Polity
MGP Test-1 Q-20
What are the grounds mentioned in RPA,1951 for disqualification of candidates and sitting representatives? Do these grounds have been diluted in the favour of elected representatives? Critically examine. (250 words, 15 marks)
NCERT class 11th, Chapter-3
“Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
Polity
MGP Test-2 Q-4
With regard to the recent amendments to RTI Act 2005, do you think that the recent changes will weaken the act and undermine the authority of Information Commissioners? (10 marks, 150 words)
‘Once a Speaker, Always a speaker’! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implication for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? ( (Answer in 150 words)
Polity
MGP Test-1 Q-16
Recently the Supreme Court has criticized the office of Speaker on the grounds of neutrality. What is doctrine of neutrality? Define its significance in case of Constitutional office mentioned in the Constitution of India. (250 words, 15 marks)
In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)
Polity
MGP Test-2 Q-13
The current pandemic has highlighted the major gaps in India’s healthcare sector. According to you, what are the major issues in the healthcare system of India? Suggest some short term as well as long term measures in addressing those issues. (15 marks, 250 words)
Yojana Magazine of May 2020 “universal Health”
“Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context, suggest reforms in Civil Service for Strengthening Democracy. (Answer in 150 words)
Polity
MGP Test-2 Q-8
A major shift in the nature of Civil Servants is required to cope up with the emerging challenges in the society. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words)
Governance by Laxmikanth, Chapter on Civil Services Reform.
“The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of the government”. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)
Polity
MGP Test-1,2 Q-8(1),5(2)
What do you understand by InDEA framework? How it is going to aid in the vision of maximum governance and minimum government of the Central government. (150 words, 10 marks)
Analyze how artificial intelligence can improve the effectiveness of e-Governance in India. (10 marks, 150 words)
Indian Constitution exhibits centralizing tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. (Answer in 250 words)
Polity
MGP Test-1 Q-14
What are the features of Constitution that shifts the power balance in favors of Union government and how states are raising their demand in quest for greater autonomy? (250 words, 15 marks)
NCERT class 11th of Polity, Chapter-7
Judicial legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (Answer in 250 words)
Polity
MGP Test-1 Q-15
What is Judicial activism? Do you think that it can lead to conflict between the judiciary and executive? Give reasons in favors or against your argument. (250 words 15 marks)
The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘functions, functionaries and funds’ to the contemporary stage of’ functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)
Polity
MGP Test-2 Q-14
With reference to Panchayati raj institutions, analyze how Panchayati raj institutions can play a game changing role during a pandemic. Also suggest some measures to strengthen the Panchayati raj institutions. (15 marks, 250 words)
Newspaper and Laxmikanth Chapter on Local Government.
National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goals-4 (2030). It intended to restructure and re-orient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (Answer in 250 words)
Education
MGP Test-2 Q-16
The Union Cabinet recently cleared the New Education Policy 2020. According to you, what can be the possible issues and challenges that NEP2020 is going to face? Suggest some measures for successful implementation of NEP2020. (15 marks, 250 words)
What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Water Conservation
MGP Test-5 Q-5
As per the recent report of NITI Aayog, 21 cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, will run out of groundwater by 2020. Analyze the possibility of water harvesting system as a solution to depleting ground water resources and how we can make it useful in urban areas. (10 marks, 150 words)
Website of Jal Shakti Ministry and NITI Aayog Report
Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenario. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Water Conservation
MGP Test-5 Q-5
As per the recent report of NITI Aayog, 21 cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, will run out of groundwater by 2020. Analyze the possibility of water harvesting system as a solution to depleting ground water resources and how we can make it useful in urban areas. (10 marks, 150 words)
NITI Ayog Composite water management Report
Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Disaster management
MGP Test-5 Q-10
"Post disaster phase is the key element in any Disaster management cycle". Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)
NCERT of Class 11th India Physical environment, Chapter-7
What are the challenges and opportunities of food processing sector in the country? How can the income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Agriculture
MGP Test-6 Q-12
The Union government has envisaged to double the farmer’s income by 2020. TheFood processing industry is termed as the “sunshine sector” in transforming India’s foodeconomy. In light of this, discuss the potential and challenges of food processing sector inIndia. Also mention the major government initiatives for promotion of the sector. (15 marks,250 words)
How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Environment
MGP Test-6 Q-17
What do you understand by the term Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)? While
taking into consideration the different processes involved, evaluate the intent behind the EIA
Assessment. Also discuss the current status of EIA in India. (15 marks, 250 words)
Shankar IAS Chapter-8, EIA
Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose? (Answer in 250 words) 15
Energy
MGP Test-6 Q-14
Define energy security along with its dimensions. With respect to India's present
energy consumption pattern, how do you think the government should develop an efficient
Energy mix to ensure a sustainable energy supply to the citizens? Mention the prominent
Steps taken by the government in this regard. (15 marks, 250 words)
Newspaper and NCERT class 12th India People and economy, Chapter -7
The GS Paper I of CSE 2020 seems to be direct, straight forward and moderately easier as questions asked were directly from the topics mentioned in the syllabus. Majority of the questions could be answered from the standard sources.
Geography: This year geography has got the maximum weightage of 100 marks covering 8 questions, i.e., Question No. 4, 5, 6,7, 14, 15, 16, 17. Most of the questions were conventional, straight-forward and were from the previous year’s topics.
Modern History (MH): This year weightage of modern History came down to only two questions, i.e., Question No. 3 & 13 with total marks of 25. The nature of the question was straight-forward which could be easily answered by the reading of conventional/traditional sources.
Indian Society: Six questions have been asked from Indian Society in CSE Mains 2020, i.e., Question No. 8, 9, 10, 18, 19, & 20 with the weightage of 75 marks. Most of the questions in society were analytical in nature which required an integrated approach while attempting the paper. Questions asked were opinion based and open ended that also tested the critical thinking ability of the aspirant as well. Therefore, there cannot be a one-stop source for this topic. That being said, an aspirant can maximize his/her score in this topic if s/he has a good analytical ability and thought process.
Art & Culture: In Art and culture,there were total of 5 questions, i.e., Question No. 1, 2, 11, 12, & 19. In questions of Art and Culture there was mix of performing arts and architecture-based questions. Most of the questions were of moderate level not requiring the expertise in subject except for in the question no. 19.
World History & Post Independence: Although question on world history and post-independence were missing from CSE Mains 2020 (which is a googly for many) by UPSC, but it cannot be assumed that the same trend will be followed the next year as well. Therefore, the aspirant must prepare this topic as well while preparing since the topics are mentioned in the UPSC Mains syllabus.
Sources and Approach for GS Paper I
As most of the questions in GS Paper I were straight forward, there is no need of a specific source apart from your conventional sources like Spectrum and Bipan Chandra for Modern History, NCERTs for Geography, CCRT website for Art & culture etc. In fact, most of the questions can be easily tackled with the multiple readings of NCERT books. The Hindu has once again proven its importance in mains. Majority of the questions, particularly in the Indian Society part, can find their genesis in the editorials of The Hindu newspaper. Therefore, a balance approach between static and current affairs must be maintained throughout the Mains preparation.
General Studies Paper-1
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
History: Arts & Culture
25
25
10
35
10
75
Modern History
25
37.5
65
10
50
25
Post-Independence
-
-
-
-
-
-
World History
25
12.5
10
15
15
-
Geography
87.5
112.5
115
85
100
100
Society
87.5
62.5
50
105
75
50
General Studies Paper II
This year’s General Studies paper II seems easy on the face value but in our view, it isn’t the case. Though it isn’t tough either. In fact, the paper is on a little lengthier side but on expected lines. It seemed to be a balanced paper having both the elements of fundamental and applied part in it.
Polity: The highest weightage is given to Polity part as 9 questions are there with weightage of 115 marks. In attempting the questions the requirement was to be aware of several important Constitution Articles and Amendments, along with current affairs, because most of the questions appearing in the paper has a direct link with recent events like office of speaker, Rajyasabha etc.
Governance: This year weightage of governance increased by 20 marks comparison to last year. Last year weightage of governance was of 25 marks but this year it has 45 marks with 4 question. Here too the case was same like polity as the requirement was to be aware of several important Government initiatives and current issues like New Education policy, Digital revolution etc.
Social Justice: This year weightage of Social justice portion is of 40 marks with 3 questions featuring in the paper. Social Justice’s weightage this year has got reduced by 10 marks. Going by the recent trend of UPSC and the questions being asked from social issues topics, one cannot afford to neglect the newspaper reading, as the questions asked are issue based, although not straightforward.
International Relations:This year International relations got weightage of 50 marks with 4 Questions. While comparing with previous year’s paper, the weightage of IR has reduced by 10 marks. However, IR portion has maintained its consistency within the range of 50-60 marks being asked in CSE Mains.
Overall, the paper was a little lengthy in the sense that the aspirants had to devote some time for thinking before writing the answers. For example, in the question “In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care.” Here, in the first reading one might think that it is all about the social development and health but this was not the case as the question requires the insight on the scenario of maternal health in India as well. So critical thinking is needed to tackle such questions.
Sources and Approach for GS Paper II
For polity part, most of the questions can be directly answered from the standard sources like Laxmikanth as the questions are asked on static portion of the contemporary issues that were in news. Therefore, a combined approach of Newspaper along with Laxmikanth will do the job.
For Governance and Social Justice, the approach will be same as in case of polity. The questions of Governance can be answered with the help of a standard text book (such as Governance by Laxmikanth). Social justice can also be covered from Society and Social Justice material- Jatin Verma's Top-up Material for UPSC along with Newspapers.
The questions in IR could be answered by covering the static part from any standard International relations book along with the important editorials of “The Hindu” Newspaper.
It is therefore quite evident by now that one cannot afford to miss the Newspaper reading as neglecting the newspaper can prove to be a “Himalayan Blunder” in CSE Mains 2020.
General Studies Paper-2
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Polity
100
100
90
115
115
115
Social Justice
37.5
50
60
60
50
40
Governance
62.5
50
50
25
25
45
International Relations
50
50
50
50
60
50
General Studies Paper-III
In GS Paper III this year, questions were straight-forward from the syllabus and were mostly based on current affairs. This year’s paper was moderate considering last year’s paper as base, except for three-four technical questions which in an examination conditions would be difficult to answer in those crucial 3 hours duration. Also, the questions were not lengthy. There were four questions from each section – Economy, Agriculture, Science and technology, Environment, Disaster management and Internal security.
Economy: The questions on economy were directly asked from the syllabus and were moderately tough due to conceptual nature of the question being asked and requires the aspirants to have proper understanding of the topic. This year the weightage of economy got increased by 15 marks. The economy section had 65 marks with 5 questions this year in comparison to last year of 50 marks.
Food & Agriculture: The food & agriculture section too had straight-forward and easy to understand questions which could be easily answered. Questions were based on the application of technology for welfare or betterment of the society. This year the weightage of Food and Agriculture got reduced by 15 marks in comparison to previous year’s paper. The weightage of Food and Agriculture was 60 marks with 4 questions.
Environment: The environment section had mostly questions from current affairs on government scheme & initiatives. However, questions were of moderate level which only demanded the awareness about the current issues like EIA, NCAP etc. All these issues were in news due to numerous reasons. This year the weightage of environment got increased slightly by 10 marks. Total two questions were there with weightage of 25 marks.
Disaster Management: The DM section had one question of 15 marks and that too from current affairs on government initiatives.
Science & Technology: In the science and technology too, the questions were asked mainly on the application of technology for welfare or betterment of the society. The weightage of science and technology was 35 marks having 4 questions. The weightage got increased by 10 marks in comparison to last year.
Internal Security: The internal security section was on tougher side as the questions asked this year were a bit analytical in nature. However, this section has maintained its consistency of comprising 50 marks over the years. Looks like UPSC wants this section to be the Cheteshwar Pujara of GS paper III. :P
Therefore, by going through paper III we can say that questions were basically current affairs oriented with a delicate aroma of current blended with static portion. Moreover, the questions were moderate to easy from the last year with plus-minus of 10 marks.
Sources and Approach for GS Paper III
Economy: Most of the questions asked from the Economy portion can be directly answered from the standard text books and NCERTs. Questions were asked on static portion of the current issues. So Newspaper should be read religiously.
Environment: Environment questions could be answered through standard sources like Environment by Shankar IAS or JVs IAS Environment Book.
Disaster Management: Disaster Management portion was also current affairs based which could be easily covered from NCERTs and newspaper reading.
Internal Security: Internal Security questions were conventional, except the question on Cyber Crime which was based on current affairs. So the portion of Internal Security can be answered by standard sources like “JV’s Foundation Material on Security Issues”.
Science and Technology: As stated above, the questions were based on current issues so for science and technology the JV’s Science and Technology book along with Sunday Edition of “The Hindu” would suffice.
