UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 syllabus – All Important topics and Subtopics

General Studies Paper 3 (GS-3) is an important component of the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination (CSE). This paper tests a candidate’s hold of key aspects related to the economy, environment, science and technology, internal security, and disaster management. It demands a combination of conceptual clarity, current affairs awareness, and the ability to apply knowledge in a dynamic policy context.

Below is the officially prescribed UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 syllabus:

(Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)

• Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
• Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.
• Government Budgeting.
• Major Crops – Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country, – Different Types of Irrigation and Irrigation Systems; Storage, Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related Constraints; E-technology in the aid of farmers.
• Issues related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices; Public Distribution System – Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping; Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security; Technology Missions; Economics of Animal-Rearing.
• Food Processing and Related Industries in India- Scope’ and Significance, Location, Upstream and Downstream Requirements, Supply Chain Management.
• Land Reforms in India.
• Effects of Liberalization on the Economy, Changes in Industrial Policy and their Effects on Industrial Growth.
• Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
• Investment Models.
• Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.
• Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.
• Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.
• Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
• Disaster and Disaster Management.
• Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism.
• Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security.
• Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges, Basics of Cyber Security; Money-Laundering and its prevention.
• Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism.
• Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

IAS Mains General Studies-III

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-IV mainly consists of the following core subjects:

• Technology
• Economic Development
  Bio-Diversity
• Environment
• Security
• Disaster Management

Focus Areas in Mains General Studies-III

Below are the key focus areas in Mains General Studies III that every aspirant should concentrate on during their preparation: