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The UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2025 was conducted on 24th August 2025 in the first shift from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. This paper tested candidates on key areas like Economy, Agriculture, Environment, Science & Technology, Disaster Management, and Internal Security. Being an application-oriented paper, it required aspirants to connect theory with real-world issues and government policies. The link to download the PDF has been shared below in the article.
UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2025
The UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 is one of the most crucial papers in the Civil Services Examination as it tests an aspirant’s knowledge of Economy, Environment, Security, Science & Technology, and Disaster Management. It carries 250 marks and is fully descriptive in nature.
UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2025: Overview
The key highlights related to the UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2025 have been shared below in the table format.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services (Mains) 2025 |
| Paper Name | General Studies Paper 3 |
| Syllabus Coverage | Economy, Agriculture, Environment, Science & Technology, Disaster Management, Security Issues |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Type of Questions | Descriptive/Essay type |
| Total Marks | 250 |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Nature | Ranking – contributes to final merit |
| Medium | English / Hindi & other listed languages |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2025 PDF Link
The official question paper PDF for UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2025 has been released by UPSC after the exam. Candidates can download it from the UPSC website under “Previous Question Papers.” Having the PDF helps aspirants to analyze the question pattern, difficulty level, and expected themes for future exams.
Click here to download UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2025 PDF
Steps to Download UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2025
Downloading the GS Paper 3 PDF is simple and can be done in a few steps:
Visit the UPSC official website (upsc.gov.in).
Navigate to the Examinations section.
Click on Previous Question Papers.
Select Civil Services (Main) Examination.
Choose the year 2025 and select General Studies Paper 3.
Download the PDF file and keep it for practice for the upcomins UPSC Exam.
Also Read: UPSC Mains GS 3 Syllabus 2025
Type of Questions Asked in UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2025
The GS Paper 3 focused on application-oriented questions. Aspirants can link theories with real-world examples. Common themes include:
Economy & Agriculture: Issues like inflation, inclusive growth, farm productivity, and agricultural reforms.
Environment & Climate Change: Policies on sustainable development, renewable energy, and biodiversity.
Science & Technology: Role of AI, space technology, biotechnology, and cybersecurity.
Disaster Management: Case studies on floods, earthquakes, and government preparedness.
Internal Security: Border management, terrorism, cyber threats, and national security strategies.
UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2025 Difficulty Level
The UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2025 was moderate to difficult because of its wide scope and heavy reliance on current affairs. While some questions were static, most demand critical analysis and practical application. Candidates who read newspapers regularly and connect government policies with the syllabus performed better. The challenge lied in time management and presenting multi-dimensional answers in a concise manner.
Section-Wise Weightage in UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2025
UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2025 covers a wide range of subjects like Economy, Agriculture, Environment, Science & Technology, Disaster Management, and Internal Security. While the syllabus looks vast, past year trends show that certain areas receive more weight than others. Analyzing these trends helps aspirants prioritize their preparation.
| Section | Average Weightage (%) | Question Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Economy & Agriculture | 35–40% | Questions on growth, employment, farm reforms, inclusive development, and government schemes. |
| Environment & Climate Change | 20–25% | Focus on sustainable development, biodiversity, conservation, and renewable energy. |
| Science & Technology | 15–20% | Emerging tech like AI, space, biotech, nanotech, and cybersecurity applications. |
| Disaster Management | 10–12% | Case studies on floods, earthquakes, cyclones, NDMA policies, and community preparedness. |
| Internal Security | 10–12% | Terrorism, cyber security, border issues, role of agencies, and modern security challenges. |
UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2025 FAQs
Q1. What is the syllabus of UPSC GS Paper 3?
It includes Economy, Agriculture, Science & Tech, Environment, Disaster Management, and Internal Security.
Q2. How many marks is GS Paper 3?
It carries 250 marks and is descriptive in nature.
Q3. Where can I download the GS Paper 3 2025 PDF?
From the official UPSC website under Previous Question Papers.
Q4. Is GS Paper 3 more current-affairs based?
Yes, it is heavily linked with current events, especially in economy, security, and environment.
Q5. How can I score well in GS Paper 3?
Practice answer writing, link theory with examples, and stay updated on government policies and international developments.
