UPSC Mains GS Paper-3 – Last Hour Guidance by Anush Sir

Dear Aspirants,

Tomorrow is your GS Paper-3, and I want you to remember one thing: this is not a paper of rote learning. It is a problem-solving paper. The examiner wants to see if you can connect data, reports, policies, technology, security, and global trends in a way that reflects a civil servant’s thinking.

I am giving you section-wise reminders that you should revise in the last hours. Read them calmly. Don’t chase new information—just sharpen your ability to present clearly with data, examples, and contemporary linkages.

Economy – The Heart of GS Paper-3

Economic questions are often straight, but what differentiates a good answer is evidence and credibility.

• Anchor in Data & Reports: Always quote Economic Survey, RBI reports, NITI Aayog indices, or IMF–World Bank estimates. Even one authentic figure can elevate your answer.
• Use Committees: Show maturity by mentioning committees—FRBM Committee (fiscal discipline), Kelkar Committee (PPPs), Rangarajan Committee (poverty line).
• Current Themes: Inflation trends, fiscal policy debates, Atmanirbhar Bharat, PLI schemes, digital economy, green finance, GST reforms.
• How to Write:
  • Intro: Start with a data point. For example, “India’s GDP growth is projected at 6.5% (IMF, 2023).”
  • Body: Structure into 3–4 dimensions: growth, inclusion, fiscal health, reforms. Add examples (PLI scheme in electronics, UPI driving financial inclusion).
  • Conclusion: Forward-looking line—“Balanced fiscal prudence and inclusive growth remain the twin goals.”

Remember, economy answers in GS Paper-3 should look like advice to the Finance Ministry—evidence-based and reform-oriented.

Science & Technology (S&T) – Show India’s Progress

Science and Technology in GS Paper-3 is not just about memorising inventions—it is about connecting tech with society and governance.

• Recent Developments: AI, quantum computing, drones, cybersecurity, biotechnology, space.
• Government Initiatives: IndiaAI Mission, Semiconductor Mission, National Quantum Mission, ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3, Gaganyaan.
• Interlinkages:
  • AI → agriculture (crop prediction, precision farming).
  • Drones → disaster management, border surveillance.
  • Biotech → health (vaccines, gene therapy).
  • Cybersecurity → protecting financial systems.
• International Cooperation: QUAD’s emerging tech, Artemis Accords (space), Indo-US semiconductor collaboration.
• How to Write:
  • Intro: Use a recent achievement (e.g., “Chandrayaan-3 made India the first country to land near the lunar south pole”).
  • Body: Split into opportunities (growth, efficiency, governance) and challenges (ethics, regulation, inclusiveness).
  • Conclusion: Emphasise “Responsible innovation with global cooperation.”

S&T in GS Paper-3 is a chance to show that you are not just aware of science, but you understand its policy and ethical dimensions.

Environment – Balance Development with Sustainability

Environment answers demand a blend of data, global context, and justice principles.

• Data Anchors: IPCC reports, UNEP, FAO, NITI SDG Index.
• Link with SDGs: SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 7 (Clean Energy).
• Principles: CBDR (Common but Differentiated Responsibility), environmental justice, sustainable development.
• Themes: Climate change, biodiversity, renewable energy, plastic pollution, carbon neutrality.
• Examples: National Green Tribunal rulings, State of Environment Report 2023, India’s Energy Transition policy.
• How to Write:
  • Intro: Quote data (e.g., “India is the 3rd largest emitter, yet per-capita emissions are below global average”).
  • Body: Cover multiple aspects—policy (National Action Plan on Climate Change), global role (Paris Agreement), ethics (equity, justice).
  • Conclusion: “India must walk the tightrope between growth and green transition.”

In GS Paper-3, environment answers must show scientific awareness + ethical vision.

Disaster Management – Show Preparedness

This is a scoring area if you can structure answers clearly.

• Maps & Diagrams: Draw a quick India map with cyclone tracks, seismic zones, flood belts.
• Frameworks: NDMA Guidelines, Sendai Framework (2015–2030), Hyogo Framework.
• Strategies: Early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, community participation, technology (GIS, drones).
• Examples: Joshimath land subsidence, Kerala floods, Cyclone Mocha.
• How to Write:
  • Intro: Begin with a definition or framework.
  • Body: Vulnerability → Causes → Govt response → Community role.
  • Conclusion: “From relief-centric to prevention-centric disaster management.”

Disaster management in GS Paper-3 is about showing resilience + proactive planning.

Internal Security – Connect Laws, Tech & Current Threats

Internal Security questions test whether you can see interlinkages between threats.

• Themes: Cybercrime, money laundering, terrorism, radicalisation, left-wing extremism, border management.
• Laws/Policies: UAPA, PMLA, NIA Act, AFSPA, IT Act, Data Protection Act, National Cybersecurity Policy.
• Interlinkages:
  • Terror funding ↔ money laundering.
  • Cyber threats ↔ financial security.
  • Border management ↔ migration.
• Case Studies: Drone surveillance on borders, FATF pressure on Pakistan, India’s role in UN counter-terror forums.
• How to Write:
  • Intro: Start with a current event (e.g., cyberattacks on Indian institutions in 2023).
  • Body: Present the challenge + government/legal response + gaps.
  • Conclusion: “Security must be strengthened without diluting constitutional freedoms.”

👉 Internal security in GS Paper-3 is about showing balance: hard security + rights + technology.

🕑 Exam Hall Mantras for GS Paper-3

1. Structure every answer: IBC (Intro–Body–Conclusion).
2. One value addition per answer: map, data, case study, or committee.
3. Underline keywords: Articles, laws, reports.
4. Keep economy & S&T answers data-heavy, environment answers justice-oriented, disaster answers diagram-heavy, and security answers law-heavy.
5. 150–200 words per answer—don’t overwrite.
6. Stay calm: attempt what you know first, build confidence.

Final Words from Me

Tomorrow, when you write GS Paper-3, remember: the examiner is looking for an applied mind. Show that you can connect policies with people, technology with society, economy with sustainability, and security with rights.

Do not panic if you see an unfamiliar question. Pause, think of a data point, principle, or report that connects, and then write with structure.

Trust me, you already have enough knowledge. What matters now is presentation with clarity and confidence.

Write like a policymaker, not just a candidate.

— With best wishes,
Anush Sir

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