The UPSC GS Paper 3 is one of the nine subjective papers of the UPSC IAS exam mains stage. The subjects covered in UPSC GS Paper 3 Syllabus are Economic Development, Technology, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management. A thorough knowledge of the UPSC Mains Syllabus for Mains GS Paper 3 is essential. This article provides information on the UPSC GS Paper 3 Syllabus and Preparation strategy for the applicants. Candidates who are interested in learning more about the UPSC Mains GS 3 Syllabus including books, preparation tips, and exam format, should continue reading. 

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UPSC GS Paper 3 Syllabus 2025

It is critical for applicants to review the UPSC GS Paper 3 Syllabus before beginning their study preparation. If applicants opt for the UPSC GS Paper 3 Syllabus, they can review the UPSC Syllabus and Preparation Tips below and also download the UPSC GS Paper 3 Syllabus PDF. Here is the detailed UPSC GS 3 Syllabus.:

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Structure of UPSC GS III Syllabus

The UPSC General Studies Paper III Syllabus is one of the 9 subjective papers of the UPSC Mains examination. The following subjects are part of the UPSC GS Paper 3 syllabus –

1. Economic Development
2. Science & Technology
3. Biodiversity
4. Environment
5. Security
6. Disaster Management

In this paper, a total of 20 questions are asked in English and Hindi for a total of 250 marks. Students will be required to answer all the questions, which will be asked in 10 marks and 15 marks format. The word limit for 10 mark questions will be 150 words, while for the 15 mark questions, it will be 250 words. 

The structure of UPSC GS Paper III syllabus will overlap with several topics such as Social Justice and International Relations from GS II Paper of UPSC Mains.

UPSC GS Paper 3 Exam Pattern 2025

Candidates who will be taking the exam should familiarise themselves with the UPSC GS Paper 3 Syllabus in advance. The preliminary exam consists of a general studies examination and a 400 marks general studies exam.

The UPSC Mains test will have various papers, one of which is the UPSC GS Paper 3 Syllabus paper. The following is the exam pattern for the same:

• There are 20 mandatory questions which must be answered in the language chosen on the application form (Hindi or English). Questions answered in a language other than English are not evaluated.
• The General Studies Paper 3 is for a total of 250 marks.
• The word limit for 10-mark questions is 150 words, while for 15-mark questions, it is 250 words.
• Because the UPSC Mains GS 3 Syllabus focuses on economic development, it is likely to include questions and answers that may possibly apply to social justice and international relations in GS II. Also, the Environment questions may overlap with the Geography knowledge required for GS-I, as well as Economic Development and Biodiversity from GS II. As a result, it is critical to analyse each question and write concise replies within the word limit.
• Security and disaster management questions are frequently asked in the second half of the exam, so it's important to brush up on internal security and disaster management, as well as new-age issues.

Check the detailed UPSC Exam Pattern here.

How to Prepare for the UPSC UPSC GS Paper 3 Syllabus?

The UPSC General Studies Paper III Syllabus covers Economic Development, Technology, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management in general. In this section, we have listed few subject-wise preparation tips to help you effectively cover the UPSC Paper 3 Syllabus for the Mains Exam.

Economics

• Despite the fact that the themes in this area are unchanging, the questions are challenging and dynamic. The NCERT books can assist you to clear up your ideas and provide you with a fundamental understanding of these areas. After you've gone over the required NCERT chapters, choose a single reference book for in-depth research.
• NCERT class X, XI, and XII for economics, as well as keeping up with the country's and world's economic situations through a regular daily, can help you prepare notes for the upcoming questions.
• While practising mock papers, first grasp the fundamentals of the questions. When writing your response, you must first briefly explain the concept, followed by an in-depth study of how the concept is important to the country's current economic situation, as well as its significance and consequences on the lives of inhabitants from all walks of life.

Check out Economics Notes For UPSC here.

Science and Technology

• The science and technology section's basic subjects are also crucial for IAS prelims preparation. As a result, you can accomplish them all at once and manage your time accordingly.
• For in-depth study, you must be aware of India's various achievements in science and technology, as well as notable people in these fields, dating back to ancient times.
• For this topic, you should rely more on the internet because you will get the most up-to-date news and articles that will assist you in taking better notes.
• Space technology and its recent advances, biotechnology, robotics, and how they are affecting human life all over the world are among the current affairs-based scientific questions.
• You must become in the habit of looking at scientific topics from both an economic and a scientific standpoint. Keeping a regular eye on the most recent economic surveys can provide you with enough data to make your responses more substantial.
• Environmental science will generate a variety of issues based on ideas such as biodiversity, climate change, wildlife and forestry protection, legislation and policies enacted for these purposes, pollution, and the effects of human activities on the environment. In a nutshell, environmental issues that are based on or caused by human activities are particularly relevant.

Check out Science & Technology Notes For UPSC here.

Biodiversity 

• Cropping and its patterns in India are the primary topics, which can be prepared at a basic level using NCERT Geography books.
• Another key topic for this part is agricultural product transportation, marketing, and distribution.
• The questions are based on a combination of geography, economics, and technology. You must use this method while answering any question from this section and express your point of view from all three perspectives.
• Topics related to farm subsidies should be examined analytically because responses and notes must be written suitably. Because the word restriction must be rigorously adhered to, the analysis must be concise and accurate.
• A subtopic of agriculture is land reform. It has lately been in the news for a variety of reasons, making it a significant topic for the IAS Mains 2022 exam.
• Land ceiling policies, tenancy reforms, various land reform movements, and contemporary legislation and laws are all key topics in the land reform area.
• Food processing and associated industries, as well as fundamental concepts about how they work, where they are located, and how important they are, are required to answer the relevant section undecided.
• Take an objective approach to these topics by thoroughly knowing the key phrases and acts. Focus solely on agricultural and geographical problems, as well as the effects of the economy on these factors, as this is a prevalent sort of inquiry in this paper.

Check out UPSC Exam Calendar here.

Security

• The essential concept to grasp while preparing this topic is the relationship between various stages and issues of development and how they are affected by the growth of extremism.
• The relationship between extremism and development issues such as unemployment, poverty, and poor governance are all essential problems that need to be investigated.
• Another significant topic is to comprehend the role of adjacent and foreign countries in affecting India's security and the actions done against them.
• You can uncover various case studies and examples to better substantiate the response by reading the newspaper every day and taking notes on all pertinent news.
• While writing the responses, you should thoroughly study and refer to the mandates of the various security agencies in the country.

Check out Internal Security Notes for UPSC here.

Disaster Management

• This topic is simple enough if you are familiar with recent natural and man-made disasters in the Indian subcontinent.
• The questions are intended to assess your comprehension of the subject, as well as your awareness of current circumstances and perceptions of how disasters affect the economy.

Check out Disaster Management Notes For UPSC here.

Best Books for UPSC GS Paper 3 Syllabus

UPSC applicants may prepare a few reference books in order to plan UPSC General Studies Paper III Syllabus and Preparation Tips. After researching the subject subjects and books accessible, candidates must select the best UPSC Books for them. The following is a list of books that candidates can use to prepare for the UPSC Paper 3 syllabus for the mains:

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