UPSC CSE 2026 Essay Paper Discussion
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General Studies Paper 3 · By subject

Internal security — UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 PYQ

69 previous year questions on Internal security, 2013–2026, each with a model answer

← All GS Paper 3

2026

  1. Q9
    Explain how fake news and disinformation pose threat to Internal Security and Public Order in Indian context? In this regard, discuss salient features of amendments in respect of Information Technology (Intermediatory Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q10
    Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of constitution for Ladakh.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q19
    Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir (J & K). Bring out actions taken by the Government to bring J&K into national mainstream. Discuss pre and post abrogation status of Articles 370 and 35A. Also bring out positive impacts of abrogation of both articles in mainstreaming the state.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q20
    Discuss counterfeit currency and money laundering as major sources of terror funding in India. State the actions being taken at International level to check these menaces. Highlight the role of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and methods of compliance by its member states in preventing terror funding.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2025

  1. Q9
    Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State? Explain.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q10
    The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q19
    What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  4. Q20
    Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2024

  1. Q9
    Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q19
    India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  3. Q20
    Social media and encrypting messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social media? Also suggest any other remedies to address the problem.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2023

  1. Q9
    Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q10
    The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q19
    What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q20
    Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and the efforts being made to curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the ‘No Money for Terror (NMFT)’ Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2022

  1. Q9
    Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q10
    What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q19
    What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  4. Q20
    Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2021

  1. Q10
    Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q19
    Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  3. Q20
    Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2020

  1. Q9
    Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q10
    For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q19
    What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q20
    Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2019

  1. Q9
    The banning of ‘Jamaat-e-Islami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize influence of OGWs.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q10
    What is CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  3. Q19
    Indian Government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  4. Q20
    Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2018

  1. Q9
    The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q10
    Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q20
    India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same?
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2017

  1. Q10
    The North-East region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q19
    Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q20
    The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2016

  1. Q17
    The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q18
    “Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyze the above statement.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q19
    Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q20
    Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →

2015

  1. Q17
    Human rights activists constantly highlight the view that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses by the security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by the Apex Court.
    12.5 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
  2. Q18
    Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous for the internal security of our country?
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q19
    The persisting drives of the Government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements. With Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth.
    12.5 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
  4. Q20
    Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Force” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation.
    12.5 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →

2014

  1. Q16
    “The diverse nature of India as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which is seen in her neighbourhood.” Discuss along with strategies to be adopted to counter this environment.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q17
    International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above their territory. What do you understand by ‘airspace’? What are the implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the challenges which this poses and suggest ways to contain the threat.
    12.5 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
  3. Q18
    How does illegal transborder migration pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bringing out the factors which give impetus to such migration.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q19
    In 2012, the longitudinal marking for high-risk areas for piracy was moved from 65 degrees east to 78 degrees east in the Arabian Sea by the International Maritime Organization. What impact does this have on India’s maritime security concerns?
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  5. Q20
    China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic corridor. What threat does this pose for India’s security? Critically examine.
    12.5 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →

2013

  1. Q21
    Money laundering poses a serious security threat to a country’s economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace?
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q22
    What are social networking sites and what security implications do these sites present?
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q23
    Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same.
    10 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
  4. Q24
    Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyse the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the Fifth schedule on the growth of Left Wing extremism.
    10 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
  5. Q25
    How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar?
    10 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →

0

  1. •
    India’s tropical cyclone landfalls have grown more intense and unpredictable. Examine the IMD-NDMA-SDMA response chain and the gaps revealed by recent cyclones.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  2. •
    Glacial Lake Outburst Floods are emerging as a Himalayan disaster of the climate-change era. Discuss the lessons from Sikkim South Lhonak GLOF and the institutional response required.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. •
    The Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 has been called both a powerful weapon and a contested instrument. Examine the SC’s Vijay Madanlal verdict and the institutional role of the Enforcement Directorate.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  4. •
    Virtual Digital Assets and crypto channels are emerging routes for money laundering. Discuss India’s regulatory response and the Crypto Asset Reporting Framework roadmap.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  5. •
    India’s land borders span 15,106 km across seven neighbours. Examine the integrated border management approach under the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System and the residual gaps.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  6. •
    Coastal security has been a layered concern since 26/11. Critically evaluate the Coastal Security Scheme, the role of NCSMCS and the residual gaps in Sagarmala-era coastal infrastructure.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  7. •
    The Disaster Management (Amendment) Act 2024 reshapes India’s federal disaster architecture. Examine the changes, the role of the Urban Disaster Management Authority, and the residual gaps in financing.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  8. •
    Left-wing extremism has shrunk to a narrow geographical core. Examine the SAMADHAN doctrine and the development-security calibration in affected districts.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  9. •
    The Northeast insurgency landscape has shifted dramatically with the AFSPA rollback and the Manipur ethnic conflict. Critically examine the security architecture and the policy choices required.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  10. •
    Cross-border terrorism remains a primary national-security threat. Discuss the legal framework of the UAPA and the institutional response post-Pulwama, citing the 2025 Pahalgam attack.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  11. •
    Cybersecurity is now a national-security priority as critical infrastructure goes digital. Examine the institutional architecture under CERT-In and the gaps in CII protection.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  12. •
    Cyber-enabled financial frauds have surged with UPI penetration. Discuss the role of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre and the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting System.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  13. •
    The Disaster Management (Amendment) Act 2024 reshapes India’s federal disaster architecture. Examine the changes, the role of UDMA, and the residual gaps in financing and accountability.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  14. •
    Cybersecurity is now a national-security priority as critical infrastructure goes digital. Examine India’s institutional and legal framework and the gaps in protecting CIIs.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  15. •
    Left-wing extremism has shrunk to a narrow geographical core, yet the security-development binary remains contested. Examine the SAMADHAN doctrine and the role of development financing in the affected districts.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

Other GS Paper 3 subjects

Science & TechnologyInfrastructure financing and PPPIndian EconomyFood security, PDS and land reformsEnvironment & EcologyDisaster ManagementAgriculture & Food SecurityAgricultural marketing and food processing