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YEAR ASKED IN

2025

Practice UPSC 2025 previous year questions on Anantam IAS: 100 Prelims MCQs and 80 Mains Q&A with answer keys, explanations and topic-wise links.

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Prelims MCQs 100

  1. Consider the following statements: Statement I: Of the two major ethanol producers in the…

    Consider the following statements: Statement I: Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e., Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter. Statement II: Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, sugarcane is the principal feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil. Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. ABoth Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
    2. BBoth Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
    3. CStatement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
    4. DStatement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: D

    Ethanol is a biofuel produced mainly by fermenting sugars found in crops like corn and sugarcane, with the USA and Brazil being the top global producers—each using a different primary feedstock.

    Statement I: Incorrect * The United States is the largest ethanol producer, not Brazil.

    Statement II: Correct * USA uses corn; Brazil uses sugarcane as the primary feedstock for ethanol.

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    Indian Economy UPSC 2025 Hard

  2. The famous female figurine known as ‘Dancing Girl’, found at Mohenjo-daro, is made of

    The famous female figurine known as 'Dancing Girl', found at Mohenjo-daro, is made of

    1. ACarnelian
    2. BClay
    3. CBronze
    4. DGold
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    The 'Dancing Girl' of Mohenjo-daro is a celebrated example of Indus Valley Civilization art, reflecting high craftsmanship in metalwork.

    The Dancing Girl is made of bronze, created using the lost-wax casting method.

    ![DG](https://d39jluplm5thpx.cloudfront.net//Dancing_girl_statue_8b83edd652.png)

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    Art & Culture UPSC 2025 Easy

  3. Consider the following statements: I. The Reserve Bank of India mandates all the listed…

    Consider the following statements: I. The Reserve Bank of India mandates all the listed companies in India to submit a Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR). II. In India, a company submitting a BRSR makes disclosures in the report that are largely non-financial in nature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. AI only
    2. BII only
    3. CBoth I and II
    4. DNeither I nor II
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) is a disclosure framework introduced by SEBI to promote transparency in a company's non-financial performance, particularly in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) areas.

    Statement I: Incorrect * SEBI, not the RBI, mandates the submission of BRSR. * It applies to the top 1,000 listed companies by market capitalization.

    Statement II: Correct * BRSR disclosures are mostly non-financial and focus on areas like environment, social responsibility, and governance.

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    Indian Economy UPSC 2025 Easy

  4. With reference to India’s defence, consider the following pairs: Aircraft type – Description I.…

    With reference to India's defence, consider the following pairs: Aircraft type – Description I. Dornier-228 : Maritime patrol aircraft II. IL-76 : Supersonic combat aircraft III. C-17 Globemaster III : Military transport aircraft How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. CAll the three
    4. DNone
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    Pair I: Dornier-228 : Maritime patrol aircraft — Correct Dornier-228 is used by Indian Navy & Coast Guard for maritime patrol and surveillance.

    Pair II: IL-76 : Supersonic combat aircraft — Incorrect IL-76 is a heavy military transport aircraft, not supersonic or combat.

    Pair III: C-17 Globemaster III : Military transport aircraft — Correct C-17 is a strategic military transport aircraft used by the Indian Air Force.

    Therefore, only pairs I and III are correct.

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    Science & Technology UPSC 2025 Hard

  5. Consider the following statements in respect of the Non-Cooperation Movement: 1. The Congress declared…

    Consider the following statements in respect of the Non-Cooperation Movement: 1. The Congress declared the attainment of 'Swaraj' by all legitimate and peaceful means to be its objective. 2. It was to be implemented in stages with civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes for the next stage only if 'Swaraj' did not come within a year and the Government resorted to repression. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    * Statement 1 is correct: At the Nagpur Session of the Indian National Congress in December 1920, the Congress formally adopted the objective of attaining 'Swaraj' by all legitimate and peaceful means. This became the central political goal during the Non-Cooperation Movement.

    * Statement 2 is correct: The Non-Cooperation Movement was designed as a phased programme. The initial phase included surrender of titles, boycott of schools, courts, elections, and foreign goods. Advancement to the next phase—civil disobedience including non-payment of taxes—was to be undertaken if Swaraj was not achieved within the expected timeline and if the British Government responded with repression, with the discretion to launch the next stage resting with Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress leadership.

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    History UPSC 2025 Medium

  6. In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements: I. Cobalt II.…

    In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements: I. Cobalt II. Graphite III. Lithium IV. Nickel How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. COnly three
    4. DAll the four
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    In lithium-ion batteries, the cathode is typically made of materials that include Cobalt, Lithium, and Nickel, depending on the chemistry used.

    * I. Cobalt: Used in cathodes like LCO and NMC. * II. Graphite: Used in the anode, not the cathode. * III. Lithium: Core element in cathode materials (like LCO, LFP). * IV. Nickel: Found in cathode types like NMC and NCA.

    Three of the four are used in cathodes.

    Alternatively, you can use mnemonic CoLiNi to remember Cathode forming materials.

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    Science & Technology UPSC 2025 Hard

  7. With reference to the planet Earth, consider the following statements: I. Rain forests produce…

    With reference to the planet Earth, consider the following statements: I. Rain forests produce more oxygen than that produced by oceans. II. Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria produce about 50% of world's oxygen. III. Well-oxygenated surface water contains several folds higher oxygen than that in atmospheric air. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. AI and II
    2. BII only
    3. CI and III
    4. DNone of the above statements is correct
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    Oxygen on Earth mainly comes from photosynthesis, especially by phytoplankton (marine organisms), and oxygen levels differ between air and water.

    Statement I is incorrect: * Oceans (phytoplankton) produce more oxygen than rainforests.

    Statement II is correct: * Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria produce about 50% of the world's oxygen.

    Statement III is incorrect: * Atmospheric air has much more oxygen than surface water; water does not contain several folds higher oxygen than air.

    So, the correct answer is: B

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    Environment UPSC 2025 Medium

  8. Consider the following statements: I. Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing…

    Consider the following statements: I. Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing point everywhere on the Earth's surface. II. Heat absorbed and trapped by the atmosphere maintains our planet's average temperature. III. Atmosphere's gases, like carbon dioxide, are particularly good at absorbing and trapping radiation. Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. AI and III only
    2. BI and II only
    3. CI, II and III
    4. DII and III only
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    Statement I is correct: Without the atmosphere to trap heat, the Earth's surface temperature would drop to well below freezing, making it too cold to support life as we know it. In statement 1 though it's an extreme statement but from UPSC CSE point of view it's generally considered true.

    Statement II is correct: The atmosphere absorbs and retains heat (a natural greenhouse effect), which helps maintain the Earth's average temperature within a habitable range.

    Statement III is correct: Gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor are particularly effective at absorbing and trapping infrared radiation, helping to warm the planet.

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    Geography UPSC 2025 Easy

  9. Consider the following statements: I. No virus can survive in ocean waters. II. No…

    Consider the following statements: I. No virus can survive in ocean waters. II. No virus can infect bacteria. III. No virus can change the cellular transcriptional activity in host cells. Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. CAll the three
    4. DNone
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: D

    Viruses can survive in oceans, infect bacteria, and alter host cell transcription.

    Statement I: False. Viruses can survive in ocean waters, and marine viruses are highly abundant.

    Statement II: False. Viruses can infect bacteria; for example, bacteriophages specifically infect bacteria.

    Statement III: False. Viruses can alter host transcription and modify host gene expression.

    None of the statements are correct.

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    Science & Technology UPSC 2025 Easy

  10. Consider the following statements about Lokpal: I. The power of Lokpal applies to public…

    Consider the following statements about Lokpal: I. The power of Lokpal applies to public servants of India, but not to the Indian public servants posted outside India. II. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a Member of the Parliament or a Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory, and only the Chief Justice of India, whether incumbent or retired, has to be its Chairperson. III. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a person of less than forty-five years of age on the date of assuming office as the Chairperson or Member, as the case may be. IV. Lokpal cannot inquire into the allegations of corruption against a sitting Prime Minister of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. AIII only
    2. BII and III
    3. CI and IV
    4. DNone of the above statements is correct
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: A

    Statement I: Incorrect Lokpal's jurisdiction includes all Indian public servants, even those posted abroad.

    Statement II: Incorrect Chairperson need not be only the CJI; former judges or eminent persons with 25+ years' expertise can also be appointed.

    Statement III: Correct Minimum age to be Chairperson or Member is 45 years.

    Statement IV: Incorrect Lokpal can inquire against a sitting PM, but with safeguards and restrictions in sensitive areas.

    Therefore, only Statement III is correct.

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    Indian Polity UPSC 2025 Easy

Mains Q&A 80

  1. Ashok is Divisional Commissioner of one of the border districts of the North East State. A few years back, Military has taken over the neighbouring country after overthrowing the elected civil government. Civil war situation is prevailing in the country especially in last two years. However, internal situation further deteriorated due to rebel groups taking over control of certain populated areas near own border. Due to intense fight between military and rebel groups, civilian casualties has increased manifold in recent past. In the meantime, in one night Ashok got information from the local police guarding the border check post that there are about 200-250 people mainly women and children trying to cross over to our side of the border. There are also about 10 soldiers with their weapons in military uniform part of this group who wants to cross over. Women and Children are also crying and begging for help. A few of them are injured and bleeding profusely need immediate medical care. Ashok tried to contact Home Secretary of the State but failed to do so due to poor connectivity mainly due to inclement weather. (a) What are the options available with Ashok to cope with the situation? (b) What are the ethical and legal dilemmas being faced by Ashok? (c) Which of the options, do you think would be more appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why? (d) In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the Border Guarding Police in dealing with soldiers in uniform?

    MainsGS Paper 4

  2. Rajesh is a Group A officer with nine years of service. He is posted as Administrative Officer in an Oil Public Sector undertaking. As an Administrative Officer he is responsible for managing and coordinating various administrative tasks to ensure smooth functioning of office. He also manages office supplies, equipment etc. Rajesh is now sufficient senior and is expecting his next promotion in JAG (Junior Administrative Grade) in the next one or two years. He knows that promotion is based on examination of ACRs/Performance Appraisal of last few years (5 years or so) of an officer by a DPC (Departmental Promotion Committee) and an officer lacking requisite grading of ACRs may not be found fit for promotion. Consequences of losing promotion may entail financial and reputational loss and set-back for career progression. Though he also puts his best efforts in official discharge of his duties, yet he is unsure of assessment by his superior officer. He is now putting extra efforts so that he gets thumping report at the end of financial year. As Administrative Officer, Rajesh is regularly interacting with his immediate boss, who is his reporting officer for writing his ACR. One day he calls Rajesh and wants him to buy computer-related stationery on priority from a particular vendor. Rajesh instructs his office to initiate action for procuring these items. During the day, the dealing Assistant brings an estimate of Rupees Thirty Five Lakhs covering all stationery items from the same vendor. It is noticed that as per delegated financial powers, as provided in the GFR (General Financial Rules) as applicable in that Organisation, expenditure for office items exceeding Rupees Thirty Lakhs requires sanction of the next higher authority (boss in the present case). Rajesh knows that immediate superior would expect all these purchases should be done at his level and may not appreciate such lack of initiative on his part. During discussions with office, he learns that common practice of splitting of expenditure (where large order is divided into a series of smaller ones) is followed to avoid obtaining sanction from higher authority. This practice is against the rules and may come to the adverse notice of Audit. Rajesh is perturbed. He is unsure of taking decision in the matter. (a) What are the options available with Rajesh in the above situation? (b) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (c) Which would be the most appropriate option for Rajesh and why?

    MainsGS Paper 4

  3. Subash is Secretary, PWD in the State Government. He is a senior officer, known for his competence, integrity and dedication to work. He enjoys the trust and confidence of Minister Incharge of PWD and Programme Implementation. As a part of his job profile, he is responsible for policy formulation, execution of projects relating to infrastructure initiatives in the State. Besides, he oversees the technical and administrative aspects relating to planning, designing and construction etc. Subash’s Minister is an important Minister in the state and significant growth in urban infrastructure development and road network has been registered during his tenure. He is very keen for launching of ambitious road construction project in the near future. Subash is in regular touch with the Minister and is working various modalities of road construction project. Regular meetings, interactions and presentations are made by him to the Minister before a formal public announcement of the project is made by the Minister. Subash’s only son Vikas is in real estate business. His son from his own sources is aware that a mega road project is on the anvil and announcement in this regard is expected anytime. He is very keen to know from his father the exact location of the upcoming project. He knows that there would be quantum jump in the prices of land in the vicinity. Buying land at this stage at cheaper prices would pay him rich dividends. He is pleading with him (his father) day in and day out to share him location of the proposed project. He assured him that he would handle the matter discretely as it would not attract any adverse notice as he in the normal course, keeps on buying land as a part of his business. He feels pressurised because of constant pleadings by his son. Another significant aspect of the matter pertained to the extra/undue interest in the above project by the Minister PWD. His nephew was also having big infrastructure project company. In fact, the Minister has also introduced his nephew to him and indicated to him to take care of his nephew’s business interest in the forthcoming project. The Minister encouraged him to act fast in the matter as early announcement and execution of mega road project would enhance his status in the party and public life. In the above backdrop, Subash is in a fix as to the future course of action. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Critically examine the options available to Subash in the above situation. (c) Which of the above would be most appropriate and why?

    MainsGS Paper 4

  4. In line with the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Indian Constitution, the government has a constitutional obligation to ensure basic needs – “Roti, Kapda aur Makan (Food, Clothes and Shelter)” – for the under-privileged. Pursuing this mandate, the district administration proposed clearing a portion of forest land to develop housing for the homeless and economically weaker sections of the society. The proposed land, however, is an ecologically sensitive zone densely populated with age-old trees, medicinal plants and vital biodiversity. Besides, these forests help to regulate micro-climate and rainfalls; provide habitat for wildlife, support soil fertility and prevent land/soil erosion and sustain livelihoods of tribal and nomadic communities. Inspite of the ecological and social costs, the administration argues in favour of the said proposal by highlighting that this very initiative addresses fundamental human rights as a critical welfare priority. Besides, it fulfils the government’s duty to uplift and empower the poor through inclusive housing development. Further, these forest areas have become unsafe due to wild-animal threats and recurring human-wild life conflicts. Lastly, clearing forest-zones may help to curb anti-social elements allegedly using these areas as hideouts, thereby enhancing law and order. (a) Can deforestation be ethically justified in the pursuit of social welfare objectives like, housing for the homeless? (b) What are the socio-economic, administrative and ethical challenges in balancing environmental conservation with human development? (c) What substantial alternatives or policy interventions can be proposed to ensure that both environmental integrity and human dignity are protected?

    MainsGS Paper 4

  5. Vijay was Deputy Commissioner of remote district of Hilly Northern State of the country for the last two years. In the month of August heavy rains lashed the complete state followed by cloud burst in the upper reaches of the said district. The damage was very heavy in the complete state especially in the affected district. The complete road network and telecommunication were disrupted and the buildings were damaged extensively. People’s houses have been destroyed and they were forced to stay in open. More than 200 people have been killed and about 5000 were badly injured. The Civil Administration under Vijay got activated and started conducting rescue and relief operations. Temporary shelter camps and hospitals were established to provide shelter and medical facilities to the homeless and injured people. Helicopter services were pressed in, for evacuating sick and old people from remote areas. Vijay got a message from his hometown in Kerala that his mother was seriously sick. After two days Vijay received the unfortunate message that his mother has expired. Vijay has no close relative except one elder sister who was US citizen and staying there for last several years. In the meantime, the situation in the affected district deteriorated further due to resumption of heavy rains after a gap of five days. At the same time, continuous messages were coming on his mobile from his hometown to reach at the earliest for performing last rites of his mother. (a) What are the options available with Vijay? (b) What are the ethical dilemma being faced by Vijay? (c) Critically evaluate and examine each of these options identified by Vijay. (d) Which of the options, do you think, would be most appropriate for Vijay to adopt and why?

    MainsGS Paper 4

  6. (a) It is said that for an ethical work culture, there must be code of ethics in place in every organisation. To ensure value-based and compliance-based work culture, what suitable measures would you adopt in your work place? (b) India is an emerging economic power of the world as it has recently secured the status of fourth largest economy of the world as per IMF projection. However, it has been observed that in some sectors, allocated funds remain either under-utilised or misutilised. What specific measures would you recommend for ensuring accountability in this regard to stop leakages and gaining the status of third largest economy of the world in near future?

    MainsGS Paper 4

  11. (a) In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard. (b) “Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherance of the rule of law.” Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.

    MainsGS Paper 4