IES ISS 2021 General Studies Question Paper PDF | UPSC Exam

Central Government Jobs Other Jobs 2021

  • Year 2021
  • Conducted By UPSC
  • Questions 4
  • Maximum Marks 100
  • Duration Three Hours
  • Languages English

Exam Details

Detail Information
Examination Indian Economic Service - Indian Statistical Service Examination
Year 2021
Conducting Body UPSC
Paper General Studies
Subject General Studies
Duration Three Hours
Maximum Marks 100
Number of Questions 4
Question Type Descriptive / Subjective

This is the General Studies paper for the Indian Economic Service (IES) and Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination held in 2021 by UPSC. The paper carries a maximum of 100 marks and is designed to be completed within three hours. It consists of four descriptive questions, each carrying 25 marks, requiring candidates to write concise answers within a specified word limit. The syllabus covers a broad range of topics including economic conditions, socio-cultural aspects, architecture, political integration, climate change, environmental issues, Indian agriculture, banking, social schemes, the Indian Constitution, and federalism. This paper is crucial for aspirants aiming to qualify for these prestigious services.

Major Topics Covered

  • Later Vedic Period Economic Conditions
  • Buddhism and Jainism
  • South Indian Temple Architecture
  • Bhakti Movement
  • Integration of Princely States
  • Climate Change
  • Agriculture
  • Pollution
  • Urbanization
  • Location of Industries
  • Forest and Wildlife Degradation
  • Indian Agriculture Acts 2020
  • Privatization of Banks
  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan
  • Narasimham Committee Report
  • Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS)
  • Indian Constitution
  • President's Financial Emergency Powers
  • Rajya Sabha vs Lok Sabha
  • Writ Jurisdictions
  • Federalism

Why This Paper is Important

  • Useful for Indian Economic Service - Indian Statist preparation
  • Helps understand the latest exam pattern
  • Useful for practice and self-assessment
  • Covers frequently asked General Studies topics
  • Helpful for analysing question trends

Related Resources

  • IES ISS 2020 General Studies Question Paper
  • IES ISS 2022 General Studies Question Paper
  • UPSC CSE 2021 General Studies Paper I
  • UPSC CSE 2021 General Studies Paper II
  • IES ISS 2021 General Studies Answer Key
  • IES ISS Exam Syllabus
  • UPSC General Studies Syllabus
  • IES ISS Exam Pattern

Instructions

  • There are FOUR questions and all are to be attempted.
  • Candidates should attempt questions/parts as per the instructions given in the questions.
  • The number of marks carried by a question / part is indicated against it.
  • Candidates are required to write clear, legible and concise answers and to adhere to word limits, wherever indicated.
  • Failure to adhere to word limits may be penalized.
  • The answers must be written within the space provided in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet.
  • Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.
  • Answers must be written in ENGLISH only.
  • Answer all of the following (in not more than 200 words each) : Q1. 5x5=25 Describe the economic conditions of Later Vedic Period.
  • How was it (a) different from Rig Vedic life?
  • Discuss the similarities and differences between the basic tenets of (b) Buddhism and Jainism.
  • Trace the evolution of Temple architecture in South India.

Questions (page 2)

Q2. Answer all of the following (in not more than 200 words each) :

(a) "Climate change is likely to adversely affect certain countries dependent on agriculture." Examine this statement citing relevant examples.

(b) Many countries prefer coal rather than solar or wind energy as a source of fuel. Why?

(c) "Air pollution and water shortages are among the problems faced by urban centres across the globe." Examine this statement.

(d) What factors influence the location of industries in India today?

(e) "Degradation of forest resources and wildlife is a fallout of agriculture and urbanization." Assess this statement giving examples from India.

Q3. Answer all of the following (in not more than 200 words each) :

(a) Critically examine Indian Agriculture Acts of 2020.

(b) "Privatization of Public Sector Banks is fraught with huge risk." Elucidate.

(c) Do you believe that Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, 2020 will be able to combat the COVID-19 crisis of the Indian economy? Justify your answer.

(d) Analyse the recommendations of the Narasimham Committee Report I and II in controlling Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) of the banking sector in India.

(e) Discuss the roles and responsibilities of the Anganwadi workers and helpers under Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS).

Q4. Answer all of the following (in not more than 200 words each):

(a) "The Indian Constitution is a living document." Discuss.

(b) Critically examine the financial emergency powers of the President and their effects.

(c) "The Rajya Sabha has certain special powers vis-à-vis the Lok Sabha that adds to its prestige." Comment.

(d) Compare the writ jurisdictions of the Supreme Court and the High Court.

(e) "The Indian Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the federal balance in its favour." Illustrate with suitable examples.

Question paper preview

Scanned pages 1–2 for reference. Download the official PDF for the full paper.

Page 1
IES ISS 2021 General Studies question paper page 1 scan, showing UPSC exam details, marks, time, and specific instructions for candidates. PDF download available.
Page 2
IES ISS 2021 General Studies question paper page 1 scan, showing UPSC exam details, marks, time, and specific instructions for candidates. PDF download available.

Free question paper download

Download question paper PDF

  • 525 KB
  • 2 pages
  • PDF format

Frequently asked questions

What is the name of the examination?

The examination is the Indian Economic Service - Indian Statistical Service Examination.

Which year is this question paper for?

This question paper is for the 2021 examination.

Who conducts the IES ISS examination?

The examination is conducted by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission).

What is the subject of this question paper?

The subject is General Studies.

What is the maximum marks for the General Studies paper?

The maximum marks for the General Studies paper is 100.

What is the time duration allowed for the paper?

The time allowed for the paper is Three Hours.

← Back to Other Jobs papers