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UPSC Agriculture — Previous Year Questions

Every question from Agriculture papers in UPSC Civil Services Mains (2021–2026), organised by year. 96 questions in total, each with directive-word analysis, model answer points, and a full evaluation rubric.

96Questions
6Years covered

2026 Mains

16 questions · 800 marks

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Paper I 8 Qs · 400 marksPaper II 8 Qs · 400 marks
All 16 questions from 2026

Paper I

  1. Q1 (a) What are the major sources of water pollution in India ? What are the ways to check it ? (10 marks) (b) What are… 50 marks
  2. Q2 (a) Give an account of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture. State the mitigation strategies for reducing… 50 marks
  3. Q3 (a) Discuss the vegetative propagation methods adopted in forest plants with suitable examples and their limitations… 50 marks
  4. Q4 (a) What do you mean by soil consistency and soil plasticity ? Briefly discuss the various forms of soil consistency… 50 marks
  5. Q5 (a) Write down the approaches for soil conservation. (10 marks) (b) Briefly discuss the criteria for irrigation… 50 marks
  6. Q6 (a) On the basis of Boron content, classify irrigation water suitability for various soils and crops. (10 marks) (b)… 50 marks
  7. Q7 (a) What are the various factors affecting farm profits ? Discuss the decisions which are critical to attain good farm… 50 marks
  8. Q8 (a) Differentiate between monitoring and evaluation of extension programmes. Discuss the various types of evaluation of… 50 marks

Paper II

  1. Q1 (a) What is somatic hybridization ? Explain its steps in production of hybrid plants. (10 marks) (b) What are the… 50 marks
  2. Q2 (a) Describe the causes and sources of disease resistance in plants. (20 marks) (b) Explain the functions and structure… 50 marks
  3. Q3 (a) Define heritability. What do you mean by broad sense and narrow sense heritability ? Explain its applications in… 50 marks
  4. Q4 (a) Discuss about the problems and intricacies in the profitable marketing of seeds. (20 marks) (b) Explain the factors… 50 marks
  5. Q5 (a) What is topiary ? Describe the characteristics of plants ideal for it. (10 marks) (b) Describe terrace garden and… 50 marks
  6. Q6 (a) What is high density orcharding ? Describe management practices for high density orcharding in citrus group. (20… 50 marks
  7. Q7 (a) Describe the scientific cultivation of mango with reference to regular bearer varieties, propagation, transplanting… 50 marks
  8. Q8 (a) Explain the factors encouraging infestation of pests during storage. Discuss control measures for pest infestation… 50 marks

2025 Mains

16 questions · 800 marks

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Paper I 8 Qs · 400 marksPaper II 8 Qs · 400 marks
All 16 questions from 2025

Paper I

  1. Q1 (a) Classify natural resources. Discuss the natural resource management with reference to ecological conservation. (10… 50 marks
  2. Q2 (a) Enumerate the impact of climate change with reference to agricultural production. Present the opinion of public on… 50 marks
  3. Q3 (a) List out the cereal- and millet-based cropping systems practised in India based on soil type and irrigation… 50 marks
  4. Q4 (a) Explain the productive, protective, ameliorative, recreational, educational and developmental functions of Indian… 50 marks
  5. Q5 (a) Explain saltation, surface creep and suspension with reference to wind erosion. (10 marks) (b) Discuss the… 50 marks
  6. Q6 (a) Enumerate the harmful effects of herbicide residues in soil. Discuss the remedial measures to overcome the above… 50 marks
  7. Q7 (a) Explain the term 'conjunctive use of water'. Suggest the management practices to improve poor quality irrigation… 50 marks
  8. Q8 (a) Differentiate between partial and complete farm budget. Highlight the steps adopted while preparing farm planning… 50 marks

Paper II

  1. Q1 (a) Define cell cycle. Describe different types and phases of cell cycle. (10 marks) (b) Briefly discuss significant… 50 marks
  2. Q2 (a) Explain mutagenesis with its classification. Discuss briefly the mechanisms of action of alkylating agents and… 50 marks
  3. Q3 (a) Why do fruit plants need to be propagated vegetatively ? Explain the advantages and disadvantages of asexual and… 50 marks
  4. Q4 (a) What do you understand by water transport in xylem ? Explain the Cohesion-Tension theory. (20 marks) (b) How is the… 50 marks
  5. Q5 (a) How do plants absorb nitrogen from the environment ? Describe the mechanism of nitrate assimilation and synthesis… 50 marks
  6. Q6 (a) Write the cultivation practices of grapes in respect of soil and climatic requirements, improved varieties… 50 marks
  7. Q7 (a) Discuss the production technologies of peas in relation to varieties, climate requirement, sowing time, seed rate… 50 marks
  8. Q8 (a) What do you mean by new generation plant growth regulators? Enlist the different new generation plant growth… 50 marks

2024 Mains

16 questions · 800 marks

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Paper I 8 Qs · 400 marksPaper II 8 Qs · 400 marks
All 16 questions from 2024

Paper I

  1. Q1 (a) Briefly discuss the principles of agro-ecology. 10 marks (b) What are the factors responsible for low production… 50 marks
  2. Q2 (a) Write down the physical environmental factors affecting the crop production. Discuss the effects of changing… 50 marks
  3. Q3 (a) What is the Arnon and Stout (1939) criteria for plant nutrient essentiality? Give account of forms of each… 50 marks
  4. Q4 (a) Explain the term conventional and conservation tillage. Give account of their comparative effects on soil… 50 marks
  5. Q5 (a) Write down the principles involved in Integrated Watershed Management. Briefly discuss the relevance of Integrated… 50 marks
  6. Q6 (a) Briefly discuss the crop management practices for stabilising yield in dryland areas. Enlist the crops with their… 50 marks
  7. Q7 (a) Discuss the chronological developments of National Extension System of India after independence. 20 marks (b)… 50 marks
  8. Q8 (a) Explain different types of farming. Discuss the factors affecting types of farming. 20 marks (b) Explain the term… 50 marks

Paper II

  1. Q1 (a) Explain the ultrastructure of chloroplast with the help of diagram. Briefly discuss the chemical composition and… 50 marks
  2. Q2 (a) What is chromosomal aberration? Briefly discuss the changes in chromosomal structure due to aberrations. (20 marks)… 50 marks
  3. Q3 (a) What is allopolyploidy? Describe its applications and limitations in crops. (20 marks) (b) Discuss the involvement… 50 marks
  4. Q4 (a) Give an account of cytoplasmic genetic male sterility and its utilization in plant breeding. Also discuss its… 50 marks
  5. Q5 (a) Explain the properties and functions of enzymes in plants. (10 marks) (b) Write the methods of production of seed… 50 marks
  6. Q6 (a) Describe the process of anaerobic respiration and explain the factors affecting respiration. (20 marks) (b) Discuss… 50 marks
  7. Q7 (a) Define water stress. Discuss the effects of water stress on anatomical and physiological changes in plant growth… 50 marks
  8. Q8 (a) Explain the mode of action of organophosphate and Bacillus thuringiensis which are used in pest management. (20… 50 marks

2023 Mains

16 questions · 800 marks

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Paper I 8 Qs · 400 marksPaper II 8 Qs · 400 marks
All 16 questions from 2023

Paper I

  1. Q1 (a) Discuss the response of crop plants to rising temperature and carbon dioxide levels in relation to climate change… 50 marks
  2. Q2 (a) What do you understand by agroecology? How does agroecology help in crop distribution and sustainable food… 50 marks
  3. Q3 (a) Give the specific features of organic farming and natural farming. Briefly discuss the preparations and role of… 50 marks
  4. Q4 (a) Discuss the primary pathways of gaseous nitrogen losses from soil and the factors affecting nitrogen losses. (20… 50 marks
  5. Q5 (a) Discuss the ways and means of minimising erosion for conserving soil. (10 marks) (b) What are the major aims of… 50 marks
  6. Q6 (a) Elaborate on the various problems encountered in agricultural production at dryland areas of Bundelkhand region of… 50 marks
  7. Q7 (a) Write the main functions of Directorate of Marketing and Inspection. Discuss the roles of AGMARK and e-NAM in… 50 marks
  8. Q8 (a) What is the need for agricultural price policy? Write its objectives. Discuss the criteria for deciding minimum… 50 marks

Paper II

  1. Q1 (a) Enumerate the functions of Endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. 10 (b) Explain inbreeding depression and its… 50 marks
  2. Q2 (a) Enlist the molecular models of cell membrane and explain the models given by S.J. Singer and G. Nicholson (1972)… 50 marks
  3. Q3 (a) Describe the history of plant breeding in India. Write the objectives of plant breeding and methods for creation of… 50 marks
  4. Q4 (a) Discuss different forms of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in India. 20 (b) Give an account of stomate anatomy… 50 marks
  5. Q5 (a) Write down the constraints of fruit processing industry in India. 10 (b) Describe mentha cultivation with reference… 50 marks
  6. Q6 (a) Describe the principles, components and strategies for Integrated Disease Management in crops. Write down its… 50 marks
  7. Q7 (a) Enlist various photosynthetic pigments. Give a detailed account of chlorophyll synthesis along with the enzymes… 50 marks
  8. Q8 (a) How has food production, including horticultural crops, changed in India during the last one decade ? Write down… 50 marks

2022 Mains

16 questions · 800 marks

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Paper I 8 Qs · 400 marksPaper II 8 Qs · 400 marks
All 16 questions from 2022

Paper I

  1. Q1 Describe the following in about 150 words each: (a) What is "Geographic Information System" (GIS) ? Discuss its… 50 marks
  2. Q2 (a) Write the various factors responsible for soil pollution. How organic and natural farming can play role in… 50 marks
  3. Q3 (a) How soil acidity affects crop production ? Elaborate the remedial procedures of soil acidity. (20 marks) (b)… 50 marks
  4. Q4 (a) Discuss about the types of herbicide resistance in weeds with specific example in Indian perspective. Discuss the… 50 marks
  5. Q5 (a) Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) (10 marks) (b) Kisan Credit Card and Soil Health… 50 marks
  6. Q6 (a) What are the target groups in Agricultural Extension ? What role KVKs can play to reach such target groups ? (20… 50 marks
  7. Q7 (a) Discuss about Micro-Irrigation Systems and their advantages in Indian Agriculture. (20 marks) (b) Describe the… 50 marks
  8. Q8 (a) Discuss the various parameters of quality of irrigation water. Write irrigation scheduling for pulses cultivation… 50 marks

Paper II

  1. Q1 (a) What is polyploidy? Give a brief account of classification of polyploids. (b) What are the applications of mass… 50 marks
  2. Q2 (a) Discuss the structure of a plant chromosome and its role in genetic diversity. 20 (b) Discuss the concept of centre… 50 marks
  3. Q3 (a) What do you mean by mutation? What is the significance of induced mutation in plant breeding? 20 (b) Describe in… 50 marks
  4. Q4 (a) Discuss the mechanisms of absorption and translocation of mineral nutrients in plants. 20 (b) Define aneuploidy… 50 marks
  5. Q5 (a) Give a detailed account of sucrose metabolism in plants. (b) Enlist and explain the symptoms of plant diseases… 50 marks
  6. Q6 (a) Describe the vicious cycle of poverty and enlist the existing policy instruments for combating malnutrition. 20 (b)… 50 marks
  7. Q7 (a) Enlist the different commercial flowers cultivated on a large scale for cut flower trade. Briefly discuss the… 50 marks
  8. Q8 (a) Enlist the seed spices grown in India. Briefly discuss the cultivation and post-harvest management practices for… 50 marks

2021 Mains

16 questions · 800 marks

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Paper I 8 Qs · 400 marksPaper II 8 Qs · 400 marks
All 16 questions from 2021

Paper I

  1. Q1 Describe the following in about 150 words each: (a) The major ways for sustainable management of natural resources (10… 50 marks
  2. Q2 (a) What is greenhouse effect? Write in detail about various greenhouse gases and their impact on crop production. (20… 50 marks
  3. Q3 (a) What do you understand by agroforestry? Discuss various types of agroforestry systems in India with the help of… 50 marks
  4. Q4 (a) What are the factors responsible for declining soil fertility? Discuss various measures adopted for improving soil… 50 marks
  5. Q5 Describe Q. Nos. 5(a), 5(c), 5(d), 5(e) and answer Q. No. 5(b) (in about 150 words each): (a) Technologies and policies… 50 marks
  6. Q6 (a) Define soil erosion and its different forms. Explain agronomic and mechanical measures to reduce the adverse… 50 marks
  7. Q7 (a) Define ecology. Mention its basic concepts and relevance in crop production. (20 marks) (b) How to improve drainage… 50 marks
  8. Q8 (a) Critically examine the major extension programmes of agricultural sector in India. Suggest different measures to… 50 marks

Paper II

  1. Q1 (a) What do you mean by gene pool concept and genetic erosion ? Classify the gene pool of a crop. 10 (b) Describe the… 50 marks
  2. Q2 (a) Define cell. How is a plant cell different from an animal cell ? Describe a typical cell structurally and… 50 marks
  3. Q3 (a) What is clone ? What do you understand by clonal selection ? Describe the various steps involved in clonal… 50 marks
  4. Q4 (a) What is the role and importance of "Seed treatment campaign" in India in the context of quality crop establishment… 50 marks
  5. Q5 (a) Define seed viability. Describe in brief the metabolic aspects of seed germination. 10 (b) Define 'Pests' and… 50 marks
  6. Q6 (a) What are enzymes ? Describe "Key-lock theory" with respect to mode of enzyme action. 15 (b) What is plant… 50 marks
  7. Q7 (a) What do you mean by "Economic Injury Level" (EIL) and "Economic Threshold Level" (ETL) ? Describe their roles in… 50 marks
  8. Q8 (a) What is the food production and consumption pattern of India in the last fifty years ? 15 (b) What do you mean by… 50 marks

How Agriculture answers are marked

The shape the examiner expects, what earns the marks and the traps that lose them: the same card our rubrics for this subject are written from.

Answer skeleton

  1. Concept
  2. Practice or process
  3. Data
  4. Indian application

What earns the marks

  • Map input, production, post-harvest, market
  • Give exact doses, spacing and varieties
  • Name the scheme and the institution
  • Numerical parts: show the calculation

What earns the extra mark

  • Named variety or cultivar
  • Recent scheme figure

Traps that cost marks

  • MSP-only solutions
  • Vague agronomic advice
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