UPSC Psychology 2026

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : (a) Discuss various applications of psychology with reference to war and peace. (10 marks) (b) Discuss the role of environ…

(a) Critically examine the top-down and bottom-up processing in perception. How can we make the combined use of both the processing in everyday life? Support your answer with appr…

(a) Discuss various types of long-term memory. Explain how primacy and recency effect illustrate the serial position effect in transferring information from short-term memory to l…

(a) Explain how learning takes place through classical conditioning. Discuss the role of reflexive behaviour and contingency in the acquisition of conditioned behaviour. (20 marks…

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : (a) How does knowledge influence deductive reasoning? Give suitable examples. (10 marks) (b) Explain the relationship betw…

(a) What do you mean by defense mechanism? Distinguish between healthy and unhealthy defense mechanisms. Explain how it influences personality of an individual. (20 marks) (b) Wha…

(a) Discuss the nature and functions of attitudes and values with reference to development of human behaviour. Suggest relevant strategies for attitude change and development. (20…

(a) Why do the people in almost every culture use psychoactive drugs? Discuss the effects of various stimulants and depressants on central nervous system. (20 marks) (b) Distingui…

(a) How do psychologists explain the causes of anxiety disorder ? (10 marks) (b) What is the role of citizenship behaviour towards successful organizational environments ? (10 mar…

(a) Compare and contrast Norm referenced vs criterion referenced measurement. (15 marks) (b) “Therapeutic approaches must be culturally sensitive” – Discuss with examples from ind…

(a) Compare and contrast psychodynamic, behavioural and cognitive therapies. Which is more effective in modern clinical practice ? (15 marks) (b) Discuss the interpersonal and int…

(a) What do you understand by Individual Differences ? Comment on the major methodological issues in construction of tests for assessment. (15 marks) (b) Analyse the factors that…

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : (a) Suggest measures to overcome social conflicts and communal tensions using psychological principles. (10 marks) (b) Exa…

(a) What are the consequences of facing deprivation in early childhood ? (15 marks) (b) Define social integration and discuss the major psychological barriers to achieving it in a…

(a) Clarifying the conceptual model of team cohesion, enumerate the antecedent factors that shape and build team cohesion among athletes. (15 marks) (b) Critically explain the rel…

(a) Analyse the impact of gender based psychological construct, ‘Glass ceiling’, on women’s participation in Indian work force. (15 marks) (b) How can consumer rights and consumer…