UPSC Themes

All 171 themes

Sort by PYQ count to see what UPSC asks most. "Cross-paper" themes pull questions from more than one GS paper.

#ThemeAreaPYQsGS1GS2GS32024–26Years
T1Harappan civilisation, early urbanism & civilisational continuityHeritage, Art & Culture4412014–2025
T2Vedic society & its legacy in today's societyHeritage, Art & Culture2212023–2024
T3Sources of history: inscriptions, rock-cut caves, travellers, Sangam & Persian textsHeritage, Art & Culture5512013–2026
T4Buddhist art & sculpture schools: stupa, Gandhara, PalaHeritage, Art & Culture332014–2020
T5Temple architecture & regional dynasties: Pallava, Chola, Chandela, Vijayanagara, GuptaHeritage, Art & Culture7742013–2026
T6Sculpture, painting, motifs, coins & safeguarding art heritageHeritage, Art & Culture552015–2022
T7Bhakti–Sufi movements & religious syncretismHeritage, Art & Culture4412014–2025
T8Patronage, learning centres & medieval technologyHeritage, Art & Culture332014–2023
T9British expansion: fragmented polity, Panipat, why the Company won, DalhousieModern India & Freedom Struggle442013–2022
T10Colonial economy: drain, deindustrialisation, famines, economic policyModern India & Freedom Struggle4412014–2024
T11Colonial administration & education policy: Macaulay, CurzonModern India & Freedom Struggle2212020–2026
T121857 and tribal–peasant resistance to colonial ruleModern India & Freedom Struggle222016–2023
T13Socio-religious reform: Brahmo Samaj, Young Bengal, PhuleModern India & Freedom Struggle2212021–2025
T14Early nationalism: Moderates & foreign contributorsModern India & Freedom Struggle332013–2021
T15Gandhi: mass movements, constructive programme, ideas & contemporariesModern India & Freedom Struggle7712015–2026
T16Widening of the national movement: ideological strands & global influencesModern India & Freedom Struggle332014–2020
T17Final phase: Quit India, Naval mutiny, Maulana AzadModern India & Freedom Struggle3312013–2024
T18Making of the Constitution: Government of India Act 1935 to Constituent Assembly Cross-paperModern India & Freedom Struggle2112015–2016
T19Integration & reorganisation of states: princely states, linguistic states, new & smaller states Cross-paperModern India & Freedom Struggle65112013–2026
T20Post-independence consolidation: polity, economy, Jai Jawan Jai KisanModern India & Freedom Struggle2212013–2025
T21Early foreign policy & wars: Tashkent, Bangladesh 1971, Gujral doctrine Cross-paperModern India & Freedom Struggle3212013
T22American & French Revolutions and their legacyWorld History2212013–2025
T23Industrial Revolution and its spread: England, Japan, railwaysWorld History332013–2023
T24World Wars, interwar crisis, Great Depression & ideologiesWorld History4412013–2024
T25Colonisation & decolonisation: Africa, Malaya, SuezWorld History442013–2017
T26Earth's interior, plate tectonics, mountains, islands & landformsPhysical Geography & Hazards101012013–2025
T27Landslides in the Himalayas & Western Ghats Cross-paperPhysical Geography & Hazards4312013–2021
T28Earthquakes, tsunamis & volcanoes: science to preparedness Cross-paperPhysical Geography & Hazards63312015–2025
T29Atmosphere, air masses, winds, inversion, deserts & aurorasPhysical Geography & Hazards6622013–2026
T30Monsoon, El Niño & drought Cross-paperPhysical Geography & Hazards5412014–2023
T31Tropical cyclones, twisters & cyclone warningsPhysical Geography & Hazards5532014–2026
T32Cloudbursts & extreme rainfall Cross-paperPhysical Geography & Hazards31212016–2024
T33Oceans & marine environment: currents, salinity, dead zones, oil pollution, marine resources Cross-paperPhysical Geography & Hazards6512014–2023
T34Coastal zone: resources, erosion & hazard preparedness Cross-paperPhysical Geography & Hazards2112022–2023
T35Minerals & mining: resource vs environment Cross-paperResources & Economic Geography53212013–2025
T36Oil & gas: global distribution, shale, refineriesResources & Economic Geography4412013–2025
T37Polar regions: Arctic resources, tundra & India's interestResources & Economic Geography3312015–2026
T38Glaciers, cryosphere & sea-level rise Cross-paperResources & Economic Geography65112014–2025
T39Location of industries: steel, refineries, sugar, textiles, tea, rubber, corridorsResources & Economic Geography7712013–2025
T40Desertification, land degradation & land-use changeResources & Economic Geography4422020–2026
T41Forests, natural vegetation & biodiversity Cross-paperResources & Economic Geography42212018–2026
T42Wetlands & Ramsar sitesResources & Economic Geography222018–2023
T43Fragile Himalayan ecosystems: tourism & infrastructure Cross-paperResources & Economic Geography21112015–2026
T44Water security: scarcity, conservation & management Cross-paperWater75212015–2024
T45Groundwater depletion & seawater intrusion Cross-paperWater31232024–2025
T46Irrigation & water-use efficiency Cross-paperWater51412016–2024
T47River interlinking & water disputes: inter-state and transboundary Cross-paperWater531112013–2026
T48Diversity & national unityIndian Society5522015–2026
T49Family, marriage, traditions & social valuesIndian Society442014–2023
T50Caste: continuity, change, mobility & Dalit assertionIndian Society6622015–2026
T51Tribal identity, rights & development Cross-paperIndian Society65122016–2026
T52Population & demographic transitionIndian Society5532015–2026
T53Ageing population & elderly care Cross-paperIndian Society31112013–2022
T54Migration: internal, international & illegal Cross-paperIndian Society32112014–2024
T55Urbanisation: social problems, segregation & urban povertyIndian Society3312013–2025
T56New urban economy: IT hubs, tier-2 cities & new middle classIndian Society332017–2022
T57Smart cities, rural–urban integration & urban transport Cross-paperIndian Society42112013–2016
T58Urban floods Cross-paperIndian Society42212016–2024
T59Globalisation & Indian society and cultureIndian Society5522016–2026
T60Technology & social change: mobiles, WFH, fast food, crypto, digital educationIndian Society7722020–2026
T61Secularism: Indian vs Western models Cross-paperIndian Society53212014–2024
T62Communalism, sect & radicalisation Cross-paperIndian Society5412014–2023
T63Regionalism & regional disparityIndian Society4412013–2024
T64Women's question in history: 19th-century reform & freedom struggleWomen & Gender (cross-paper)332013–2017
T65Gender concepts, patriarchy & women's social status Cross-paperWomen & Gender (cross-paper)75222013–2025
T66Sex ratio & gender gaps across communities and regionsWomen & Gender (cross-paper)222014–2015
T67Women & the economy: gig work, feminisation of agriculture, care economy, gender budgeting, migration Cross-paperWomen & Gender (cross-paper)64212014–2024
T68Women in politics, law & institutions: reservation, judiciary, NCW, gender justiceWomen & Gender (cross-paper)7712017–2026
T69SHGs & microfinanceWomen & Gender (cross-paper)662013–2021
T70Affirmative action & welfare schemes for vulnerable sections Cross-paperSocial Justice & Welfare41312013–2024
T71Disability & inclusion: RPwD Act 2016 Cross-paperSocial Justice & Welfare31212017–2026
T72Commissions for social justice & human rights: NCSC, NCST, NCBC, NHRCSocial Justice & Welfare6612014–2026
T73Children's rights & child policy: NCPCR, National Child PolicySocial Justice & Welfare2212016–2025
T74Poverty: measurement, causes & alleviation Cross-paperSocial Justice & Welfare83512015–2025
T75Hunger, malnutrition & food security law: NFSA, Mid-Day Meal, millets Cross-paperSocial Justice & Welfare74332013–2026
T76Inclusive growth & human development: HDI/IHDI, social spending, equity, CSR Cross-paperSocial Justice & Welfare102832013–2025
T77Preamble, features & the 'living' ConstitutionConstitution & Polity222016–2023
T78Fundamental Rights: privacy, Art 21, movement, transgender rightsConstitution & Polity4422017–2026
T79Freedom of speech & expression: hate speech, films, Section 66AConstitution & Polity222013–2014
T80Environment, courts & civil society: Art 21, environmental PILs, green NGOs & pressure groupsConstitution & Polity5512015–2025
T81DPSP, Uniform Civil Code & extra-constitutional bodies (khaps)Constitution & Polity222015
T82Amending power & basic structureConstitution & Polity4412013–2025
T83Judicial activism, PIL, judicial legislation & separation of powersConstitution & Polity5522014–2026
T84Constitutional moralityConstitution & Polity2212021–2025
T85Judicial appointments & independence: collegium, NJACConstitution & Polity3312017–2025
T86Tribunals, Lok Adalats, arbitration & legal aidConstitution & Polity6622015–2025
T87Centre–State relations: cooperative, competitive & confrontational federalismConstitution & Polity8822014–2026
T88Governor, President's Rule & emergency provisionsConstitution & Polity4412018–2026
T89Special provisions & asymmetric federalism: J&K, Delhi, Art 371A Cross-paperConstitution & Polity75222013–2026
T90Party system: national vs regional partiesConstitution & Polity222016–2022
T91Fiscal federalism: Finance Commission, GST & state finances Cross-paperConstitution & Polity85322013–2025
T92Local self-government: 73rd/74th Amendments, functions, funds & functionariesConstitution & Polity8812013–2024
T93Parliament: role of MPs, executive accountability, Rajya Sabha, privilegesConstitution & Polity9912013–2024
T94Parliamentary committees & financial accountability: PAC, Estimates, DRSCsConstitution & Polity442017–2023
T95Presiding officers & anti-defectionConstitution & Polity3312020–2026
T96Executive: cabinet, ordinances & pardonConstitution & Polity4412014–2025
T97Comparative constitutions: UK, USA, FranceConstitution & Polity6612018–2026
T98Elections & electoral reforms: RPA, ECI, MCC, ONOE, EVMsConstitution & Polity101032017–2026
T99CAG & Attorney GeneralConstitution & Polity5522016–2025
T100Regulatory & quasi-judicial bodies: CCI, SEBI–IRDA, tariff authoritiesConstitution & Polity552013–2023
T101Pressure groups & interest representationConstitution & Polity5512013–2026
T102Policy design, implementation & people's participation Cross-paperGovernance81722014–2026
T103Civil society, NGOs, charitable trusts & donor agencies Cross-paperGovernance71632015–2025
T104Transparency, accountability & anti-corruption: RTI, whistleblowers, Lokpal, corporate governanceGovernance6612013–2026
T105Citizens' Charter & citizen-centric administrationGovernance3312013–2024
T106E-governance & the digital divideGovernance6622018–2025
T107DBT, Aadhaar & digital welfare delivery Cross-paperGovernance4312013–2022
T108Civil services in a democracy: ethos, neutrality, reforms Cross-paperGovernance71632014–2026
T109Public health system & universal health coverageGovernance5512013–2024
T110Pandemics & global health: COVID-19, WHO, vaccines Cross-paperGovernance3122020–2022
T111Education policy: NEP, RTE, higher education, examsGovernance7722014–2026
T112Skills, HRD & the demographic dividend Cross-paperGovernance6422014–2023
T113Pakistan & Afghanistan: terror, distrust, soft power, surgical strikes, ISAF withdrawal Cross-paperInternational Relations3212013–2016
T114China: BRI, CPEC, String of Pearls & economic leverage Cross-paperInternational Relations53212013–2026
T115Neighbourhood: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Project MausamInternational Relations6612013–2024
T116Indo-Pacific, Quad, AUKUS & sea lanes: straits, South China Sea, trade shift Cross-paperInternational Relations83522013–2026
T117Great-power politics: US–China rivalry, NATO, China+1, Indo-US vs Indo-Russian defenceInternational Relations5512016–2024
T118West Asia: energy security, Israel, Iran, I2U2International Relations5512017–2025
T119Central Asia: connectivity & strategic presenceInternational Relations2212018–2024
T120India & Africa: resources, digital partnership, influence Cross-paperInternational Relations41312014–2025
T121Regional & multilateral groupings: SCO, BRICS, NDB/AIIB, BIMSTEC, SAARCInternational Relations6612014–2026
T122Indian diaspora: from indentured labour to strategic asset Cross-paperInternational Relations51412017–2026
T123WTO, trade wars & protectionism Cross-paperInternational Relations85322014–2025
T124UN reform, Bretton Woods & global governanceInternational Relations6612013–2025
T125Global climate regime & India's commitments: Kyoto, Paris, COP26, ISA, CCUS Cross-paperInternational Relations71622014–2025
T126Growth: GDP measurement, potential GDP, savings, structure of growthIndian Economy552014–2021
T127Planning: Nehruvian planning, Soviet influence, NITI Aayog Cross-paperIndian Economy32112014–2026
T128Employment: jobless growth, informality, unemployment measurement, labour productivityIndian Economy442015–2023
T129Manufacturing, MSMEs, startups & industrial policy: PLI, SEZs, labour codesIndian Economy7732015–2026
T130Liberalisation & FDI: retail, defence, Indian firms vs MNCsIndian Economy442013–2016
T131Digital economy & digital currency: digitalisation, CBDCIndian Economy2212023–2026
T132Financial inclusion & rural creditIndian Economy3312014–2026
T133Inflation, monetary policy & the poor Cross-paperIndian Economy21112022–2024
T134Budgeting & fiscal policy: capital vs revenue, FRBM, tax expenditure, budgetsIndian Economy552013–2021
T135Infrastructure & investment models: PPP, Gati Shakti, concession agreements Cross-paperIndian Economy7162013–2022
T136Transport connectivity: tolling, UDAN, inland waterways, urban transport Cross-paperIndian Economy41322014–2024
T137Green Revolution & food self-sufficiency: rice–wheat system, technology missions Cross-paperAgriculture & Food62422014–2026
T138Cropping patterns & crop diversification: horticulture, pulses, millets Cross-paperAgriculture & Food81712016–2025
T139Agricultural marketing & supply chains: APMC, intermediariesAgriculture & Food6622014–2026
T140Technology in agriculture: e-technology, Digital India, nano, satellites Cross-paperAgriculture & Food51422015–2026
T141Farm subsidies, MSP & crop insurance (incl. WTO Agreement on Agriculture)Agriculture & Food6612013–2026
T142PDS & buffer stocksAgriculture & Food2212022–2024
T143Food processing industryAgriculture & Food7722013–2026
T144Land reforms, tenancy & land acquisition: from Bhoodan to the 2013 Act Cross-paperAgriculture & Food81712013–2024
T145Allied & sustainable farming: livestock, fisheries, integrated & organic farming Cross-paperAgriculture & Food4132016–2022
T146Space & geospatial technology: Chandrayaan, JWST, NavIC, asteroids, GIS Cross-paperScience & Technology92732015–2026
T147AI, semiconductors, robotics & emerging digital techScience & Technology5522013–2026
T148Biotechnology: applications, biopharma, microbes for fuelScience & Technology332018–2023
T149Health technology & pharma: AMR, FDCs, stem cells, nanomedicineScience & Technology552013–2020
T150Intellectual property rights: patents, 3(d), TKDL, life formsScience & Technology4412013–2024
T151Nuclear & fusion energy: FBR, ITER, raw materials Cross-paperScience & Technology51422013–2026
T152Science in everyday life & Indian scientific achievementScience & Technology772013–2022
T153Renewable energy transition: solar, wind, EVs, green corridor Cross-paperEnergy & Environment93612013–2025
T154Energy security & energy independenceEnergy & Environment3322018–2026
T155Air pollution: smog, WHO guidelines, NCAP Cross-paperEnergy & Environment4132015–2022
T156River pollution & Ganga cleaningEnergy & Environment3312013–2024
T157Solid & hazardous waste managementEnergy & Environment2212018–2026
T158Environmental Impact Assessment & project displacementEnergy & Environment4412014–2024
T159Climate change impacts on India: food security, Himalayan & coastal states Cross-paperEnergy & Environment2112017–2023
T160Disaster management frameworks: DM Act, Sendai, resilience, community, dam safetyDisaster Management6622013–2026
T161Left Wing Extremism: development–security linkageInternal Security6612013–2025
T162North-East insurgency & peace accordsInternal Security2212017–2025
T163Terrorism & external state/non-state actors Cross-paperInternal Security71622015–2025
T164Terror financing & money laundering: FATF, NMFT, PMLAInternal Security4412013–2026
T165Cyber security & cyber warfareInternal Security772013–2022
T166Data protection: DPDP Act 2023, Srikrishna CommitteeInternal Security2212018–2024
T167Social media, disinformation & public order: mob violence, IT RulesInternal Security5522013–2026
T168Border management: China & Pakistan borders, BADP, drones, airspace, LadakhInternal Security8822013–2026
T169Organised crime & narco-terrorismInternal Security3312018–2024
T170Maritime & coastal security: piracy, IMO Cross-paperInternal Security41312014–2025
T171Security forces, intelligence agencies & AFSPAInternal Security222015–2023