UPSC Mains 2026 Agriculture Optional Paper II questions

28 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All Agriculture Optional PYQs

What is somatic hybridization? Explain its steps in production of hybrid plants.
What are the biochemical changes that take place in seeds under prolonged storage?
Describe the factors influencing nutrient absorption in plants from the soil.
10 marks
Describe the characteristics of a clone.
10 marks
Define mutagens. Explain the different mutagen groups.
10 marks
Describe the causes and sources of disease resistance in plants.
20 marks
Explain the functions and structure of mitochondria with suitable diagram.
20 marks
Describe the importance of molecular markers in plant improvements.
10 marks
Define heritability. What do you mean by broad sense and narrow sense heritability? Explain its applications in crop improvement.
20 marks
Discuss the principles and practices of seed production in self-pollinated and cross-pollinated crops.
20 marks
Define cytoplasmic inheritance. Explain briefly about sex-influenced and sex-limited traits.
10 marks
Discuss about the problems and intricacies in the profitable marketing of seeds.
20 marks
Explain the factors that affect the amount of soil water available for plants.
20 marks
Describe the different seed enhancement techniques used in seed industry and their benefits.
10 marks
What is topiary? Describe the characteristics of plants ideal for it.
10 marks
Describe terrace garden and moon garden.
10 marks
Discuss the quality indices for cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli.
10 marks
Discuss the major constraints for enhancing food grain production in India.
10 marks
Discuss the role of osmoprotectants in plants with reference to salt and water stress.
What is high density orcharding? Describe management practices for high density orcharding in citrus group.
20 marks
Explain the biosynthetic pathways of chlorophylls and carotenoids in plants. How do environmental factors influence plant pigments?
20 marks
What do you mean by nutrient deficiency in humans? Write the major causes of nutrient deficiencies in India.
10 marks
Describe the scientific cultivation of mango with reference to regular bearer varieties, propagation, transplanting time, management of mealy bug and powdery mildew.
What are the major causes of poverty in India? Describe the role of Agriculture in poverty alleviation and employment generation.
20 marks
Explain the different types of seed dormancy. What are the factors that are responsible for dormancy in seeds?
10 marks
Explain the factors encouraging infestation of pests during storage. Discuss control measures for pest infestation during storage.
20 marks
Discuss the production technology of carnation for cut flower in relation to improved varieties, growing requirements and season, flower regulation, post-harvest handling and physiological disorders.
20 marks
Discuss the steps taken by the Government of India for improving the food — processing industry.
10 marks

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