UPSC Mains 2026 Medical Science Optional Paper II questions

32 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All Medical Science Optional PYQs

Discuss the various sputum-based tests for the diagnosis of tuberculosis under the National Programme in India, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
10 marks
Describe the management of a case of dog bite on the fingers associated with bleeding, as per the national guidelines of India.
10 marks
A 15-month-old child, weighing 8 kg, is brought to the District hospital with fever for 5 days, loose motions and vomiting for 2 days, and respiratory distress for 1 day and has not passed urine. (i) Assess and classify the child as per IMNCI guidelines and document the complete diagnosis. (ii) How will you manage this case as per the IMNCI guidelines?
10 marks
A 24-hour-old newborn has presented with jaundice extending to the palms and soles. (i) Classify and enumerate the possible causes of hyperbilirubinemia in this newborn. (ii) Outline the management for unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia at this age.
10 marks
What do you understand by a papulosquamous lesion in dermatology? Enumerate these disorders. (ii) Describe the clinical and histopathological clues for the differentiation between psoriasis and lichen planus.
10 marks
A 20-year-old medical student presents with fever, dry cough, and right-sided chest pain. She also has loss of weight and loss of appetite. The chest X-ray shows right-sided pleural effusion. Discuss the diagnostic investigations and management of this patient.
20 marks
A 2-year-old boy, weighing 8 kg, with a length of 72 cm, has presented at the hospital. (i) How does one assess and classify malnutrition in this boy? (ii) What are the clinical features of malnutrition and what are its complications? (iii) Outline the stepwise management of 'Severe Acute Malnutrition'. (iv) Explain the dietary management during the rehabilitation phase.
20 marks
A l-month-old infant has yellowish greasy scaling on the vertex and frontal area of the scalp. His retroauricular and nasolabial folds show erythema and scaling. (i) What is the diagnosis? (ii) What is the aetiology of this disorder? (iii) How do you manage this disorder?
What is the diagnosis? (ii) What is the aetiology of this disorder? (iii) How do you manage this disorder?
10 marks
An 18-year-old girl presents with episodic breathlessness, cough with sputum, chest tightness and wheezing for the last 4 years. She also complains of recurrent sneezing and nasal blockage. Discuss the evaluation and management of this patient.
25 marks
A 6-day-old newborn presents with cyanosis, respiratory distress,
Discuss the differential diagnosis of this newborn. (ii) Outline the diagnostic approach. (iii) Discuss the acute and long-term management of this newborn.
15 marks
Describe the clinical and histopathological features of acute, subacute and chronic eczema. (ii) What is Airborne Contact Dermatitis? Discuss its aetiology and clinical features.
10 marks
A 45-year-old hepatitis-C positive patient presents with icterus, oliguria, abdominal distention and blood in stools. Discuss the investigations and management of this patient.
25 marks
A 12-year-old girl, unvaccinated since the age of 1 year, reports to you for a 'catch-up vaccination'. (i) How would you draw her vaccination plan? Which vaccines should be administered to the girl and what should be their schedule? (ii) Describe the possible adverse events that may occur following vaccination (immunization). (iii) Discuss the clinical manifestations of acute anaphylaxis following vaccination and its management.
15 marks
Briefly discuss the management of the microvascular complications of
Enumerate the causes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in an adult. Discuss the management of actively bleeding haemorrhoids.
10 marks
Briefly discuss the life cycle of the hydatid cyst. How will you manage a large hydatid cyst of the liver?
10 marks
Discuss the differences between 'abruptio placentae' and 'placenta praevia'. (ii) Outline the management of a 30-year-old G3P2L2 woman at 36 weeks of gestation with bleeding per vaginum due to abruptio placentae along with absent foetal heart sounds.
Outline the management of a 30-year-old G3P2L2 woman at 36 weeks of gestation with bleeding per vaginum due to abruptio placentae along with absent foetal heart sounds.
10 marks
Briefly discuss the differential diagnosis of "primary amenorrhea". (ii) How do you manage a 15-year-old girl presenting with abdominal pain and primary amenorrhea due to an imperforate hymen?
10 marks
In the context of treatment and disposal technologies for healthcare waste, comment upon the following: (i) The 'Process of Inertization' with its advantages and disadvantages (ii) Wet and dry thermal treatment
10 marks
Describe the causes of occipito-posterior position and different modes of delivery in the occipito-posterior position. (ii) Define 'Deep Transverse Arrest' and enumerate the maternal and foetal complications associated with it.
20 marks
Describe the clinical features, investigations and treatment of
In the context of HIV/AIDS Control and the National AIDS Control Programme in India, answer the following questions: (i) Define Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). (ii) How will you establish eligibility for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) based on exposure and HIV source codes? (iii) What are the Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) drug regimens for healthcare personnel?
15 marks
Describe the various complications of acute pancreatitis. Discuss the role of surgery in acute pancreatitis.
20 marks
Under the National Rural Health Mission, explain the concept of Comprehensive Primary Health Care and outline the key strategic areas essential for its effective operationalization.
15 marks
Discuss the aetiopathogenesis, diagnosis and management of
Write briefly on the ovulation induction protocol in a Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) patient.
15 marks
What are the main objectives and key strategies of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis Elimination in India?
Discuss the indications and methods of second-trimester termination of pregnancy. (ii) Describe the medico-legal issues of mid-trimester medical termination of pregnancy in modern practice.
15 marks
Describe the aetiopathogenesis of carcinoma colon. (ii) Briefly mention the management of carcinoma of descending colon in a 65-year-old male who has presented with intestinal obstruction.
15 marks

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